planet dolphin catamaran manuel antonio

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Biological Reserve & Environmental Education Center

Planet Dolphin Catamaran

• Min. Pax 12 - Max. Pax 100

Deposit $25

5-9 years (0-4 $5)

Deposit $15

Plus 13% Tax

Reservations based on availability

Have a question?

• Visit our FAQ

This tour is NOT done inside Manuel Antonio National Park.

Cruise along the Majestic Manuel Antonio National Park coastline with the pioneers of THE family-friendly Eco Adventures.

Watch for migrating Humpback Whales (Sep-Nov), local dolphins, and marine life.

Swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters of Bahia Biesanz, enjoy a delicious meal & Discover the true meaning of the word paradise as you relax and enjoy the Pura Vida (“pure life”) in this beautiful paradise surrounded by the lush green landscape and the soothing sounds of the ocean.

If you have chosen a summer afternoon departure, you may even be able to view a romantic sunset on the way back to shore as an added bonus.

Let us take you on an unforgettable trip on one of Costa Rica ’s most beautiful places Manuel Antonio.

Children from 0 to 4 years pay $5 for transportation.

In case of a private tour, the tour operator will contact you 72 hours prior to your tour date, in order to charge 50% of the remaining balance of your private tour.

Restrictions: Kids 0-4 are free, a 5$ transportation fee will be charged per person. Please do not show up to the tour under the influence of any drugs or alcohol & please do not bring your own alcohol, as it is a family-oriented tour.

• Lunch/Dinner and fruits
• Alcoholic drinks (5 total) - beer is $3
• Dolphin Watching ( Not Guaranteed )
• Bilingual Guide
• Snorkeling Gear
• Sunset View (PM Tours only)
• Round trip transportation from Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Recommendations

• Bring Swimsuit
• Dry Clothes

Great crew and fun

Had a great time and loved seeing the dolphins! All over a wonderful trip!

I have done a few different boat tours in Costa Rica and this was the best. Great food, the barbecued fish was excellent, clean alcoholic drinks using fresh fruit mixes, showers to use after swimming in the sea, friendly and helpful staff, daring water slides and diving off the upper floor was fun. Could not fault it, felt wonderful to be on the catamaran.

Great experiencie

The crew deserves it all. Jorge is an excellent guide; he even takes the time to talk 1on1 with the passengers to make sure everything is perfect. Food is great. View is awesome. My 7yo and I had a great time. We will definitely book again with them.

Great crew, delicious food, beautiful trip!

We got super lucky, and saw both dolphins & a humpback whale with a baby – so exciting! It was a relaxing, fun trip with great music, helpful, informative crew, and yummy food. My kids loved the slide, and jumping off the boat!

Wow belle avant midi!

Super équipe sympathique et souriante! Le bateau était propre et pas trop chargé , musique pas trop forte mais juste assez pour donner une belle ambiance! Nous avons vu 2 tortues et 2 baleines 🙂

C’était magique!

Le repas de brochettes et salade de pâtes était excellent!

Great catamaran experience

The boat and crew were fantastic. A real highlight of our family trip.

Incredible experience and wonderful crew!

The experience was really well organized with pick up and return to our hotel. The crew were super friendly and let my two sons steer the catamaran for a while. They were also flexible so that when dolphins were spotted, they were on it and took us to see them. The dinner was surprisingly tasty and plentiful (same with the drinks!). I’d highly recommend the cruise.

We had an amazing time!! We saw three humpback whales, lots of fish, and a beautiful sunset!! My 5 and 8 year olds had the time of their lives. Thank you!!

Wonderful and fun

I love the way how the educated us, and in the book him. And we had to jump out. It was the best experience of my life

Definitely recommended

We went on the boat, and from the beginning the crew were so Nice, and offered drinks. After a while of sailing we saw dolphins and then we went snorkling and jumped from the boat. It ended with dinner while watching the sunset. Amazing tour

Super relaxing experience with lovely crew. So great to see Manuel

António from the water and had great food!

Best catamaran we have taken

We have two young kids and have done another catamaran in tamarindo and one on the big island of Hawaii. This was by far the best. The staff was fun with the kids. They made them super comfortable with the masks. And the fish – both in the water and for dinner – was great.

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• Enter Costa Rica
• Manuel Antonio Tours

Catamaran Cruise - Planet Dolphin

Free vacation planning.

