The Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, promises an unforgettable half-day experience on the open waters. Travelers can look forward to a range of activities, from snorkeling and swimming to stand-up paddleboarding, all while taking in the stunning coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings. With a well-stocked bar and a delightful light meal, the tour offers a chance to indulge and unwind, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply a relaxing day on the water, this catamaran excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Tamarindo.

Key Points

  • The Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure is a popular half-day catamaran tour in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with 791 reviews and a Badge of Excellence.
  • The tour features a fully stocked bar, light meal, and various water activities like swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • Passengers can enjoy a sunset sailing experience with a maximum of 36 travelers, providing an intimate and comfortable setting.
  • While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some travelers have reported concerns about overcrowding and varying experiences based on group dynamics.
  • Transportation to the meeting point and gratuities for the crew are additional considerations for this tour.

Overview and Location

Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure - Overview and Location

The Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure is a popular half-day tour in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, with a meeting point at El Chiringuito and returning to the same location.

This boat tour has earned an impressive 791 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, indicating its high quality.

Located in the Guanacaste Province, the adventure takes place aboard a 40-foot catamaran with a double-hull design, providing a comfortable and stable ride for up to 36 travelers.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience, the Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure offers a convenient and flexible way for visitors to enjoy the scenic coastal landscapes and wildlife of Tamarindo.

Tour Features and Activities

Aboard the 40-foot catamaran, travelers can enjoy a fully stocked bar, paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and pool noodles, enhancing the overall sailing experience.

The catering team serves up a light meal that includes chicken fajitas, black beans, salad, fruit platter, vegetable tray, and homemade banana bread.

Beverages range from a variety of sodas and juices to beer, white wine, Cacique, vodka, rum, and tequila.

The tour offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Guests can also expect to spot dolphins, turtles, whales, and rays during the scenic cruise, which lasts approximately half a day.

Experience and Amenities

Featuring a spacious deck with restrooms, the catamaran provides a comfortable and stable ride for passengers.

Offering a sunset sailing experience, the tour accommodates a maximum of 36 travelers, typically in smaller groups for an intimate setting.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the departure, the adventure ensures flexibility for travelers.

The experience is further enhanced by the well-equipped amenities, including a fully stocked bar, paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and pool noodles.

Catering to a range of activities, the tour offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration, allowing guests to make the most of their time on the water.

Reviews and Feedback

Overwhelmingly, the public has responded with praise for the Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure, awarding it an impressive 4.5-star rating from 791 reviews.

Guests consistently highlight the friendly crew, delicious food, and stunning scenery as top features of the experience. The reviews paint a picture of a smooth, stable ride and fun-filled activities like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

However, some travelers noted varying experiences based on group dynamics, and a few raised concerns about potential overcrowding and safety issues during boarding.

The Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure seems to offer an intimate, memorable outing for those seeking a taste of Costa Rican coastal beauty.

  • Friendly crew and excellent service

  • Delicious food and beautiful scenery

  • Fun water activities in a smooth, stable ride

Additional Information

Guests intending to bring small children on the Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure should exercise caution due to the presence of ocean currents.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, nor is it near public transportation, though transportation can be arranged for an additional charge.

Despite the generally positive reviews, some travelers have reported discrepancies between the advertised features and their actual experience, particularly regarding the condition of the boat and safety concerns during disembarkation.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, and gratuities are recommended to be between 15-20% for the crew’s excellent service.

While the majority of reviews praise the tour, potential guests should be aware of these additional considerations when planning their excursion.

Booking and Reservations

Booking the Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure can be done online, with confirmation received at the time of purchase. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without penalty.

The booking process is straightforward and efficient:

  • Guests can select their preferred tour date and time, as well as the number of participants, directly on the company’s website.

  • Payment can be made securely using a variety of methods, including credit card and digital wallets.

  • For those who require transportation to the meeting point, additional charges may apply, which can be arranged during the booking process.

Safety and Accessibility

The Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure’s spacious catamaran deck provides a stable and comfortable ride, though caution is advised for families with small children due to potential ocean currents. While the tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, the experience is suitable for most travelers. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, the crew provides detailed safety instructions and equipment such as life jackets.

Accessibility Safety Measures Limitations
Not wheelchair accessible Spacious, stable catamaran deck Not near public transportation
Stroller accessible Life jackets and safety equipment provided Not suitable for small children due to ocean currents
Suitable for most travelers Detailed safety instructions from crew No wheelchair or stroller access on the vessel

Transportation and Gratuities

While the sailing adventure doesn’t offer wheelchair or stroller access, travelers can arrange for transportation to the meeting point at an additional charge.

Gratuities are recommended for the crew, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the tour cost, to acknowledge their exceptional service and ensure a memorable experience. Tipping the crew is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work, from expertly navigating the catamaran to providing top-notch hospitality throughout the tour.

The transportation options include:

  • Private shuttle service
  • Rental car with drop-off at the meeting point
  • Taxi or rideshare service

With these considerations in mind, guests can fully enjoy the stunning scenery and exhilarating activities of the Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a light meal and beverages for participants. Outside food and drinks are typically prohibited for safety and logistical reasons.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

Participants do not necessarily need to know how to swim to join the tour, as life jackets are provided. However, caution is advised for families with small children due to ocean currents.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Alcohol Allowed?

Typically, tour operators allow passengers to bring their own alcohol within reasonable limits. However, the tour may also provide a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, as part of the included offerings.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed on sailing tours. Most operators have policies prohibiting animals on board for safety and sanitation reasons. Bringing a pet would likely not be permitted on this particular sailing adventure.

Are There Any Age or Height Requirements for Activities?

Generally, there are no strict age or height requirements for sailing activities like swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, but children must be supervised by adults. However, certain restrictions may apply based on safety considerations and operator policies.

Recap

The Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offers an unforgettable half-day tour aboard a spacious 40-foot catamaran.

Guests can enjoy various activities, savor a delicious light meal, and sip drinks from the fully stocked bar, all while taking in the stunning scenery and potential wildlife sightings.

With a maximum capacity of 36 travelers, this tour ensures an intimate atmosphere, making it a must-do experience for visitors to the area.