Playa Flamingo · Catamaran tour
Manta Ray Sailing
Private catamaran charters from Playa Flamingo
Manta Ray Sailing runs private catamaran charters from Playa Flamingo with a small fleet, from the original 12-guest Manta Ray to a 41-foot Bali that also does overnight trips. Charters come as morning, sunset or full-day trips with snorkeling, paddleboards, fishing gear, a meal and drinks, and they suit families and groups who want their own boat.
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 today is private trips: you book the boat for your group and the crew plans the day around the wind, the sea and what you want to do.
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 on the largest cat, the Bali
They also offer custom itineraries if you want something longer or different.
The boats
The fleet on their site, from largest to smallest:
- The Bali, a Bali 4.1 catamaran of 41 feet, rated for up to 35 guests and the boat used for overnight trips
- The New Manta, a catamaran for up to 30
- Grenadine Lady, another catamaran for up to 30
- The Manta Ray, the original boat, for up to 12, which suits a family or small group
- The Margarita, a 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.
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 Margarita is set up differently: it's a fishing-and-snorkel boat with a guide, water and fruit, and extras can be added.
Where you anchor and snorkel depends on the day's conditions, so ask the crew what they have in mind when you board. Common sightings in these waters include sea turtles, dolphins, rays and, in season, humpback whales.
Where you leave from
Charters depart from Playa Flamingo on the north Guanacaste coast. Confirm the exact meeting point and whether you'll board from the beach or the marina area when you book. Flamingo is about 30 to 40 minutes by road from Tamarindo and roughly an hour from Liberia's airport.
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 prefer a shared trip at a lower cost per person, Lazy Lizard Sailing runs shared catamaran tours from the same beach.
Good to know before you book
- Rates depend on the boat and trip length, and a government tax is added. Check current pricing directly.
- 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.
- Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and a towel.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Manta Ray Sailing leave from?
From Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste.
Do they do overnight trips?
Yes. They offer 24-hour overnight trips on their 41-foot Bali catamaran.
How many people can the boats take?
From 4 on the fishing boat up to 35 on the Bali, with 2 catamarans for up to 30 and the original Manta Ray for up to 12.
Is snorkel gear included?
On the catamaran charters, yes, along with a snorkel guide.
Can we fish on the trip?
Fishing gear is part of the usual catamaran package, and the Margarita is a dedicated fishing boat.
