4 Best Sunset Cruises in Tamarindo: Which One to Book!
One of my favorite things we’ve done in Tamarindo is take a sunset cruise. Costa Rica has stunning sunsets, and what better way to see them than out on the open ocean?
There are a ton of cruises, but we narrowed it down to our favorites. This list features the best sunset cruises in Tamarindo, so you can relax with a stunning view – that’s vacation right!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our favorite sunset cruise is this sailing tour on a catamaran! You can expect an amazing time as you look for dolphins and whales, go snorkeling or kayaking at a secluded spot, and enjoy an open bar and a gorgeous sunset!
Tamarindo Sunset Cruises
- Our Top Choice
- The Best Tamarindo Sunset Cruises
- Reserve this popular tour here and you can choose to pay later!
- Book our favorite sunset cruise online here!
- Reserve this amazing sunset cruise on a massive catamaran here!
- Reserve this tour right here!
- Do you need to book a Tamarindo sunset cruise in advance?
- Book our favorite cruise here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
- Is a sunset cruise in Tamarindo worth it?
- Reserve our top pick here and cancel up to a day in advance!
- Other Must-do Activities While You’re in Tamarindo
- Where to Stay in Tamarindo
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
The Best Tamarindo Sunset Cruises
1. Sunset Catamaran with Wildlife Spotting – We saw whales and dolphins!
Tour Details
This Sunset Catamaran tour in Playa Flamingo is a great way to spend a few hours on the water. While here, you’ll probably spot some wildlife, chill out and soak in the views, and of course, catch an epic sunset!
I thought the sunset would be the highlight of this cruise, but I actually had such a fun time cruising around in the catamaran. As we were making our way out into the Pacific, we spotted whales and pods of dolphins swimming by our boat! It was such a special way to start off the trip.
Once we got to calmer water, we parked the boat and spent some time snorkeling and swimming. We had a great time just hanging out, leisurely snorkeling, and seeing lots of fish. The boat staff was so good about making sure we always had a drink in hand and food to eat.
Our time went by so quickly, that it was time to leave before I knew it! But the ride back was nothing short of incredible, as we slowly sailed to shore with the gorgeous sunset in the backdrop. Okay – maybe the sunset was the highlight of this tour! We aren’t the only ones who loved it, just check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here!
This four-hour tour includes unlimited beer, wine, or soft drinks, snacks, and the use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, or SUP all for $95 USD.
2. Sail on a 40-foot Catamaran with Music and Drinks
Tour Details
This sunset sail on a catamaran has it all – fun music, an open bar, and stunning views along the Pacific Coast.
The 5-hour cruise leaves in the afternoon which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the boat and take a dip in the water before sunset. You’ll be sailing on a 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran that has a fully stocked bar and music playing. We had a really great time cruising and making friends along the way.
We eventually stopped at a secluded cove, Playa Huevos, to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard! Here we had more drinks, plus a yummy meal of fresh fruit and chicken fajitas.
It was then time to pull up the anchor and start our slow cruise back, with the incredible sunset following us. The music continued and we even had a dance party – the perfect end to our day!
This tour includes the open bar, snacks and a meal, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards. We absolutely loved this tour and would definitely book it again. It is also the most affordable on this list at $90 USD – another bonus! It’s also super popular – check out the HUNDREDS of positive reviews here!
3. Sunset Cruise on a HUGE Catamaran with Snorkeling
Tour Details
There is something so luxurious about sailing on a catamaran. They are so big and grand, I almost feel like I’m in a movie! This Catamaran Sunset Cruise has a 20-meter (66-foot) boat, the biggest on this list, giving you plenty of room to roam around and check out the ocean from all angles.
This tour has two launch points departing from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco and will spend 5 hours taking you past white-sand beaches, to great snorkel spots, and to bays teeming with marine life. Our guides frequently pointed out sea turtles!
We stopped at a beautiful hidden beach on shore and hung out for a few hours, being able to swim, snorkel, and explore the gorgeous untouched beach.
This tour had an open bar with fresh cocktails and traditional Costa Rican food! What more could you want out? As the sun was getting ready to set, we took to the ocean and watched the sun dip below the horizon as we sailed home.
This tour costs $125 USD including the open bar, yummy food, and snorkeling equipment.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
4. Sunset Sailing Tour with Lunch
Tour Details
We love this eco-conscious catamaran cruise out of Tamarindo. It is a low-emission boat and uses its sails whenever the wind is favorable, plus there is no single-use plastic on board!
This cruise has a lively atmosphere and a fun crew, which makes this tour a great vibe and a fun afternoon out on the water.
You’ll spend a few hours cruising out into the ocean, taking in the views and spotting wildlife. Eventually, you’ll stop at a quiet cove and secluded beach for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the open bar!
You will get to try a traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared by a French chef de cuisine, so you know this food will be amazing. The tour concludes with the sunset ride back to shore, which is certainly the best part of the day. There is something so magical about Costa Rican sunsets!
