Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo

Outty Ranking 82 4.6 · 993 traveler reviews4.5 hoursFrom $90
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 993 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo worth booking?

Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo is a 4.5-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $90 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 993 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (993)
Duration
4.5 hours
From
$90 per person

A trip to Tamarindo is not complete without a day spent on the ocean, and there is no better way to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Costa Rica sea than with Blue Dolphin Sailing. Blue Dolphin is the original and longest operating sailing tour company in Costa Rica, operating since 2004. Blue Dolphin 1 is a 40’ open layout catamaran and Blue Dolphin 2 is a large, 50’ cruising style catamaran. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, a family and friends or a business group, the Blue Dolphin’s professional, licensed crew will make you feel welcome and part of our family. So come aboard, relax and enjoy the ride with us! Tours during high season are likely to sell-out, so book early. Reservation cut-off time is 11:30 am day of tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    A trip to Tamarindo is not complete without a day spent on the ocean, and there is no better way to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Costa Rica sea than with Blue Dolphin Sailing. Blue Dolphin is the original and longest operating sailing tour company in Costa Rica, operating since 2004. Blue Dolphin 1 is a 40’ open layout catamaran and Blue Dolphin 2 is a large, 50’ cruising style catamaran. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, a family and friends or a business group, the Blue Dolphin’s professional, licensed crew will make you feel welcome and part of our family. So come aboard, relax and enjoy the ride with us! Tours during high season are likely to sell-out, so book early. Reservation cut-off time is 11:30 am day of tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • -Restroom
    • -Stand up paddle board
    • -Drinks: variety of sodas, juices, beer, white wine, Cacique, vodka, rum, tequila, and water
    • -Swimming
    • -Pool Noodles
    • -Meal: chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, fruit platter, vegetable tray, homemade banana bread
    • -Kayaks
    • -Snorkeling Gear

    Not included

    • -Towels
    • -Sunscreen
    • -Gratuities (15% -20% recommended)
    • -Transportation (can be arranged for an additional charge)

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Tamarindo

    Meeting point and boarding are on the beach in front of El Chirinquito restaurant, 100 yards south of the rotunda.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meeting point and boarding are on the beach in front of El Chirinquito restaurant, 100 yards south of the rotunda.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Blue Dolphin Sailing

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time in order to get checked-in.

    Photos

    Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 2Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 3Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 4Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 5Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 6Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 992 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    992 verified traveler reviews for Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    784
    4 star
    114
    3 star
    52
    2 star
    22
    1 star
    20
    Sort
    Explorer13673808606 · October 2026

    Amazing tour!

    Amazing tour! Meet up point was easy to find and tour guides were great. Felt very safe and well taken care of. The spot you stop at to swim is very beautiful and lunch is yummy

    via Tripadvisor

    anika_w · October 2026

    Excellent tour!

    This tour was great! The guides treated everyone with excellent care. Always making sure everyone felt ok & food was great. Snorkeling gear available to use when stopped as well as kayaks!

    via Viator

    LEONARDO_A · October 2026

    Great time

    We had an amazing time on the sunset catamaran cruise. The staff was friendly, professional, and made everyone feel welcome from start to finish. The sunset views were absolutely beautiful, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening on the water. The food, drinks, and music were all excellent and added to the fun experience. Everything was well organized, and the crew made sure everyone had a great time. If you're looking for a fun and enjoyable outing with incredible views, I highly recommend this sunset cruise. Great memories and good times all around! 🌅⛵️🍹

    via Viator

    L356NTdanielh · October 2026

    Boat ride expo

    Chute, Johnathan, heriberto. Randy we're well prepared for us, accommodating us in every way needed. Even with a child on board, they were fishing on the boat as well which almost had a catch. Had a few bites but didn't hook. Great cove to swim in and snorkeling, kyack, and just swim. They have the noodles for floating, and life vests, lunch was right after we were all done swimming and heading back in, and they played what ever music we wanted, which was bpm party music and drinks on the boat, both non alcoholic and mixed drinks were delicious. Thanks for the fun times guys

    via Tripadvisor

    570bryannam · September 2026

    Exciting

    The experience was great. You meet at the beach, take a small boat to catamaran. Then snorkeling, food, then sunset.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $90 to $110
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    348
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 82

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)25
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.

    How much does Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo cost?

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    Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo take?

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    Plan for about 4.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.

    Is Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 993 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Around 348 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?

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    On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Tamarindo?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Included: -Restroom; -Stand up paddle board; -Drinks: variety of sodas, juices, beer, white wine, Cacique, vodka, rum, tequila, and wat; -Swimming; and -Pool Noodles. Not included: -Towels; -Sunscreen; -Gratuities (15% -20% recommended); and -Transportation (can be arranged for an additional charge). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Meeting point and boarding are on the beach in front of El Chirinquito restaurant, 100 yards south of the rotunda. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo?

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    Across 993 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, organization. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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