Playas del Coco · Sailing tour
Kuna Vela
47-foot sloop sails and snorkeling from Playas del Coco
Kuna Vela Sailing Tours runs morning and sunset sail and snorkel trips on a 47-foot monohull from the beach at Playas del Coco, with a maximum of 15 guests. Private 4-hour and 8-hour charters are also available. It's a good fit for couples and small groups who want a real sailboat and a local Costa Rican crew.
What they offer
Kuna Vela has been sailing out of Playas del Coco since well before this page first appeared in 2013, and it's still one of the go-to options in Coco for people who want a monohull under sail rather than a big motor catamaran. Today the business is American owned, with a Costa Rican crew who between them have decades on the Gulf of Papagayo.
The trips:
- Morning snorkel and sail. About 4 hours, roughly 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Sunset snorkel and sail. About 4 hours, roughly 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Private morning or sunset trip. The same 4 hours with the boat to yourselves and a naturalist guide for the snorkel.
- Private full day. About 8 hours with snorkeling and a sunset sail home.
The boat
Kuna Vela is a 47-foot Dynamique sloop, a single-masted monohull. There's seating on the foredeck, a shaded area at the stern and bathrooms below. Trips are capped at 15 guests, so it never feels crowded. The sails go up for at least part of every trip when the wind allows, so you'll get a feel for actual sailing.
Where you leave from
You meet on the beach in Playas del Coco, in front of Claudio and Gloria's restaurant. There's no dock, so you'll wade into shallow water and step into a dinghy that takes you out to the boat. Wear something you don't mind getting wet and keep your phone in a dry bag. Transport isn't included, but the company can help you arrange a taxi from Coco, Playa Hermosa or Ocotal if you tell them where you're staying.
What the day is like
The boat heads along the Guanacaste coast to a snorkel spot chosen for the day's conditions. Punta Gorda, a rocky point near Coco, is one of the spots used, with reef fish like puffers and angelfish. After snorkeling and a swim, snacks come out and the boat sails back. On the way you may see dolphins and sea turtles, and humpback whales pass through in season.
On board you'll get rum punch, local beer, soft drinks and water, plus fresh fruit, chips with dips and small sandwiches. Snorkel gear, safety gear and swim noodles are provided, and the crew takes photos you get to keep. Tell them about dietary needs when you book.
Who it suits
- Couples and small groups who like the idea of a quieter boat
- First-time sailors curious about a monohull
- Families with kids old enough to snorkel or float with a noodle
- Groups wanting a private full day on the water
Another Coco option is Sea Bird Sailing Excursions, which also sails a classic monohull from the same beach.
Good to know before you book
- There are no trips on Sundays.
- The afternoon trip isn't offered in September and October, the rainiest months.
- Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in.
- Check current rates and availability on their booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kuna Vela a catamaran?
No. It's a 47-foot Dynamique sloop, a monohull sailboat.
How do you get on the boat?
From the beach in Playas del Coco, by wading out a little and boarding a dinghy.
How many people go on each trip?
Up to 15 guests.
Do they run every day?
Not on Sundays. The afternoon sail also pauses in September and October because of the rain.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, but they'll help arrange a taxi from Coco, Playa Hermosa or Ocotal.
