Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose-built. Professionally run. Consistently exceptional.

Most boats offering day tours in Costa Rica are adapted for the job.

Ours were built for it.

We operate four large, purpose-built day-sailing catamarans, engineered from the hull up for stability, open movement, shaded comfort, and nonstop beach boarding. These vessels belong to the same class certified elsewhere to carry close to 100 passengers under U.S. Coast Guard standards.

Here, we intentionally limit to 75 guests for exceptional space and comfort.

What defines the Marlin del Rey experience:

• Purpose-built day-charter catamarans with wide decks, expansive shaded cabin areas protected from the elements, a large shaded helm, stable platforms, and open passenger flow
• Full-time, career captains and crew, many long-tenured by choice — a reflection of the culture, consistency, and professionalism behind our operation
• A full, homemade lunch prepared fresh each day in our professional industrial kitchen
• A premium open bar with quality spirits, fresh fruit, proper mixers, and a blender on board for blended alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• High-quality, constantly rotated snorkeling gear, maintained to premium hygiene and comfort standards
• Year-round professional maintenance, ensuring our vessels remain polished, reliable, and safe
• A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, deliberate in tone and consistent in delivery
• The scale and reliability of a four-boat fleet, hosting intimate outings or groups up to 300 guests
• Safety protocols refined over decades, backed by real systems and accountability

Every element of our deck, cabin, bow, seating, bathrooms, helm, stairways, and passenger flow was engineered for the day-charter experience guests expect — but rarely find.

This is the standard. Everyone else measures against it.

Every Marlin del Rey tour includes:

• A fresh, homemade meal prepared daily in our industrial kitchen
• A premium open bar with cocktails, wine, beer, mixers, fresh fruit, blended drinks, and non-alcoholic options
• High-quality, sanitized, constantly rotated snorkeling gear
• Flotation gear
• Aboard one of the region’s largest, most stable catamarans
• A signature Guanacaste sunset on afternoon tours when conditions allow

You may also encounter:

• Seasonal humpback whales
• Dolphins
• Sea turtles
• Flying fish

On some days, when conditions allow, we may set a couple of fishing lines for fun — occasionally hooking sailfish, tuna, or dorado.

Not a fishing charter; simply a bonus when the ocean cooperates.

A private charter with Marlin del Rey is a fully curated sailing experience.

Can we customize the charter?

Yes, depending on conditions:

• Departure & return times
• Destinations & routes
• Activity balance (snorkeling, swimming, sailing)
• Menu upgrades
• Bar upgrades
• Event styling & ambiance

Food upgrades:

• Premium proteins
• Gourmet sides
• Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious options
• Dessert enhancements
• Select fresh seafood options (such as shrimp ceviche), available when supply and conditions allow

Bar upgrades:

• Top-shelf spirits
• Champagne & sparkling wines
• Craft cocktails

Capacity:

• Up to 75 guests per vessel
• Up to 300 guests across our fleet

Where do tours depart from?
Tamarindo Beach or Playas del Coco Beach.

How do we board?
Via a beach-launched tender — known locally as a panga — which backs into the surf for boarding. Expect knee-deep water; it’s safe, normal, and part of the Costa Rican beach experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. Our tours are calm, scenic, and intentionally family-friendly. While there is no minimum age, parents should consider:

• Boarding involves stepping into surf
• Movement onboard requires balance
• Bathrooms require stairs

Infants and toddlers are welcome with close supervision.

We provide full transparency so guests can make informed decisions.

This tour requires:

• Boarding via panga in shallow surf
• Stepping between moving platforms
• Climbing 3–4 stairs to enter the catamaran
• Descending stairs to access bathrooms
• Navigating narrow or wet walkways
• Maintaining balance on a moving vessel

Crew can steady and guide but cannot lift or physically support passengers.

Best suited for guests who can:

• Climb short stairs
• Balance on moving surfaces
• Walk on wet decks
• Transfer safely between tender and vessel

Do tours operate in rain?
Yes — light rain is normal and safe along the Gold Coast. We do not operate in unsafe conditions.

What about wind or waves?
Our catamarans are large, wide, and exceptionally stable, but the ocean always moves. We adjust routes to maximize comfort.

If Marlin del Rey cancels?
You may reschedule or receive a full refund.

How good is the snorkeling?
Snorkeling conditions in the Pacific vary significantly. Visibility changes with tides, swell, currents, seasonal runoff, and volcanic rock formations. Some days are crystal clear and spectacular, while other days visibility can be limited. Our crew evaluates conditions daily and chooses the best available location for that day.

What equipment is provided?
High-quality, sanitized, constantly rotated snorkeling gear.

If equipment is lost or damaged:
Guests will be charged for replacement, as our gear is imported and maintained to high standards.

When is lunch served?
Approximately 2.5–3 hours into the tour. A light snack beforehand is recommended.

Is alcohol included?
Yes — and it is a true premium open bar, with quality spirits, fresh fruit, proper mixers, and a blender for blended drinks.

Responsible service?
Yes. We may limit service to ensure comfort and safety for all guests.