Board at Marina Pez Vela for a 3–3.5 hour sail around Manuel Antonio’s coast, combining wildlife watching, snorkeling at a jungle-fringed bay, and a shore-style lunch with open bar. Perfect for families and first-time snorkelers, the tour blends easy ocean travel with a high chance of dolphin and turtle sightings.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The hull slips away from Marina Pez Vela and the Pacific opens like an invitation — warm spray on your face, a horizon of blue and a coastline of green rising in the distance. On departure the captain scans for dorsal fins and the boat answers with easy forward momentum; pilot whales, dolphins and the occasional humpback work the same currents that have shaped this shore for millennia.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable with short swims and basic snorkeling.
Wildlife
History
Quepos grew from a fishing port into a gateway for eco-tourism; small-family operators have long run coastal tours, blending local fishing knowledge with wildlife guiding.
Conservation
Operators emphasize reef-safe sun protection, no-touch snorkeling etiquette, and proper waste disposal to limit impact on fragile coastal ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Sunset Sails Tours Afternoon (2pm) or Morning tours (9am). today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Apply before boarding and reapply after snorkeling to protect corals and avoid skin irritation; crew may allow only reef-safe products.
Wear water shoes
Rocky entries and reef fragments at the anchorage make textured soles useful for getting in and out of the water safely.
Plan for motion sensitivity
Take an over-the-counter motion-sickness pill an hour before departure if you’re prone to seasickness; mornings are usually calmer.
Pack a waterproof camera or case
The wildlife encounters and anchored bay shots are worth preserving; keep electronics sealed to avoid salt spray damage.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life during extended sun exposure on deck and in the water.
summer
Quick-dry towel and swimsuit
Dries fast after the 30–45 minute snorkel and keeps you comfortable on the return trip.
Water shoes
Help with rocky entries, reef patches, and traction on wet decks.
Light windbreaker or long-sleeve UV shirt
Evenings on the water can be breezy; a thin layer blocks spray and sun without overheating.
spring