Looking for a unique way to relax and unwind? If so, the Planet Dolphin Catamaran Cruise along the Manuel Antonio coast is a great activity to add to your trip.

After you are picked up from your Manuel Antonio hotel, you will be brought to the Pez Vela Marina in Quepos where the Planet Dolphin boats are docked. Then you will board the catamaran and be on your way.

As you navigate south, you will pass by islands and incredibly beautiful coastline. The hills of Manuel Antonio are covered with rainforest that extends all the way to the beaches and rock outcroppings. It truly is a magical sight, almost as though you are viewing a live Jurassic Park!

Along the way a guide will be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, birds and sea turtles. Dolphins can be observed nearly year round and frequently cruise along next to the boat. Whales from both hemispheres pass through at different times of the year, though the best time is in the heart of the rain season, September. Sea turtles can be seen year round with the best possibilities between May and November. Of course, you must keep in mind that in nature, nothing is on demand and this is not a wildlife observation tour.

After a while you will reach Playa Biesanz. The boat will anchor and then you will be able to swim and snorkel. Manuel Antonio is not the best area for snorkeling, but you may be able to see some of the 50 species of tropical fish that inhabit the area.

While the swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing and possible marine life observation are all fun, this activity is all about having a good time, taking it easy, and relaxing. Natural fruit drinks, Costa Rican coffee, and cocktails are included. A tasty lunch with plenty of variety will be served as well. Those that reserve the afternoon tour will have a late lunch, so a light meal or snack a couple hours before the trip is recommended.

When choosing your tour time, keep in mind that there are pros and cons to each time slot. The morning tour usually has calmer waters and a lower risk of rain. The afternoon tour has a great sunset view on clear days as you sail back to harbor.

It is important to mention that between the months of May to November there is usually a period of rain in the area so the Catamaran services will be offered exclusively during the morning.

After the cruise you will be returned to your hotel. The tour with transfers included is expected to last around four hours, though this is subject to change. This relaxing and fun tour includes transportation, lunch, and drinks. The included transportation is from Manuel Antonio area hotels. A surcharge is applied for transportation from other zones and is not included in online rates.

• Catamaran cruise along the Manuel Antonio coast
• Swim and snorkel at the exotic Playa Biesanz

What to Bring

• Bathing Suit
• Insect Repellent

Location and Availability

The Catamaran Cruise - Planet Dolphin is available from Dominical, Herradura, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Palo Seco-Esterillos area

Cancellation Policy

Catamaran Cruise - Planet Dolphin: Cancellation Policy

Latitude: N 9° 24' 23.61" Longitude: W 84° 10' 3.48"

• Overall 87% (532 Guest Ratings)
• Experience: 85.8%
• Expectations: 84.6%
• Guides: 89.5%
• Logistics: 88.2%
• Value: 86.9%

The food and everything else was wonderful!

Such a fun ride and very family friendly on the early outing. The staff served us fresh juice and adult drinks as soon as we departed. The food was excellent. We loved the views of whales and dolphins. We also enjoyed the stop for snorkeling and got to see more fish than expected despite the warnings about cloudy waters. We were surprised how much fun they let us have jumping off the boat and riding the slides. The music was fun. The views were great. What a great last excursion for our vacation!

Amazing staff amazing cruise, we didn't know how to swim but the staff helped us during the snorkeling activity and made us feel safe. We were lucky to see the humpback whales.

Food/Lunch was sub-par.

The tour wasn't bad, the boat was fun, the guides were ok and the food for lunch was very good. The snorkeling was awful though. The water was very cloudy, you couldn't see anything a few feet away. Barely any fish, no coral or anything else to see, etc. That was the reason we chose the excursion and we were very disappointed.

The snorkeling was bad. The food was good, the trip was scenic, but Ididnt feel the crew tried to engage with the passengers at all.

We would have preferred a smaller boat with less entertainment.

Lots of fun, great lunch and good drinks. Would do it again.

This was a party boat, not the tour/excursion we were expecting but the kids had fun.

This was basically a booze cruise or a party boat. It definitely did not feel appropriate to have my two elementary aged children on the boat. The crowd on the boat was drinking and screaming and dancing suggestively. We made the best of it and mostly enjoyed it. Although we did not see any dolphins which we had very much been hoping to. We'd initially booked for the morning and think that would have been a better choice for family

Great fun saw many many fish, food was good staff were very tentative.

