What payment methods do you accept?

To secure your reservation, we require a deposit that is part of the total tour price, payable via international wire transfer (no additional fees) or PayPal (includes an 8% processing fee). The remaining balance can be paid on the day of the tour, either in cash (USD) or by wire transfer before the experience. Once your deposit is received, you'll receive a written confirmation with all the details of your tour, and your date is fully secured. With over 15 years operating in Papagayo Gulf and 25,000+ satisfied guests, you can book with complete peace of mind.

What's included in the catamaran tour?

Your premium experience includes the full private catamaran with professional crew, a private chef preparing fresh meals onboard, an open bar with premium liquor, beer, wine, and cocktails (all unlimited), snorkeling gear, water activities, and stops at the most beautiful spots in Papagayo Gulf. No hidden costs, no surprises, everything is taken care of so you only worry about enjoying.

Is this a private tour or shared with other guests?

Every catamaran tour is completely private, only your group onboard. This is what sets us apart from typical group tours: you get the boat, the crew, and the chef exclusively for your party. Your day, your pace, your experience, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family celebration, or a group of friends.

Why is the catamaran tour priced the way it is?

Our catamaran tours range from $1,950 to $6,000 because this is a fully private, all-inclusive luxury experience, not a shared boat ride. The price reflects a private catamaran, professional crew, private chef, premium open bar, water toys, and over 15 years of experience crafting flawless days at sea. When you split the cost across a group of 6 to 10 guests with absolutely everything included, our guests find it's one of the best values of their entire trip.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

Cancellations more than 5 days before the tour receive a 100% refund of the deposit. More than 48 hours before, you get a 75% refund. If we ever need to cancel due to weather or operational reasons, you receive a full 100% refund, no questions asked. Your safety and experience always come first.

How do I book and secure my date?

Dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season and for sunset tours. To lock in your preferred date, simply contact us and check availability and reserve with a deposit. Once confirmed, your date is fully secured and we handle every detail from there. We recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee your spot.

Should I book directly with you or through Viator?

You'll find us on Viator and other platforms because that's where many travelers start their search, and we want to be there. However, booking directly with us gives you the best experience: faster responses, full flexibility to customize your day, and direct communication with our team from the moment you reserve until you step off the catamaran. Either way, you're getting the same premium private experience that has earned us over 25,000 satisfied guests in 15+ years.

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 29 August 2026

These terms govern all experiences operated by Tropical Explorers Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, corporate ID 3-102-760251 ("Tropical Explorers", "we", "us"). By placing a deposit or boarding one of our vessels, you accept these terms on behalf of yourself and every member of your party.

1. Our experiences

We operate private charters aboard the Kephas, a Lagoon 42 catamaran, and the Sail Fish II sport fishing boat, together with jet ski tours and rentals, in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Every charter is exclusive to a single group. Vessel capacity and duration are stated at the time of booking.

2. Bookings and confirmation

Bookings can be made through our website, by WhatsApp or by email. A booking is confirmed only once the deposit has been received and we have issued a written confirmation. Minimum notice is 12 hours before departure. Availability is confirmed within two hours during business hours (Monday to Saturday, 7:00–18:00 Costa Rica time).

3. Deposits, payment and pricing

Deposits, payment and pricing

A deposit confirms your date:

Catamaran charters — USD 500
Boat experiences (Sail Fish II) — USD 200
Jet skis — varies according to the number of units reserved

The deposit forms part of the total price and is not an additional charge.

The balance is settled 24 hours before the experience, in cash (USD) or by bank transfer. Where payment is made by international bank transfer, funds must be sent three business days in advance to clear on time. Bookings confirmed less than 24 hours ahead are paid in full at the time of confirmation.

We accept international bank transfer, credit card and PayPal. PayPal payments are subject to an 8% processing fee. All prices are quoted in United States dollars and are subject to 13% Costa Rican VAT.

4. Cancellation and refunds

More than 5 days before — 100% refund of the deposit
Between 48 hours and 5 days before — 75% refund
Within 48 hours, or no-show — no refund

Within 48 hours the vessel, crew, chef and provisions have already been reserved exclusively for your group, which is why the deposit is retained. No additional charge applies.

Refunds are issued in United States dollars within one to five business days of confirmation. Any bank or platform fees incurred in processing the original payment are non-refundable.

If we cancel

If we cancel for weather or operational reasons, you receive a full refund of everything paid, no questions asked, or we reschedule for another date if you prefer. The decision to sail rests with the captain and is final. Guest safety always comes first.

Content Liability:

We shall not be held responsible for any content that appears on your Website. You agree to protect and defend us against all claims that are raised on your Website. No link(s) should appear on any Website that may be interpreted as libelous, obscene, or criminal, or which infringes, otherwise violates, or advocates the infringement or other violation of, any third party rights.

