Playa Flamingo · Catamaran tour
Lazy Lizard Sailing
Catamaran snorkel and sunset trips from Playa Flamingo
By Monirul Hoque on , updated on
Lazy Lizard Sailing has run catamaran trips in the Playa Flamingo area since 2002 and calls itself the first catamaran company there. It offers a 4-hour morning tour from Flamingo Marina, a sunset tour that meets at Flamingo Beach, and private charters on a 38-foot catamaran, all with snorkeling, kayaking, drinks and food. It's an easy, social pick for families and first-timers on the Gold Coast.
What Lazy Lizard is
Lazy Lizard Sailing is one of the longest-running catamaran operators on Costa Rica's Gold Coast. It started in the Flamingo area in 2002 and describes itself as the first catamaran company there. One of its first crew members has been with the company since the first tour and has captained its boats since 2007.
The formula hasn't changed much in all that time: a relaxed half-day sail along the coast, a stop to swim, snorkel and paddle, and food and drinks on board. It's a social, easygoing trip rather than a party boat. There's music and an upbeat mood on the sunset run, but the point is the coast, the water and the light, not a DJ.
The 3 ways to go
- Morning catamaran. Starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs about 4 hours. It's the family favorite: cooler air, often calmer water, and marine life tends to be more active early. A midday meal is served on the way back. The shared morning tour needs a minimum of 6 adults to run, so check availability early.
- Tropical sunset tour. An afternoon trip north along the coast to a sheltered bay for snorkeling and kayaking, then snacks and drinks as the boat heads back toward Flamingo Beach with the sun going down.
- Private charter. The company's 38-foot catamaran for your group alone, leaving from Playa Flamingo. It includes everything the shared tours do, and you can shape the day: a longer trip, particular food and drinks, or more time in the water.
For current prices and availability on all 3, check the official Lazy Lizard booking page, or see the morning tour and private charter pages.
What the day is like
A catamaran is a comfortable platform for a mixed group. It's stable, it has shade and open deck, and it doesn't heel the way a monohull does, which helps if anyone's nervous on the water. Like most cats on this coast, it'll use the engine as well as the sails depending on the wind and the schedule.
Once you're out, the boat follows the coast past headlands, homes on the hills, patches of forest and small surf breaks you can't see from the road. At the stop, the crew sets you up to swim, snorkel the rocky reef with a guide or on your own, or take out a kayak and paddle along the shoreline, where brown pelicans and herons are common. There are small kayaks for children too. If you'd rather stay on deck with a drink, that's fine.
Drinks, with and without alcohol, are served throughout. The morning trip includes a tropical midday meal, and the company says gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available; tell them about allergies when you book. The sunset trip serves snacks before the sail home.
Along this stretch of coast, sea turtles, dolphins and rays are regular sightings, and humpback whales pass through in season. They're never guaranteed, and a good crew keeps its distance from wildlife rather than chasing it. Water clarity also changes with wind, swell and recent rain, so the captain picks the stop on the day.
Where you leave from
This is the detail worth getting right. Lazy Lizard's office is in Playa Potrero (Surfside), just north of Flamingo, but trips leave from Playa Flamingo: the company's pages say the morning tour starts at the Flamingo Marina and the sunset tour meets at Flamingo Beach. Depending on the boat and the tide, boarding from the beach can mean wading out to a dinghy, so wear clothes that can get wet and bring a dry bag for your phone.
Hotel pickup is offered, which is why the company is popular with people staying in Tamarindo, Conchal, Brasilito and Potrero. A boat sold in Tamarindo still leaves from Flamingo, though, so check that your hotel is in the pickup area, what time you'll be collected and where exactly you'll board. If you're driving yourself, use the meeting point on your confirmation, not just "Playa Flamingo" on a map.
Who it suits
- Families with kids, thanks to the morning trip and the small kayaks
- First-time sailors who want a stable, social boat
- Couples and friends looking for a sunset sail with drinks included
- Groups who want their own boat for a birthday or celebration
The Flamingo area has a good range of boats, and they aren't interchangeable. Serendipity Charters sails a 50-foot monohull for people who want real yacht sailing, and Manta Ray Sailing runs several catamarans set up mostly for private charters. From Tamarindo, Blue Dolphin Sailing is the other long-established name. More options are in our Guanacaste section.
Good to know before you book
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel and a dry bag.
- If you're booking for young children, ask about life jacket sizes and which activities suit their age and swimming.
- Non-swimmers can enjoy the trip from the deck; tell the crew so they can advise you at the stop.
- The dry season (about December to April) brings the most reliable sunshine, while the green season gives greener hills and fewer boats.
- Prices change by season and by trip, so check the company's booking page rather than an old listing.
Where to stay near the Guanacaste coast
Live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and more.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lazy Lizard catamaran tour?
The morning and sunset tours each run about 4 hours. The morning tour starts at 8:30 a.m.
Does Lazy Lizard leave from Tamarindo?
No. Trips leave from Playa Flamingo. The company offers hotel pickup, so confirm your Tamarindo hotel is covered.
Is the trip good for young children?
It's set up for families, with a morning option and small kayaks sized for kids. Ask about life jackets and age suitability when you book.
Are drinks and food included?
Yes. Drinks are included on every trip, the morning tour includes a midday meal and the sunset tour includes snacks.
Can I book a private boat?
Yes. Private charters run on the company's 38-foot catamaran from Playa Flamingo, and you can customize the length, food and activities.
