Kuna Vela Sailing Tours
Kuna Vela Sailing Tours
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsEco Tours
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Find out why guests of Kuna Vela Sailing Tours say that our Morning and Sunset Sailing Tours are the highlight of their vacation to Costa Rica and #1. Come sail the beautiful Gulf of Papagayo and enjoy the warm Costa Rican water and maritime life as you snorkel through interesting coves alongside our expert snorkel guide, visit secluded beaches and relax aboard our 47 ft monohull sailboat. You will enjoy delicious fresh snacks prepared daily on the boat accompanied by our assortment of open bar beverages as we sail and listen to lively and relaxing music. Depending on the time of year, it’s likely you’ll see sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and even whales! During your sailing and snorkeling experience, complimentary photos will be taken both above and below water. Kuna Vela Sailing Tours departs from Playas del Coco and the experience last about 4 hours. Our tours are enjoyable for the whole family! For a more customized experience, we also offer specialized private tours. Pura Vida!
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
640 reviews
Excellent
603
Very good
22
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Ana M
4 contributions
Jan 2020
This was one of the best experiences for us in the Coco area. The staff were friendly, on time, attentive and helpful. Add the ocean breeze, snorkeling for those interested, a gorgeous beach where we could swim and see the coatis, drinks and tasty snacks, and a breathtaking sunset on the way back - perfection! I cannot recommend Kuna Vela enough, and I rarely ever write reviews!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so pleased that your experience aboard Kuna was one of the best you had while you visited the Coco Beach area! Thank you for pointing out how friendly, attentive and helpful our crew is! We pride our self on our exceptional service and ensuring that each guest experiences a wonderful time aboard Kuna. We are so happy you enjoyed the food and beverage selections, snorkeling, the gorgeous beach and the breathtaking sunset while enjoying the ocean breeze!
Thank you for taking the time to review and for your kind words, they are extremely encouraging! We hope to see you back aboard kuna on your next visit to Costa Rica!
Fondly,
Clint, Lindsay & Kuna Crew
Written January 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheSurfingPig
Iowa City, IA18 contributions
Apr 2021
We did a morning private charter for 2 adults, a 2 year old and 11 month old. We had a great time. Israel and Andres picked us up directly on the beach at the Andaz, our hotel. They are both very personable and great hosts. They took care of us but also were not intrusive. They both wore masks the entire trip. Andres took tons of pictures during the trip and sent us a link to download all of them the next day. We started the trip by sailing around the Papagayo peninsula. We did a little fishing and caught a small, ~4-5 lb fish. I cannot recall the name of it, but it had white flesh. They filleted the fish and cooked it for us for lunch! It was fantastic. We spent some time at a secluded, white-sand beach and then sailed back to the hotel. My only small complaint, or really more suggestion for improvement, would be to have better beer/wine options. We had some great, local craft beer during our trip to Guanacaste. So, I know there are some options that are a little better than Imperial or PIlsen.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking your time in reviewing your experience aboard Kuna Vela! It sounds like you had the perfect day! Doesn't Captain Israel cook fresh caught fish so beautifully! My favorite meal in the Papagayo!! We are so happy you enjoyed your complimentary photos, there were so many sweet ones of your family and your littles enjoying the boat and the beach! We will will share your kind words with the crew! Thank you for your suggestions!
Pura Vida!
Lindsay, Clint & Kuna Crew
Written April 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Derrick M
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
The sunset tour was a great experience! Captain Israel, Andres, and Joshua were friendly, knowledgeable and funny. We landed on a beach with some caves we were able to explore while others on the tour snorkeled in a warm water bay. The food was fantastic, and as a bonus the dolphins put on a show beside the boat just after the sun set. Saw lots of rays jumping in the water as we sailed, and drinks were cold and plentiful. Definitely a tour we will do again next time we’re back! Thank you Andres, Joshua and Israel for a great afternoon and evening!
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joetta M
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Mixed experience. To be fair, we went in rainy weather, and on a warm sunny day we probably would have had a much better experience. But the operators did not want to cancel/refund and assured us that it would be great despite the weather. We were the only people on the boat for the morning snorkel experience. Pros: captain very nice/friendly, excellent snacks on the way back. Cons: despite us being the only passengers and the weather the crew refused to deviate from their standard routine. 2 hour boat ride to the snorkel spot, which was so slow that the boat rocked continuously, making us seasick. Crew was focused on fishing off the boat, to the point that they stopped the boat entirely at one point and took the dingy out to get the fish they caught. (In contrast the trip home was 50 minutes and no seasickness because we were moving faster). We asked several times on the way out if it was necessary to go so slow. The snorkeling itself was lovely, despite the limited visibility, but only when we separated from the guide. The guide insisted that we snorkel right behind him, where it was impossible to see due to his moving flippers. He got angry if we tried to snorkel on our own just a few yards away. He then insisted that we get back in the boat after a very short time (probably 30 min) of snorkeling. We sat again on the boat in the rain, arriving to shore a full hour before our experience was supposed to end, leaving us confused as to why we were only allowed 30 minutes of snorkeling. We later received photos of our “trip” which was primarily photos of fish that we could not see because we were trapped behind the guide.
