4 Best Sunset Cruises in Tamarindo: Which One to Book!
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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!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
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!
Check out the 700+ reviews from other travelers and book this tour here!
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- The Best Tamarindo Sunset Cruises
- Do you need to book a Tamarindo sunset cruise in advance?
- Is a sunset cruise in Tamarindo worth it?
- Other Must-do Activities While You’re in Tamarindo
- Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
The Best Tamarindo Sunset Cruises
1. Sunset Catamaran with Wildlife Spotting – We saw whales and dolphins!
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.
Reserve this popular tour here and you can choose to pay later!
2. Sail on a 40-foot Catamaran with Music and Drinks
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!
Book our favorite cruise online here with FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before departure!
3. Sunset Cruise on a HUGE Catamaran with Snorkeling
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.
Reserve this amazing sunset cruise on a massive catamaran here!
4. Sunset Sailing Tour with Lunch
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.
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:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
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!
Book our favorite cruise online here with FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before departure!
Related Read: Want to enjoy more water activities? Here’s our guide to the best surf lessons in Tamarindo.
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!
Book our favorite cruise online here with FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before departure!
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, Costa Rica
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 wants. These are our favorites:
Selina Tamarindo – $
The Selina is a good option for budget travelers, and I have personally stayed here. It’s an upper market hostel with a great atmosphere and pool. The location is also right near the beach, and the dorm rooms and privates all have AC.
Rates for a private room start at $139 USD per night, and a bed in the dorm rooms starts at $71 USD per night. You can book Selina Tamarindo on HostelWorld or Booking.com.
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel – $$
If you’d prefer a little more luxury, the Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel comes with gorgeous rooms, a large pool, and a very modern and sleek design. However, the location is slightly back from the beach, and it’s not for families.
The hotel’s terrace overlooks the property’s tropical gardens, and breakfast is served outside here from November 1 to April 30. Rates for a one-night stay begin at $160 USD. Reserve a room at Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel on Booking.com.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – $$$
Those with a luxury budget should check out Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Tamarindo, and it’s not only located on the beach, but they also have a pool with 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.
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.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
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!
