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Kuna Vela Sailing Tours

Sailing, Snorkeling, & Sunset Tours - Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

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Private Sailing Experiences

Kuna Vela - Real Sailing Sensation

American Owned and Operated 

Experience the beauty of Costa Rica from a different perspective aboard our 47 ft Dynamique Sloop, Monohull sailboat. Ranked #1 boat tour in Playas del Coco, Kuna Vela offers morning snorkel tours, sunset tours, and private tours that include our expert-guided snorkeling tours and breathtaking sunset cruises.

Kuna Vela Sailing Tours is American owned and operated. Our highly trained professional crew is Costa Rican with a combined 50 years of experience on the Gulf of Papagayo. We love sailing, nature, and people.

Top-Rated Boat Tours in Costa Rica!

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Amazing half day on the Kuna Vela

We had an amazing time sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the Kuna Vela. Andres (first mate) and Israel (captain) made the experience great. They were very accommodating and kind. Andres pointed out a bunch of sights to see, led us snorkeling, and took pictures the entire time of us which we now have as great memories. We saw Humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while sailing and a variety of fish while snorkeling. We definitely recommend this tour. It will add a really memorable experience to your trip to Costa Rica.

– Danfcall | TripAdvisor
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Amazing Trip!

Wow what an outstanding tour. We were lucky enough to be the only family on the tour that day and what an experience. Andreas and the captain were exceptional. We sailed round Papagayo and saw incredible marine life including dolphins and whales. We snorkelled for a little while and although visibility wasn't great we still saw a fair few fish. We were treated to delicious fruit and snacks and what seemed like a never ending supply of beer! They found us the perfect spot to watch the beautiful sunset. The trip was our highlight to Costa Rica and I would even say the best excursion we have ever done in our travels. Kuna Vela is the best. Book you won't be disappointed!!

– Fionad40 | TripAdvisor
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Best. Excursion. Ever!

My boyfriend and I had a great time and will definitely be doing this again when we return. The captain and Andres were AMAZING! Andres really does a good job of showing you the sights and ensuring that your sailing experience is nothing less than stellar. His photography skills were great and we really appreciated all the photos he got for us. There was only one other couple on our tour, so we really felt like we had individualized attention. We also saw dolphins which was a perfect ending to our sail. We can’t wait to do this again and to recommend it to others!

– aliciataplin | TripAdvisor
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My Best Spent Morning in Guanacaste

What a great Sailing Experience with a Great Hospitality. From the Welcoming till Departing you know you are in Safe & Expert Hands. All the staff in the Boat was very knowledgeable and experienced. If you are looking for a personalized service Kuna Vela is the way to go. Let the Captain pick the spot and you set back, relax and enjoy your Beautiful sailing day. Thank You Lindsay Hyler-Russell & Clint Russell for the Amazing time and Hospitality. I will be back for more!

– tccans2017 | TripAdvisor
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What a great experience

It was lovely seeing Costa Rica from the water. Such a beautiful afternoon sailing the coast, swimming, snorkeling and experiencing the sunset. While on the beach you can explore a cave and climb up the hillside to see a panoramic view. The crew and owners are both professional, super friendly and accommodating. The snacks and beverages were plentiful and delicious. What is in that rum punch? So good, it must be the secret ingredient that makes it special. Would highly recommend this company!!

– nancykU8411VX | TripAdvisor
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A relaxed afternoon excursion on calm sea combined with the intrigue of aquatic life

Found Clint the recent owner of Kuna Vela Sailing to be very helpful in accomodating us to be picked up from our beach rather than from Cocoa Beach where they operate from. My party of 3 were joined by 4 other people for the half day snorkel and sunset sailing tour. Captain Israel and his First Mate Andres made us feel very welcome. Captain Israel takes pride and care of this sailing boat and I felt safe the whole time. We were offered drinks, and relaxing music to listen to as we watched flying fish jumping out of the water on route to a quiet cove where we donned snorkel gear and led by Andres swam over to a rocky area where many fish live. For those who needed it masks, snorkels and fins were available. I was delighted with the variety of fish I saw. Andres was busy with his camera taking photos of us and the sea life the whole time we were with them. These were made available free of charge within a day of our trip and I really appreciated the excellent underwater photos. A delicious plate of sandwiches, chips and dip and fruit and of course some run punch were offered after the snorkeling. They were able to accommodate my gluten free friend with appropriate snacks too. Returning the wind picked up and sails were unfurled for part of the time. We watched the sunset and returned to shore where Clint took us back to our beach. A delightful, relaxing time I highly recommend the Kuna Vela and crew.

– Zyriene2 | TripAdvisor
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Putting this down as a Top Ten experience of all time.

Sunset Snorkel Cruise on the Kuna Vela. 4 in the family, 2 adults and 2 teenagers. We all agree on the Top Ten standing! Captain Israel and 1st Mate Andres were excellent, friendly, knowledgeable hosts. Andres seemed to be everywhere all at once: serving us amazing rum punch, beer, and snacks; working the rigging; taking pictures for us; catching a beautiful yellowfin off the back of the boat; pointing out dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life; leading the snorkel experience; and more. Hardest working man in the business I bet. And he did it all with patience, kindness, and a big "Pura Vida" every time. Captain Israel kept a steady hand on the ship, saw dolphins before anyone had an idea to even be looking, and gave us the best sunset view you could ever hope for. Snorkeling was great too! Eagle Rays, Pufferfish, Angel Fish, Sea Urchins, Needlefish, fish everywhere. But what I liked best was that as the sun set I looked around and noticed all the other tours were already quickly motoring back to the harbor. Captain Israel sat quietly and continued to watch the pink and orange sky unfold all around us. He gave us the time to really be in the moment with our families. When it was almost dark, he slowly turned the boat home. Amazing afternoon and evening and worth every penny. Thank you Kuna Vela for a most excellent experience!

– Chris Briggs | Google
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A Sailor evaluates this sailing experience.

The owner, Clint, his captain and crew were excellent as sailors... photographer, chef.... as well as serving us our drinks and food and assisting us on shore... I am personally a sailboat sailor, racer, and sailing instructor.. Safety and comfort are the priority for this ship and her crew... The boat is a very large... sea worthy..... and well maintained . You will not regret scheduling a party or private event with this company...Clint is an A+

– R. Gene Lovelace | ASA sailing instructor.. USA - TripAdvisor
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The sunset sailboat ride on Kuna Vela was amazing!

The boat is beautiful! Clint is great at organizing everything and making sure everyone has a great time! Captain Isreal is very knowledgeable and funny - he even has a playlist all timed out so that the sun sets as the last song finishes!! First Mate Andrés is so attentive - he is a great photographer, takes many incredible pictures, and makes sure everyone has plenty to eat and drink the whole ride! The snorkeling was great! So many things to see! This really was the highlight of our trip in beautiful Costa Rica! We will definitely be back and do this again!! I HIGHLY recommend this trip!! Read less

– Julie K | TripAdvisor