Written November 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur G
Providence, RI6 contributions
Jan 2020
The best experience of our Costa Rica trip. The boat was in top notch shape. The captain and crew were more than helpful. The fruit and drinks were a pleasant surprise. The snorkeling was the best since Hawaii some 10 years ago. The coral was, unfortunately, destroyed but the fish were spectacular. The sailing, atmosphere, and sunset were perfect. The owners long after dark made sure that were returned to our hotel.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are feel so honored that your time aboard Kuna was the best experience of your trip to CR! Wow that is such an awesome compliment and we are so pleased!! I’m so glad you enjoyed our crew, food & Beverage and the snorkeling experience!! Thank you for mentioning that we take extra care in ensuring the safety of our guests in every way, even with the return of the tour!!
We sure hope to see back on your next visit to CR and we appreciate your time in writing a kind review!
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OBXterror
Denmark6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is a must do while in Costa Rica! If you ever wanted to feel like a VIP aboard a sailboat, book this trip! While it’s always nice to be on the water at sunset, most trips are aboard a crowded catamaran. This is a functioning sailboat! The maximum capacity is 15 people, so it feels like a private tour and the sights and feeling of actually sailing can’t be beat! Captain Israel knows right where to go to get the most out of your experience. We saw manta rays leaping out of the water (I didn’t even know they could do that), beautiful triggerfish while snorkeling and even had time to visit a secluded beach with incredible areas to explore! It was low tide when we went, so we got to walk through a secret tunnel in the mountain that is normally underwater!. That was awesome!! First mate, Andre, was very attentive and accommodating. Always ready to hand us our next beverage, including the most delicious rum punch! They also provide chips with dips, fresh fruit and finger sandwiches. I’ve never enjoyed bean dip before, but the one they served was one of the best tasting things I had on our trip! From meeting Mau onshore to board, to the moment we stepped back into our flip-flops to go home, we never stopped smiling! The other family onboard with us was experiencing their 6th trip on the Kuna Vela! With all the options they have available, you know this one is the best if they wanted to do it six times. I can’t wait for our 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. trip with them too!
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurer818989
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was a classy and enjoyable afternoon topped with a gorgeous sunset. The boat captain and our guide Andras were kind, polite, fun and generous. They served drinks and beautiful fruit, guacamole and sandwiches which were freshly made. But best of all, when the wind blew a beer can into the ocean Andras took off in the dingy to go back and retrieve it out of the ocean so as not to litter. So impressive. That’s walking the walk. Beautiful day. Pura Vida!!!
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L.D.
Cary, NC93 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great morning sailing/snorkeling tour with Kuna Vela! We chose the morning tour to avoid any potential rain in the afternoon during rainy season in CR. Easy process to book and beautiful experience overall. The captain and crew were kind, fun, helpful, and served us delicious snacks and drinks (rum punch, water bottles, juices, chips/guac/bean dip, fresh fruit, etc.). We enjoyed an hour of snorkeling. All snorkeling gear was provided - fins, goggles, snorkels, etc. They played music throughout which was relaxing and added to the beautiful ambiance. There were about 12 people in our group and we had plenty of space on the boat. They picked us up and returned us via dinghy on Coco Beach in front of Claudio y Gloria's beachfront restaurant. Fun activity for people of all ages. Highly recommend!
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam124426
Wolfville, Canada3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We were visiting from Nova Scotia and had an amazing afternoon sailing, snorkeling, and then watch the sun set from the sailboat. We even had dolphins swimming beside the boat! The whole experience was excellent, and the crew professional, friendly, and helpful. It really did surpass our expectations - would do it again for sure.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream243871
27 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
My wide and I spent 10 days in various parts of Costa Rica. During that time we went zip-lining and rappelling, white water rafting, snorkeling, rode ATVs, toured a wild animal sanctuary and went on the Kuna Vela Sunset Cruise. While we enjoyed every activity, the Kuna Vela Sunset Cruise was head and shoulders the most memorable activity of our stay. From the Captain to the deck hands and the employee who greeted us, we were treated like we were the most important people on the boat. The Cruise was magnificent. The snorkeling superb, the food and drinks were amazing and the Sunset left us all speechless. This was a tour I'm we'd highly recommend.
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think so. It is a little parking lot by a restaurant. I don’t remember the name. I do remember the restaurant wouldn’t let us walk through when we came back 4 hours later.
Written February 10, 2024
Is the morning or afternoon snorkeling better?
Written July 10, 2022
Does this accommodate children (4 and 7 yrs)?
Written September 19, 2019
Yes, we can accommodate children. A four year old will not be permitted to snorkel, however. You can stay with the 4 year old on the boat, or you can go to the beach with the 4 year old while everyone else snorkels. We provided snacks and drinks for kids too.
Written September 21, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.