What should you consider when choosing a catamaran trip in Costa Rica?

We know the process of planning your excursions in Costa Rica can be overwhelming. The number of options, will it please everyone, the location, and duration of the activity just scratch the surface. Decision-making fatigue is real! Catamaran trips in Costa Rica are one the THE most popular activities, so we are here to address some of your concerns and questions so it's easier for you to find you right fit.

Zafira Catamaran is a 46' Fontaine Pajot Sailing Catamaran moored in Potrero, Guanacaste. We are in very close proximity to Playa Flamingo, Brasilito, Surfside, near Tamarindo, and can pick up at other beaches including RIU Hotel, Playas del Coco, Ocotal & Playa Hermosa. Our Private Morning & Sunset and Open Morning & Sunset Tours all last 4 hours, our Full Day Private Tours are 8 hours in duration. We have someone greet you on the beach, and assist with the crew to get you boarded on our dingy to get you to Zafira where the crew will provide a quick security briefing before getting you underway to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica from the water. We usually pull into a cove or beach where the conditions are optimal that day for snorkeling, water activities, and "flinking" if you just want to chill in the water! We try to take you to a beach you couldn't access otherwise, and an area where the other catamarans/boats are not occupying the waters. Then sail back in while you enjoy the cool breezes, and hopefully some more marine life playing in the waters. And then if the mood is right, turn the music up a bit, and flip on the disco lights for a truly unique experience in the area!

But now let's address the other key factors when it comes to choosing your boat: budget, operator reputation, the size of the group, and what's included in the price.

• Budget:

Whether you have one or don't, you want to make sure the experience is worth it. Zafira offers both Private Tours and Open Tours to help everyone get on the water in a way that can best fit your group and budget. Our program is pretty standard for each tour, but if you are looking to enhance your experience or remove a few options to make it work, we'll do our best to help make it happen. It doesn't matter if you are here for your first time or live here, we want to make sure your experience on Zafira is memorable. So message us to see how we can make it happen.

• Operator Reputation:

There are a variety of ways to learn more about Zafira off of our website. Please check out our TripAdvisor, Google, or our Facebook page for reviews/comments. We also work with many third-party booking sites such as Get My Boat, reputable agencies inside Costa Rica, and around the world. If you are renting a home or room, we also work with reliable and trustworthy property management companies and concierge. And don't ignore the guys on the beach!

• Group Size:

Zafira has a legal capacity to fit 40 passengers. Great for private excursions like corporate incentives, wedding parties, birthday celebrations, or family trips, but not always a crowd pleaser when you join an Open Tour with strangers. On our Open Tours, we do our best to not go above 30 guests. 10 people may not sound like it makes a difference spatially, but when you are on board you can feel it. Zafira is 25' wide so with 30 people on board there is room to move around easily, and make new friends comfortably.

• Amenities and Services:

All of our tours come with full snorkel gear, 2 Stand Up Paddle Boards, a Kayak, and other noodles and floats to enjoy the ocean at your leisure. Our food (fresh fruits, chicken pinchos with a passion fruit bbq sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, bean dip & chips), are prepared fresh for each trip and made on board. So if the shell-horn blowing doesn't bring you back from the water, the smell of grill certainly will! Our beverages include Coke, Sprite, local natural juices, bottled water, and a mostly full bar of the three national beers (Pilsen, Imperial, Imperial Silver, Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Light & Dark Rum, Cacique, Cacique Sandia, Prosecco, Rose & Sauvignon Blanc). Our crew can offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and we also carry Imperial Cero, the non-alcoholic beer. Our crew will fluctuate with the number of guests on board for optimal customer service.

• Booking Process:

By far our website is the easiest way to book. If you have certain benefits or are more comfortable booking on third-party sites, they are always an option. If you have questions before you make the decision you can always email us info@zafiracostarica.com, or message on WhatsApp: 506-8315-9374.

Hopefully the information provided helps ease the stress of vacation planning, especially in Costa Rica where the best part is the 'pura vida' of it all! We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard Zafira!

Bring your own group or meet new friends aboard Zafira Sailing!