Not a lot of fish to see for snorkeling. Only had fish for dinner. If you don’t eat fish You would be very hungry by the time you finished the 6 hours from start to finish.

Loved the cruise and snorkeling

We loved this experience! Jorge was a perfect guide and he and Esteven were so kind and attentive, bringing us drinks, conversations, and explaining the sealife. We saw humpback whales and dolphins, snorkeled with tropical fish, slid down the bumpy slide and jumped from the upper deck of the boat! The drinks were great and the food was really good! The sunset was lovely and it was a great final excursion before our trip ended. A great way to end out trip! During a trip to the bathroom, we missed the bus back to our hotel. While looking for a place to catch taxis, we ran into Jorge and Esteven. We asked them if they knew where we could catch a taxi, and they were kind enough to give us a ride back to our hotel themselves! We could not believe how kind everyone was and we are very very grateful to have been taken care of so well. These guys went above and beyond. I hope they are rewarded generously for such excellent service! Gracias Esteven and Jorge!!!

So much fun. Would absolutely do this again.

Snorkeling time was short. Music was too loud. During sunset it would have been nice to have no music or have soft /gentle music in tune with beautiful sunset.

Guides made this a lot of fun and the dinner on the catamaran was great. Could have used some snacks with the drinks.

LOVED this excursion!

We did not see any animals. Delicious juices and AMAZING lunch! Fun slides and swimming.

Excellent lunch was provided on the cruise and plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling.

The trip itself was a lot of fun, the snorkeling was great, the lunch was great. There were just too many people, the music was really loud. Other people were having a great time. We didn't realize how "big" this would be. Just not our taste.

Great cruise all round.

We absolutely loved this trip. I would add on the description that this is not an appropriate trip for kids. There was a very young child on this trip and this was not the atmosphere for a child. Very much adult, have a good time event. We loved it

Music was loud and not much to see. The food was good.

What a great way to end our trip. We were treated to a delicious dinner and a beautiful sunset!! The crew was very friendly and worked hard to make sure we all had a fun time.

This was a fine tour and the slides/deck jumping activities were very fun. We were slightly disappointed with the snorkeling due to the number of boats/people in the area, but otherwise this was a fine tour.

My only complaint would be that I wish we could have stayed on the boat al little longer! It was a great day, the food was delicious, the sights were beautiful, and the overall adventure was fun.

Great tour, our boat wasn't overcrowded so easy to social distance. Food, snack and drinks were excellent. Workers were helpful. The boat was clean and big. We were lucky to be able to see dolphins and turtles. Great and fun experience.

Great drinks and music and so glad we got to see so many dolphins! Staff were all friendly. Rain in the morning but cleared up by the time we were snorkelling. Not a ton to see in the water though. The cruise, drinks and music was all fun though.

This cruise was a blast. Very beautiful scenery, lunch was delicious, and snorkeling did allow us to see several species of marine life despite being a small area. I do wish there was more time to snorkel as it did feel rushed. Be aware the slide will leave you sore if you aren't in your teens anymore. Overall a very fun trip!

This was such a relaxing cruise! I love being on the water in any form, and the catamaran was spacious and comfortable. The music was fun, the other people polite, and the crew was amazing. They offered free juices, which were delicious, and a great lunch. Jumping off the top of the boat was wild! It was a fun and chill end to my Costa Rica adventure.

We had the best boat bcs it had the steepest slide! And nice crew!!

Staff made the tour fun. Water wasn't super clear for snorkeling but still a wonderful experience

Very nice boat ride with exceptionally delicious meal.

Very laid back and relaxing, which was good. Staff are really friendly and helpful. Would recommend.

Not able to snorkel due to low visibility

This was not a good one. Too much people snorkeling around on small "stone". We did not see many fishes, the water was not clean .

Snorkeling was good but not great. Good lunch !

We took the afternoon tour and it's hard to beat the view of the sunset. However, for me this was just okay, although enjoyable out on the water. The guide said at the beginning they would give us a history of the area as we toured, which did not happen. Snorkelling was okay, saw lots of fish, but there were so many other tours there we only got to spend about 1/2 hour in the water snorkelling. Very limited area to snorkel in, again, with at least 3 other tours. Food was okay, but nothing really special. Guides seemed to be in a big hurry and it definitely felt rushed. Overall it was alright. Transport went smoothly but very crowded.

