Boat tours in Costa Rica
Costa Rica looks different from the water. The most comfortable months are November to January, with highs around 91°F (33°C) and about 3 rainy days a month.
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top boat tours in Costa Rica
5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa RicaFrom $95View 
Monkey Mangrove Boat Tour in Manuel Antonio Costa RicaFrom $50View 
Tortuga Island Snorkeling Boat Tour from Santa Teresa Costa RicaFrom $137View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good boat tour
- Decide between a shared boat (cheaper, fixed route) and a private charter (your pace, your stops).
- Ask whether the boat has shade. An open deck for three hours in summer is hard work.
- Morning departures usually have calmer water; afternoons can get windy and choppy.
- Check the cancellation rule for bad weather. Good operators rebook or refund if they cancel.
Costa Rica month by month
Averages for Liberia, Costa Rica; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 92 (33) | 94 (34) | 96 (35) | 97 (36) | 93 (34) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 88 (31) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) | 91 (33) |
| Low °F (°C) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 74 (23) | 74 (23) | 73 (23) | 73 (23) | 72 (22) | 72 (22) | 71 (22) | 70 (21) |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 17 | 16 | 6 | 2 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 81 (27) | 81 (27) | 81 (27) | 83 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 83 (28) | 82 (28) | 82 (28) |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:34 pm | 5:45 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:50 pm | 5:58 pm | 6:02 pm | 5:54 pm | 5:37 pm | 5:20 pm | 5:11 pm | 5:18 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for boat tours in Costa Rica?
November to January. Expect highs around 91°F (33°C) and about 3 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are September and October.
What time is sunset in Costa Rica?
Sunset comes earliest in November, around 5:11 pm, and latest in July, around 6:02 pm. Pick a date in the planner above for the exact time.
Where can I book boat tours in Costa Rica?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