This is a large tour and can accommodate up to 50 travelers, so it certainly has the potential to turn into a party! For $95 USD, it includes an open bar, lunch, and the use of snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboard equipment.
Do you need to book a Tamarindo sunset cruise in advance?
I highly recommend booking a sunset cruise in advance! Peak season (December to March) is a very popular time, so tours are often booked up early.
Our top tour choice, this Catamaran Sunset Adventure, is a popular option so don’t wait to book it. The great thing about booking in advance is that you can change/cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund!
So to be safe, book that tour – you won’t regret this experience!
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities to do in Tamarindo? Check out the top 3 ATV tours here!
Is a sunset cruise in Tamarindo worth it?
Yes, we absolutely loved our sunset cruise! Tamarindo is known for its relaxing atmosphere and many people travel here to unwind. These boat tours are a great way to get out on the water, enjoy the salty sea breeze, and take in the views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Out of all the tours in Tamarindo, sunset cruises are certainly one of the best!
Related Read: Want to make the most of your time in town? Don’t miss our full list of 10 fun and exciting things to do in Tamarindo here!
Other Must-do Activities While You’re in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a town filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re planning your trip here, make sure to check out a few more of our other favorite activities:
- Visit Rio Celeste – One of the most beautiful rivers and waterfalls in Costa Rica is within reach of Tamarindo. Rio Celeste Waterfall is a natural phenomenon where two rivers meet and cause the water to literally turn blue. Since it’s 2.5 hours away, unless you have your own vehicle, you’re going to need to join a tour. This specific tour leaves Tamarindo at 6:30 am and includes everything from hiking to a swim in the turquoise waters and even a visit to a wildlife sanctuary to see sloths!
- Learn to surf – Although you won’t find Tamarindo on any list of the top places to surf in Costa Rica, it’s arguably the best place for beginners. You can do surf lessons any day of the week, and there are tons of surf schools in town. This two-hour surf lesson is top-rated and has over 1,600 five-star reviews.
- See turtles – Getting a chance to see turtles in Costa Rica is pretty amazing. Luckily there are some secluded beaches around Tamarindo where turtles come to lay eggs on the beach from November to April. This turtle nesting tour is an evening experience (that’s when turtles come ashore) and if you’re really lucky you’ll even see baby turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean.
- Adventure tour – If you’re craving a day bursting with fun activities, this Guachipelin Adventure tour delivers! It’s an epic full-day experience with ziplining, river tubing, horseback riding, a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. It’s so popular because, with all those activities, the tour only costs $135 USD for the self-drive option (what we did) or $149 USD for the included transport.
- Check out a local market – On Saturdays, the Tama Market is the place to be in Tamarindo! From 8 am to 2 pm, the market is bustling with stalls where you can do some shopping, pick up fresh fruit or veggies, or even grab lunch. We tried some excellent cold brew coffee here and I found a sunscreen I love made with natural products!
Where to Stay in Tamarindo
You have so many choices when it comes to places to stay in Tamarindo! There are over 100 hotels and hostels in the downtown area, catering to all needs and budgets. These are a few of our favorites:
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – $$$
Those with a luxury budget should check out Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Tamarindo, which is not only located on the beach, but also has a pool with stunning ocean views.
All of the rooms have a seating area and a mini-bar. Prices for a room start at $224 USD per night. You can book Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort here on Booking.com.
Perla de la Playa – $$
Perla de la Playa is a hidden gem right on the beach in Tamarindo North. It’s quiet, cozy, and just steps from the sand—close enough to walk to restaurants and bars, but far enough to feel like a peaceful retreat. Rooms are bright, comfy, and air-conditioned (which we really appreciated), and as a bonus, you get access to the bigger pool and buffet breakfast at the Diria next door!
Rooms are usually between $100 and $230 USD, which is a great value for this beachfront stay. Check prices and availability for your travel dates here!
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel – $
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel is a top budget pick that feels way more upscale than the price suggests. Just a few minutes from the beach and right in the center of town, it’s perfectly located yet surprisingly quiet. Rooms are clean, comfy, and thoughtfully designed, with options ranging from standard doubles to full apartments. Plus, there’s even a small outdoor pool to cool off in!
Rooms can start as low as $75 USD per night here, making it a fantastic choice if you want comfort, style, and a great location—without overspending. Reserve your room here on Booking.com.
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Tamarindo, check out my Where to Stay guide here!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
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Pura Vida!
I hope you found this list of sunset cruises in Tamarindo helpful as you plan your trip! Taking a sunset cruise is such a gorgeous way to explore Costa Rica. You’ll also get to spend time snorkeling, kayaking, or paddling on a SUP.
You can honestly spend your entire vacation in Tamarindo, but if you’re interested in traveling around the country, we have you covered! Have a look at our other blogs including the popular ones below, and let us know in the comments if you need more recommendations.
12 Things to Know BEFORE Going Scuba Diving in Tamarindo
Best Ziplining Tours in Tamarindo and 8 Things to Know BEFORE Booking
7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica!