Loved the experience- very relaxing! My friend was disappointed that she was not guided on snorkeling since she does not know his to swim.

driver to pick us up forgot to get us/couldn't find the hotel so he kept on going. We called and was told to wait a few more minutes. When it was clear no one was coming, the provider ent a cab to pick us up.

Snorkeling is for a short time and not that many fish to see

Great location, boat, and swimming. Only downside is that the drinks were definitely watered down. The bar tender was pouring full shots into the cup but i am sure that the booze was cut down beforehand. Not a huge deal but a bit disappointing.

Could not snorkel due to poor water quality which was a bummer, but was able to see some whales which made up for it!

Our guides were so incredible and we got to witness a whale breech super close to our boat! So many dolphins and got to see some beautiful fishies while snorkeling. Best part of our trip to Costa Rica!

Amazing cruise!

Another favorite excursion!!!

It was a pity that the weather was not great for our trip so the snorkeling was cancelled due to the water not being clear. The boat was excellent, spacious and perfect for this trip. We were able to see plenty of dolphin swimming with the boat which was a wonderful experience. The fish skewers were rather over cooked and dry but otherwise the food and drink was good.

The boat ride was lovely-no mention of Dolphins while we were out on the water, so I guess none around.Also unfortunately the water was not good for snorkeling(according to the guides,and they would know best but overall it was a nice experience.

Saw dolphins and had a beautiful sunset.

The staff was great, the boat was fun and the food and drink were very good. We were very disappointed in the snorkeling. Had we known, we would have skipped this.I've heard snorkeling wasn’t great on the pacific side, yet expected more. Also, there were no dolphin sightings, which was also disappointing. That said, we did have a fun time out on the ocean and the views were beautiful.

Nice tour on the water, but not much experienced over as under the water. Water was not very clear.

Picked us up very late. Staff was friendly. Food was good. Drink options could be better. Overall, a very good experience. Slide was fun and we saw dolphins!

Great day on the water - would have loved to see a dolphin but did not.

Fewer people on boat would be better. Heard the bathrooms were awful, so I didn’t use it.

To us, a catamaran means a sailboat - a quiet boat with at most a dozen passengers. Not a huge dirty party boat full of heavy drinkers, bomarded by techno reggae! The mini bus was overpacked with sweating bodies. The seats were designed for 2 children, not 2 adults. It took more than an hour to pick everyone up and get to the marina, 15 minutes away. The crowd was loud and drunk. The “giudes” did no guiding, just servd some very bad food (fossilized fish kabobs) and a lot of drinks. The snorkeling was poor. Way too crowded, very few fish. The only saving grace was whale sightings at the end. The bus ride hone was awful. First we had to wait for a long hot time for passengers who were busy buying more alcohol which they then started passing around the bus. After dropping off 22 people, the bus got stuck on a steep rubble riad and could not get traction. Burning rubber, leaked transmission fluid, calls for help, numerous hair raising attempts to back up and retry...we feared tipping over. What a day.

A fun experience but the dinner they serve is pretty basic..Also we were not informed that we would be sitting on a bus picking up other tourists.

A bit too much of a party boat for us. The spent 20 minutes at the start selling the photo packages. The meal was good. Snorkeling was not very good. The sunset was beautiful. I had to wear a life jacket going down the water slide. Gave me a sore neck when the life jacket hit the water but did not go under.

no fault of the tour operator but we happen to pick the day that a very loud and obnoxious group of people went on our journey. Meal was very nice. Enjoyed view and snorkeling.

Loved the boat and the sunset cruise. The "rock" that we snorkeled around seems to have been adversely affected by the multitude of people who are snorkeling on and around it. I had heard of nicer "coral reefs' in the area and had hoped to go to a nicer one to snorkel. There was no color left to this reef and while there were some fish, there didn't seem to be many. Again, too many people. On the other hand, the food they served was really good and the staff and their instruction and guidance from start to finish were very good.

We loved seeing the sunset and the food they served was really good!

Nice relaxing final day.

Driver pick us up at Hotel on time and change to big Van. They took us a Marina.Very nice Cruise and end up beautiful sunset. I would recommend a friend.

Although we were late starting this tour exceeded my expectations. Wonderful crew and mix of young enthusiasts This old fella loved the high slide, jumping in the ocean, great meal and music and dancing and beverages. Great great final excursion into the sunset.