5. Pickup and transfers

Within the Gulf of Papagayo, the catamaran comes to the beach where you are staying and a dinghy collects you directly from the shore. Pickups outside the Gulf are arranged as private transport at additional cost, quoted on request, and the pickup time is adjusted accordingly. Please be ready at the agreed time; departures delayed by late arrival may shorten the experience, and the full price still applies.

6. Safety, conduct and the captain's authority

These are the terms on which we can operate safely, and they are not negotiable on the day.

The captain has full authority over the vessel, the itinerary and all safety decisions. Instructions from the captain and crew must be followed at all times.
Life jackets must be worn whenever the crew requires it. Refusal to wear safety equipment when instructed will end the activity concerned.
We may refuse boarding to, or disembark, any guest whose condition or behaviour puts their own health or that of others at risk, including guests visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No refund is due in these circumstances.
Alcohol served on board is for consumption by guests of legal drinking age. Guests operating any equipment must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Itineraries depend on tides, sea conditions and weather, and may be adjusted by the captain. Wildlife sightings, including whales in season, are never guaranteed.

7. Minors

Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times, and may not board unaccompanied. The accompanying adult is responsible for their supervision throughout the experience and accepts these terms on their behalf.

For jet skis: guests must be at least 7 years old to ride as a passenger, and at least 17 years old to operate a jet ski.

8. Health, allergies and fitness to participate

You must inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions, pregnancy or mobility limitations at the time of booking, and of any change before departure. We will do our best to accommodate them, but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on board.

Water activities including jet skis, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, subwing, snorkelling and paddleboarding carry inherent risks. By taking part, you confirm that each participant is in adequate physical condition and participates voluntarily, having assessed those risks. Guests who are not confident swimmers should inform the crew before departure.

9. Insurance and liability

Our vessels carry comprehensive civil liability and passenger insurance and are operated by licensed captains. Coverage certificates, vessel permits and safety equipment records are available on request.

Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the experience, except where Costa Rican law does not permit such limitation. We are not liable for loss of or damage to personal belongings brought on board, for losses arising from a guest's failure to follow crew instructions or to disclose a relevant medical condition, or for indirect or consequential losses. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence where the law does not permit exclusion.

Personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend that all guests hold travel insurance covering water activities, medical treatment and trip cancellation.

10. Personal belongings and photography

Guests bring personal items on board at their own risk. Towels and sunscreen are not provided; we ask that only reef-safe sunscreen be used. We may take photographs or video during the experience for our own promotional use. If you prefer not to appear in such material, please tell the crew and we will respect that.

11. Bookings made through partners

Where your experience was booked through a hotel, villa manager, travel advisor, agency or online platform, that partner's own booking and cancellation terms may also apply to the amount you paid them. These terms govern the operation of the experience itself.

12. Complaints

If something goes wrong, tell the crew during the experience so we can address it immediately. Any complaint made afterwards should be sent to team@tropicalexplorerscostarica.com within 30 days of the experience.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica, and any dispute is subject to the jurisdiction of the Costa Rican courts. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in effect.

14. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. The version in force is the one published on our website on the date your booking is confirmed.

15. Contact

Tropical Explorers Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada

Corporate ID 3-102-760251

100 metres east of the school, Sardinal, Carrillo, Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa, 50503, Costa Rica

team@tropicalexplorerscostarica.com · +506 8522 0876

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 29 August 2026

These terms govern all experiences operated by Tropical Explorers Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, corporate ID 3-102-760251 ("Tropical Explorers", "we", "us"). By placing a deposit or boarding one of our vessels, you accept these terms on behalf of yourself and every member of your party.

1. Our experiences

We operate private charters aboard the Kephas, a Lagoon 42 catamaran, and the Sail Fish II sport fishing boat, together with jet ski tours and rentals, in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Every charter is exclusive to a single group. Vessel capacity and duration are stated at the time of booking.

2. Bookings and confirmation

Bookings can be made through our website, by WhatsApp or by email. A booking is confirmed only once the deposit has been received and we have issued a written confirmation. Minimum notice is 12 hours before departure. Availability is confirmed within two hours during business hours (Monday to Saturday, 7:00–18:00 Costa Rica time).

3. Deposits, payment and pricing

EXPERIENCE DEPOSIT TO CONFIRM THE DATE

Catamaran charters USD 500

Boat experiences USD 200

Jet skis Varies according to the number of units reserved

The deposit forms part of the total price and is not an additional charge. The balance is settled 24 hours before the experience, in cash (USD) or by bank transfer. Where payment is made by international bank transfer, funds must be sent three business days in advance to clear on time. Bookings confirmed less than 24 hours ahead are paid in full at the time of confirmation.

