Catamaran Cruise &
Pacific Ocean Adventure
Sail the Pacific aboard Sea Quest — 55 feet of open ocean, dolphins, humpback whales and the coastline of Manuel Antonio as your backdrop.
The Best Catamaran Cruise
from Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Sea Quest is a 55-foot sailing catamaran departing from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos — the premier sailing vessel for catamaran cruises along the Manuel Antonio coastline. With two daily departures at 9 AM and 2 PM, every cruise combines the best of Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean in a single 4-hour outing.
The route takes you along the dramatic cliffs and coves of Manuel Antonio National Park, past uninhabited islands and into open Pacific waters where dolphins are a near-daily sighting. Between April and October, the same waters are visited by humpback whales migrating from both hemispheres — a natural phenomenon found in very few places on Earth.
Every cruise includes snorkeling at a protected reef, an open bar with local beers, cocktails and soft drinks, fresh tropical fruit and snacks, and an experienced bilingual crew that knows these waters intimately. Hotel transfers are coordinated through Tabulia Tree Hotel reception.
Sea Quest — 55-ft sailing catamaran, Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
Sea Quest catamaran cruises depart from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos — coordinates 9.4293, -84.1645. Bookings and transfers are coordinated through Tabulia Tree Hotel reception or directly via +506 8504-5880 · reserve@manuelantonioactivitiescr.com
The Complete Pacific Experience
Sailing the Manuel Antonio Coast
Depart Marina Pez Vela and sail south along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park. Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and beaches accessible only by sea — the best perspective on Costa Rica's most visited national park.
55-ft sailing catamaran · Stable & spaciousDolphin Watching & Wildlife
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are near-daily visitors along the Manuel Antonio coast. The crew monitors sightings in real time — when dolphins appear, Sea Quest goes to them. Turtles, frigatebirds and brown boobies frequently accompany the cruise.
Spinner & bottlenose dolphins · Year-roundSnorkeling at a Protected Reef
Drop anchor at a sheltered reef and explore Costa Rica's Pacific underwater world. Colorful reef fish, sea turtles and diverse marine life inhabit the coral formations around Manuel Antonio. Equipment provided, guides in the water.
Snorkel gear included · Guides in waterHumpback Whale Season
Between April and October, humpback whales from both hemispheres migrate through the waters of Manuel Antonio — one of only a handful of places on Earth where this double migration occurs. Sea Quest's experienced crew knows the patterns.
April–October · Double hemisphere migrationOpen Bar & Fresh Tropical Fruit
Local beers, rum cocktails, soft drinks and fresh water throughout the cruise — all included. Fresh seasonal tropical fruit and snacks are served during the snorkeling stop. The 2 PM sunset cruise adds golden-hour Pacific views to the experience.
Local beer · Cocktails · Tropical fruit9 AM & 2 PM Departures
The morning cruise catches the calmest sea conditions and best wildlife activity. The afternoon cruise delivers a Pacific sunset from the water — a once-in-a-trip experience. Both depart from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos with hotel transfer included.
Marina Pez Vela · Transfer includedDolphins, Whales & Marine Life of Manuel Antonio
Sunset, Meals &
Life on the Pacific
A Sea Quest cruise is as much about the journey as the wildlife. As the catamaran glides along the Manuel Antonio coastline, the crew keeps the open bar flowing — local beers, rum cocktails, fresh juices and cold water throughout the entire cruise.
Fresh tropical fruit, snacks and light bites are served during the snorkeling stop. The 2 PM departure turns into something truly spectacular as the Pacific light shifts golden — the Quepos hills glowing, the ocean turning copper, and the catamaran deck becoming the best seat in Costa Rica.
What’s Included
Requirements & Policy
Reserve Your
Sea Quest Departure
Choose your preferred departure below and book directly through WeTravel — secure, instant confirmation. Transfer from Tabulia Tree Hotel and all Quepos / Manuel Antonio hotels included in every booking.
Calmest sea conditions of the day. Best dolphin activity, ideal snorkeling visibility and the full morning coastline of Manuel Antonio at its most dramatic.
The golden-hour cruise. Sail into the Pacific afternoon, snorkel as the light turns golden and return to marina with the sun setting behind the Quepos hills — one of the most beautiful experiences on the Costa Rican coast.
5.0 ★ on TripAdvisor
"Absolutely unforgettable. We saw a pod of over 50 spinner dolphins within the first hour, then snorkeled at the most beautiful reef I've ever been to. The crew was incredible — knowledgeable, fun and genuinely passionate about the ocean and the wildlife."
"We did the 2 PM cruise and the sunset was beyond words. The open bar, the fresh fruit, the snorkeling — everything was perfect. But watching humpback whales breach in the Pacific while holding a rum cocktail is something I will never forget."
"Best activity of our whole Costa Rica trip. The catamaran is beautiful, the crew made everyone feel welcome, and the dolphin encounter was magical. We booked through Tabulia Tree Hotel — seamless from start to finish. Do not miss this."
Catamaran Cruise Manuel Antonio & Quepos — Everything You Need to Know
A catamaran cruise from Quepos is one of the definitive experiences of any Costa Rica trip. The combination of a stable 55-foot sailing vessel, the biodiversity of Manuel Antonio's Pacific waters and a crew with years of local knowledge creates a 4-hour experience that's genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else on the Pacific coast.
Why is Manuel Antonio one of Costa Rica's best catamaran destinations?