Nice relaxing tour. Great time of year to go, only 26 passengers, out of 120 person capacity. That would have been very crowded on this boat.

Guides were all lovely, we saw humpback whales and the guides knew so much about them, was very interesting to learn more and great to see them.

We were lucky enough to see 6 to 7 whales! but the water was too murky to snorkel. The communication while waiting to get from the marina to the boat was a bit unclear and chaotic though it all worked out fine My son hurt his head on the water slide into the water though he closely followed their directions. He is fine now but was unclear at the time why he wasn't warned

it did rain most of the time, cold. Drink were free except beer - i do not drink the strong stuff, so no beer option for the $$ spent... we could not understand the guide when he spoke english. We are only 49/53 so not hard of hearing yet. Speaker and engine did not mix well.

The pick up bus did not have us on their list and was 30 mins late. This was after having spoken with the catamaran company twice.

was a little on the boring side

Beautiful relaxing trip

We had fun, but the snorkeling left something to be desired.

The snorkeling was mediocre but everything else was fine. The guys are not really guides but were adequate

It was a lovely cruise. The snorkeling was fair, but we were able to see dolphins from the boat early on.

I expected to actually sail. The snorkelling part was underwhelming.

We really enjoyed this. There were no guides per se. They went out of their way to make us enjoy the experience.

Another great adventure!

Fun catamaran cruise, but no dolphins, no whales, and very mediocre snorkeling with just a few varieties of fish. Good eats on board and friendly staff.

Terrible food and overall not worth the money/time spent.

Very fun! Saw dolphins, not too many but a couple. The drinks and food were incredible as well as the dip in the ocean. Wish this was a longer excursion.

Very fun. But snorkeling was so so. No coral and very few fish. Water was stirred up.

The snorkeling wasn't what I expected. The water was cloudy and I we couldn't see any fish unless someone fed them.

Pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The snorkeling isn't outstanding, but there were a lot of fish.

This was more of a booze cruise than anything. Unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins. The sunset was lovely. Buffet dinner very average to poor. snorkelling a joke - a small rock with very few fish. The people outnumbered the fish by a lot. Of all our excursions this was the only one we didn't like. I was surprised based on everything else recommended that this made the cut. Too many people.

The snorkeling itself was not fantastic, cloudy water with little to see and the entire group was stung by something in the water but the overall trip, the boat, the water slide, the scenery, the crew, the food, the drinks and the sunset were amazing! Would do it again for sure!

The tour was way more commercial than we liked for our own personal taste. We have done other catamaran curises on similar boats with much smaller groups. We don't like the loud music, etc. Both my husband and son were stung by jellyfish at the snorkelig spot. Would not promote the spot as a good place to snorkel - even without the jellyfish. Beautiful view of coast. Lunch was served at 3:30 - much later than I would call lunch - we were starved.

too big of group. People over took any fish there was to see

Very nice and accommodating staff. Lunch quality was average - fish was tough and not tasty. Snorkeling quality was only average to poor. Nice boat ride. We found and sailed with dolphins which was very nice.

Snorkeling not good at all.

The tour was fun and seeing dolphins was a bonus ... the snorkeling left something to be desired

Not really geared towards people with children. Experience was ok at best.

Great crew, food, music, etc... Loved jumping off the top of the catamaran and sliding down the water slide.

We had a great time on this cruise! The food was lovely, the guides were too and we did see some lovely dolphins. I wished we had had the opportunity to snorkel a bit more. This felt rushed, and because there was a time factor, I wasn't able to enjoy the activity as I wanted to. The guides were very nice, and the boat was almost empty, so it was even better!

The catamaran boat was very nice and comfortable. We did indeed see dolphins on the tour. They provided drinks and a nice lunch too. The snorkeling conditions were not the best, but we did see some fish and had a blast jumping from the upper deck.

The food was very good. The guides were very good.

Fun but the snorkeling area did not have the variety of sea life I was hoping to see

Didn't see any dolphins, but not the fault of the crew. They made up for it with interesting information, time for playing in the water, and a wonderful meal. Fun getting to know the other passengers!

Not great fish to view but he crew were awesome, food and drinks great a very relaxing afternoon

The tour went smoothly and the sunset was gorgeous. I was disappointed in the snorkeling. The visibility was not good and there were three boats of people trying to snorkel around the same rock (too crowded).

food was spectacular, guides were friendly and made the trip pleasurable. of course, snorkeling was uneventful. the free cocktails weren't worth consuming but that's okay.