We accept international bank transfer, credit card and PayPal. PayPal payments are subject to an 8% processing fee. All prices are quoted in United States dollars and are subject to 13% Costa Rican VAT.

4. Cancellation and refunds

WHEN YOU CANCEL REFUND OF THE DEPOSIT

More than 5 days before 100%

Between 48 hours and 5 days before 75%

Within 48 hours, or no-show No refund

Within 48 hours the vessel, crew, chef and provisions have already been reserved exclusively for your group, which is why the deposit is retained. No additional charge applies.

Refunds are issued in United States dollars within one to five business days of confirmation. Any bank or platform fees incurred in processing the original payment are non-refundable.

If we cancel

If we cancel for weather or operational reasons, you receive a full refund of everything paid, no questions asked, or we reschedule for another date if you prefer. The decision to sail rests with the captain and is final. Guest safety always comes first.

Content Liability:

We shall not be held responsible for any content that appears on your Website. You agree to protect and defend us against all claims that are raised on your Website. No link(s) should appear on any Website that may be interpreted as libelous, obscene, or criminal, or which infringes, otherwise violates, or advocates the infringement or other violation of, any third party rights.

5. Pickup and transfers

Within the Gulf of Papagayo, the catamaran comes to the beach where you are staying and a dinghy collects you directly from the shore. Pickups outside the Gulf are arranged as private transport at additional cost, quoted on request, and the pickup time is adjusted accordingly. Please be ready at the agreed time; departures delayed by late arrival may shorten the experience, and the full price still applies.

6. Safety, conduct and the captain's authority

These are the terms on which we can operate safely, and they are not negotiable on the day.

The captain has full authority over the vessel, the itinerary and all safety decisions. Instructions from the captain and crew must be followed at all times.
Life jackets must be worn whenever the crew requires it. Refusal to wear safety equipment when instructed will end the activity concerned.
We may refuse boarding to, or disembark, any guest whose condition or behaviour puts their own health or that of others at risk, including guests visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No refund is due in these circumstances.
Alcohol served on board is for consumption by guests of legal drinking age. Guests operating any equipment must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Itineraries depend on tides, sea conditions and weather, and may be adjusted by the captain. Wildlife sightings, including whales in season, are never guaranteed.

7. Minors

Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times, and may not board unaccompanied. The accompanying adult is responsible for their supervision throughout the experience and accepts these terms on their behalf.

For jet skis: guests must be at least 7 years old to ride as a passenger, and at least 17 years old to operate a jet ski.

8. Health, allergies and fitness to participate

You must inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions, pregnancy or mobility limitations at the time of booking, and of any change before departure. We will do our best to accommodate them, but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on board.

Water activities including jet skis, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, subwing, snorkelling and paddleboarding carry inherent risks. By taking part, you confirm that each participant is in adequate physical condition and participates voluntarily, having assessed those risks. Guests who are not confident swimmers should inform the crew before departure.

9. Insurance and liability

Our vessels carry comprehensive civil liability and passenger insurance and are operated by licensed captains. Coverage certificates, vessel permits and safety equipment records are available on request.

Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the experience, except where Costa Rican law does not permit such limitation. We are not liable for loss of or damage to personal belongings brought on board, for losses arising from a guest's failure to follow crew instructions or to disclose a relevant medical condition, or for indirect or consequential losses. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence where the law does not permit exclusion.

Personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend that all guests hold travel insurance covering water activities, medical treatment and trip cancellation.

10. Personal belongings and photography

Guests bring personal items on board at their own risk. Towels and sunscreen are not provided; we ask that only reef-safe sunscreen be used. We may take photographs or video during the experience for our own promotional use. If you prefer not to appear in such material, please tell the crew and we will respect that.

11. Bookings made through partners

Where your experience was booked through a hotel, villa manager, travel advisor, agency or online platform, that partner's own booking and cancellation terms may also apply to the amount you paid them. These terms govern the operation of the experience itself.

12. Complaints

If something goes wrong, tell the crew during the experience so we can address it immediately. Any complaint made afterwards should be sent to team@tropicalexplorerscostarica.com within 30 days of the experience.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica, and any dispute is subject to the jurisdiction of the Costa Rican courts. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in effect.

14. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. The version in force is the one published on our website on the date your booking is confirmed.

15. Contact

Tropical Explorers Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada

Corporate ID 3-102-760251

100 metres east of the school, Sardinal, Carrillo, Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa, 50503, Costa Rica

team@tropicalexplorerscostarica.com · +506 8522 0876