Few destinations in Costa Rica combine rainforest, marine wildlife, protected waters and whale migration routes as effectively as Manuel Antonio. Its location between Quepos Bay and Manuel Antonio National Park creates ideal conditions for dolphin watching, snorkeling and seasonal whale encounters. The marine zone extending 1 km offshore protects the reef ecosystems, deep-water dolphin habitat and the humpback whale migration route that converge here — making the waters around Manuel Antonio some of the richest on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Why is the Manuel Antonio coastline special for a catamaran cruise?
Manuel Antonio National Park protects not only a terrestrial rainforest reserve but a marine zone extending 1 km offshore. This protected ocean corridor means the waters around Manuel Antonio have some of the highest marine biodiversity on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — reef ecosystems, deep-water dolphin habitat and the humpback whale migration route all converge here.
What is the double humpback whale migration?
Manuel Antonio sits in a remarkable geographic position: it lies within range of both the Northern Hemisphere humpback whale population (which travels from North Pacific feeding grounds) and the Southern Hemisphere population (which travels from Antarctic feeding grounds). Both populations use the same Costa Rican waters for breeding and calving, creating an extended season of whale activity from approximately April through October. This double migration is documented in very few places globally — Manuel Antonio is one of them.
What's the difference between the 9 AM and 2 PM cruises?
The 9 AM morning cruise offers the calmest sea conditions of the day, the most active dolphin behavior and the best underwater visibility for snorkeling. The 2 PM afternoon cruise adds the spectacular dimension of Pacific sunset light — golden hour on the water, with Manuel Antonio's cliffs glowing in the late-afternoon sun as you return to marina. Both departures include the full experience: snorkeling, open bar, wildlife and the Sea Quest crew.
How far is Marina Pez Vela from Tabulia Tree Hotel?
Marina Pez Vela is approximately 10 minutes by vehicle from Tabulia Tree Hotel. Transfer from Tabulia Tree and all hotels in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area is included in every booking — no car or separate logistics required. The crew meets guests at the dock before each departure.
Is the catamaran cruise good for families?
Sea Quest is one of the most family-friendly activities available in Manuel Antonio. The 55-foot catamaran is stable and spacious, the snorkeling is suitable for children with basic swimming ability, and the dolphin encounters are universally described as the highlight of children's Costa Rica trips. Life jackets are provided for all ages and sizes.
Why Book the Catamaran Cruise
Through Tabulia Tree Hotel?
Your Questions
Everything you need to know about the Sea Quest catamaran cruise from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Is the Sea Quest catamaran cruise worth it in Manuel Antonio?
Consistently rated among the best activities on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. One 4-hour cruise covers dolphin watching, snorkeling at a protected reef, open bar, Pacific coastline sailing and — in season — humpback whales. Most guests call it the highlight of their trip. Advance booking is recommended; the morning cruise frequently sells out first in high season.
What makes Sea Quest different from other catamaran tours?
Unlike standard boat tours, Sea Quest combines five elements most tours offer separately: a 55-ft stable sailing catamaran, access to the double humpback whale migration corridor, a protected marine park ecosystem for snorkeling, hotel-coordinated logistics with transfer, and an experienced bilingual crew that adjusts the route daily based on live wildlife sightings. Only two departures run per day.
What is included in the Sea Quest catamaran cruise?
4-hour cruise on 55-ft catamaran · Snorkeling with equipment and in-water guides · Open bar (beers, rum cocktails, soft drinks) · Fresh tropical fruit and snacks · Dolphin watching · Humpback whale encounters (April–October) · Round-trip hotel transfer from Tabulia Tree and all Quepos / Manuel Antonio hotels. From $95 per person.
Can you see dolphins and whales on the same cruise?
Yes — dolphin sightings are near-daily year-round. Humpback whales are present from approximately April through October (peak July–September). Manuel Antonio is one of very few places globally where both Northern and Southern Hemisphere humpback populations use the same waters, creating an unusually long season. Combined dolphin and whale encounters in a single cruise are common in the peak months.
Which departure is better — 9 AM or 2 PM?
9 AM: calmest sea conditions, best dolphin activity, optimal snorkeling visibility. Often fills first — book in advance. 2 PM: Pacific golden hour and sunset return, ideal for couples and photographers. Both include the full experience; the best choice depends on your day's itinerary.
Is the cruise suitable for families and children?
Yes. The 55-ft catamaran is stable and spacious. Snorkeling is accessible for children with basic swimming ability. Life jackets provided for all ages. No experience required — guides brief all guests on board. Dolphin encounters are consistently the highlight for children.
How do I book from Tabulia Tree Hotel?
Book via the WeTravel buttons on this page, at hotel reception, by calling +506 8504-5880, or emailing reserve@manuelantonioactivitiescr.com. Transfer from Tabulia Tree included. Confirmation is immediate. Limited daily departures — advance booking strongly recommended in high season (December–April and July–September).
Rooms for Sea Quest Guests
Tabulia Tree Hotel is 10 minutes from Marina Pez Vela. Book your stay and sail the same day.
Garden Immersion
Lush garden views · Primary rainforest
Semi-Private Balcony
Semi-private balcony · Larger bathroom
★ Best Position
Private balcony · Ocean glimpses
The Sea Quest catamaran cruise in Manuel Antonio is a 4-hour Pacific ocean experience departing daily from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, at 9 AM and 2 PM. It includes dolphin watching, snorkeling at a protected reef, open bar, fresh tropical fruit, and seasonal humpback whale encounters (April–October). Prices start from $95 per person with round-trip hotel transfer from Tabulia Tree Hotel and all Quepos and Manuel Antonio hotels included.