Playa Flamingo · Catamaran tour
Manta Ray Sailing
Private catamaran charters from Playa Flamingo
By Monirul Hoque on , updated on
Manta Ray Sailing runs private catamaran charters from Marina Flamingo in Guanacaste with a small fleet, from the original 12-guest Manta Ray to a 41-foot Bali. Trips come as morning, sunset or full-day charters with snorkeling, paddleboards, a meal and drinks, plus overnight trips, and they suit families and groups who want a boat to themselves.
What they offer
Manta Ray Sailing started with a single catamaran, the Manta Ray, sailing out of Playa Flamingo. It's since grown into a small charter fleet, and its main business is private trips: you book a boat for your group and the crew plans the day around the wind, the sea and what you'd like to do. Because the company runs several quite different boats, the vessel you book matters far more than the word "catamaran" on a brochure.
Trip lengths are simple:
- Morning, roughly 8 a.m. to noon
- Sunset, from early afternoon until about 6 p.m.
- Full day, from late morning until about 6 p.m.
- Overnight, a 24-hour trip
Exact times shift a little from boat to boat, and the company also builds custom itineraries if you want something longer or different.
The coast you'll see
Flamingo sits on Guanacaste's Gold Coast, with Potrero next door, Tamarindo to the south and the Papagayo Peninsula farther north. It's a coast of rocky points, coves and small islands that often look best from offshore. The company describes its usual route as heading north around Isla Brumel with views of the Catalinas Islands, though the captain picks the actual route and stops each day from the conditions.
The boats
The fleet on the official site, from largest to smallest:
- The Bali, a Bali 4.1 catamaran of 41 feet, the company's most comfortable boat, for groups of up to about 35. It also heads up toward the Papagayo Peninsula.
- The New Manta, a Lagoon 400 catamaran for up to 30, with a roomier, more yacht-like layout.
- Grenadine Lady, a 40-foot Fountaine Pajot catamaran, also for up to 30.
- The Manta Ray, the original boat, for up to 12, which suits a family or small group who'd like the coast to feel close.
- The Margarita, a 20-foot center-console fishing boat for up to 4 people.
Having several sizes is useful: a group of 8 doesn't need to rattle around on a 35-guest boat, and a wedding party doesn't have to squeeze onto a small one. Capacities can differ between listings, so confirm the boat name, passenger limit and what comes aboard when you book.
What a day looks like
On the catamarans, the usual package covers a full meal, an open bar, snorkel gear with a guide, fishing gear and paddleboards or a kayak. The Bali adds extras such as a floating lily pad and a Bluetooth stereo. The Margarita is set up differently: it's a fishing-and-snorkel boat with a guide, water and fruit, and you can add food, drinks or a wakeboard.
Gear can move between boats or be out for repair, so the best question to ask is: which boat are we on, and what water toys come with it?
Most charters settle into a rhythm after the first swim: everyone climbs back aboard, finds some shade, eats, and watches the shoreline go by. If anyone in your group has allergies or needs particular food, say so before you book and get it confirmed.
Snorkeling and wildlife
Guided snorkeling is part of most catamaran trips when conditions allow. Reef fish, rays and starfish are common finds, but this is a wild Pacific coast, not an aquarium. Rain and swell change the visibility, and on windy days the crew may choose a sheltered swim spot over the clearest one. Use reef-friendly sunscreen, don't stand on coral, and don't try to touch turtles.
Dolphins, sea turtles, mobula rays and, in season, humpback whales all turn up in these waters. The company itself says sightings aren't guaranteed, and a good crew keeps its distance from animals rather than chasing a photo.
Where you leave from
Manta Ray Sailing is based at Marina Flamingo, on the north end of Playa Flamingo. Boarding can vary by boat, so confirm the exact meeting point, parking and arrival time for your vessel when you book, and ask whether boarding involves steps or a small tender. That matters most if you're driving from Tamarindo or Las Catalinas, or bringing several families in separate cars. Flamingo is about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Tamarindo and roughly an hour from Liberia's airport.
If anyone in your group has limited mobility, ask about dock access and getting on and off the boat before you pay. A catamaran isn't automatically wheelchair friendly.
Who it suits
- Families who want a private boat sized to their group
- Weddings, birthdays and other celebrations on the bigger cats
- Couples or small groups who'd like an overnight on the water
- Anglers who want a quick fishing and snorkel trip on the Margarita
If you'd rather share a boat, Lazy Lizard Sailing runs shared catamaran tours from the same beach. For a private monohull that really sails, look at Serendipity Charters. The Guanacaste section covers the rest of this coast.
Good to know before you book
- Rates depend on the boat, the trip length and the date, and a government tax is added. For current prices and availability, check the official booking page.
- Ask what's included for your boat, since the Margarita's package differs from the catamarans'.
- In the dry season (about December to April), mornings are often calmest. Papagayo winds can pick up strongly in those months, and a captain who moves the anchorage is using good judgment.
- Listen to the safety briefing, wear the life jacket when asked and hold on when the boat's moving.
- Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a dry bag for your phone, and confirm the bad-weather and cancellation policy.
Where to stay near the Guanacaste coast
Live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and more.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Manta Ray Sailing leave from?
From Marina Flamingo in Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste. It doesn't board on Tamarindo beach, so confirm the meeting point for your boat.
Is Manta Ray one boat or several?
Several. The fleet includes the original Manta Ray, The New Manta, Grenadine Lady, the Bali and the Margarita fishing boat.
How many people can the boats take?
From 4 on the fishing boat up to about 35 on the Bali, with 2 catamarans for up to 30 and the original Manta Ray for up to 12.
Do they do overnight trips?
Yes. The company offers 24-hour overnight trips; ask which boat is used for your dates.
Is snorkel gear included?
On the catamaran charters, yes, along with a snorkel guide.
