Sailing Away in Costa Rica
Sailing, long popular in Costa Rica, has become a major attraction in Manuel Antonio with the arrival of a new 60-foot catamaran, the Tom Cat
Sailing Manuel Antonio Bay
Run by Planet Dolphin, the Tom Cat can accommodate 40 or so people on a 2 1/2-hour morning cruise. While it's is a fun party boat and one of Manuel Antonio's top day tours, the Tom Cat does not fit the definition of “booze cruise.”
Instead, it offers a relaxing way to see the palm-lined beaches and hills from the sea. And with plenty of room for dancing, the Tom Cat will likely turn into a popular party boat this high season. A sunset cruise, with special underwater lights to enhance the experience of sailing after dark, will be introduced December 15
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
A Planet Dolphin rep at the Quepos dock told the eighteen passengers what to look forward to on the cruise, when this writer was there in mid-September, 2006. Once everyone was on board, another crew member delivered a more detailed briefing on the itinerary. Both were in English and Spanish.
The boat pulled alongside the dock so we could step aboard without having to go out on a dinghy. Then the Tom Cat, with pair of super-quiet Suzuki engines, powered the sleek white fiberglass catamaran out to sea.
Music played over the speakers, but not loud enough to detract from the tranquility of the cruise. The open bar began serving Imperial beer, rum and coke, and other tropical drinks.
Sailing the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Once outside the bay, the crew set the main sail, and we sailed south by southwest out into open water. With a steady wind behind us, we slide over the incoming swells like surfers heading out to sea instead of to shore.
Long, billowy clouds on the horizon morphed into the shape of bottlenose dolphins, giant serpents and crocodiles. On the other side of the boat, Manuel Antonio's enchanted emerald shoreline charmed us with a primeval beauty unmatched by any motion picture.
As we headed back to Manuel Antonio Bay, we spotted a couple of humpback whales breaching less than 200 meters from the boat. Bring binoculars if you have them, for a closer view of these and other marine life, such as dolphins and birds
(See whales in Costa Rica for more details.)
The boat moored near the park for a snorkeling excursion. After an orientation on the park and surroundings, the focus shifted to safety and avoiding damage to environment.
All snorkeling gear is provided. Unlike some snorkeling tours, the Tom Cat has a ladder down into the water, so you don't have to jump off.
A crew member led everyone out to some rocks known for a variety of colorful marine life. A big channel comes up from the deep water to one set of rocks, attracting many brilliantly colored tropical fish of all sizes.
(If you want to spend more time snorkeling, we recommend Planet Dolphin's snorkeling and dolphin watch tour aboard Spanish Dancer -- see Costa Rica snorkeling.
Those who don't want to snorkel will find the layover outside the entrance to the park a relaxing time. There is a fantastic view of the surf crashing onto the rocks along the edge of Cathedral Point. You will also spot several small blowholes, which look like small geysers.
While many of the tourists were ogling fish underwater, the crew was cooking up fish kabobs and making macaroni salad for an all-you-can-eat lunch that was served when the snorkelers returned.
Food and service were topnotch. The sunset dinner cruise, set to start in December, will feature a more upscale meal consisting of shrimp and tuna kabobs, and grilled veggies
Odds and Ends
The main seating area is covered, eliminating the need for sunblock. Seats up front allow for sunbathing as well as the best view. Safety measures were clearly in place, with life preservers for all aboard, and the crew was well-organized. Van pickup and return to your hotel is included.
The Tom Cat sailboat cruises can be booked by contacting us at
info@costaricauncovered.com …. in advance (recommended for high season).