For some reason I expected a much smaller, more intimate vessel. This felt very commercial and touristy. The snorkelling is not worth the trip, and the cruise on the water is just average. The food was excellent, but I would skip it and save my money for something more meaningful.

Loved everything about this from the snorkelling to the good and cocktails to seeing dolphins and the sunset. The crew took our safety and wellbeing very seriously. Totally perfect

The outfitter was professional and the lunch was great. Unfortunately, three boats full of tourists arrived at the reef at the same time to scuba dive. There reef was only large enough to accommodate 1 boat, so it wasn't a very enjoyable experience.

This was probably my favorite tour. It was so relaxing and loads of fun! The sunset on the Pacific was absolutely breathtaking!

This was a nice, relaxing tour. We met some people who grew up in our home town in Texas--small world! The dinner was enjoyable and the scenery was nice. The snorkeling was not the best, but the sunset and the Brown Boobies made up for it.

it felt like almost a private tour since there were only 16 people in our whole group on the large boat. We loved the staff, the food and the experience.

The catamaran was amazing. Even though I had something smaller pictured in my mind, I never gave it another thought. Even with a full ship, you still felt at ease and had plenty of room to find your own place to savor the views and sunset. The meal was an added bonus and was delicious. Snorkeling and jumping off the ship and slide were highlights I hadn't expected to experience.

Snorkeling was poor. The site was dirty and there were no fish or coral.

the food was very good

We opted out of the snorkel part and just enjoyed the boat trip. On the boat they indicated that the visibility was not very good.

Amazing tour! Great staff and delicious food!

This tour totally exceeded my expectations! The boat was big and comfortable and the staff was warm and welcoming. The "little rock" we snorkeled around for an hour had an incredible number and variety of fish that we haven't seen since snorkeling in the Tahitian Islands. They fed us great 'fish kabobs', healthy drinks (make of that what you will! LOL), and we got to see dolphins play in the wake of the catamaran, topped by a beautiful sunset. We were 'selling' this cruise to other visitors we met. Well done!

snorkeling spot was pretty bad and a lot of other groups in same area. Staff and food were very good.

serve an amazing lunch

This was more fun than I anticipated. Very relaxing, snorkeling was fun...even for a beginner! And the food was good. Great sunset and great way to end our vacation.

Tour bills as a dinner sunset cruise, they actually serve lunch not dinner. Food was great but we thought we were getting dinner so we ate lunch prior to the tour. Disappointed in the alcohol, very watered down. Staff was super friendly and helpful.

Lots of fun on this cruise, wanted to spend longer time snorkeling though. the food was great! We saw lots of dolphins!

Very nice, pretty views and fun to go snorkeling - nice for last afternoon - we did not see dolphins which they had thought we probably would.

Great, and the grilled tuna kabobs were delicious! The snorkeling spot was a bit crowded with 2 other boats besides our own. That's the only reason it's not all tens.

Wonderful crew on the boat. Great food also. This was a lot of fun!

This was okay but the snorkeling was very crowded with other tours and the water was not clear at all

Not my kind of trip. Little to do.

Staff was GREAT - snorkeling wasn't too good but the overall experience was a highlight of our trip!

Lots of fun beautiful views and loved the dolphins. Good food on the tour also.

Great food and snorkeling.

The crew was great pointing out The Whale and her Baby, Turtles. The lunch was deliscious and the swim was refreshing

Great adventure.

Enjoyed it. Good food and drinks.

This was a bit disappointing. We drove around collecting the other passengers and spent 3 hours on the catamaran looking at beautiful Costa Rica but no sea animals. The guides were good and food adequate. We snorkeled in murky ocean water and still saw nothing. The guide informed us that this was due to the rainy, winter season. We understand that sea animals may not be cooperative for tours but the snorkeling should have been better. We did not feel the value was there.

I rated it less as I thought the trip was going to be longer & the lunch was limited with nothing that my grandkids would eat. A hot dog or hamburger would work, as many kids do not like fish.

The tour was great. The staff was very friendly and were ready to serve us drinks. The dolphins were very cool to see. The snorkeling stop seemed short but actually probably just the right amount of time to get a good feel for the activity. The water wasn't very clear though so it was hard seeing fish unless they were right in your face. Natures problem though not the tour company. The lunch was very very good....the food everywhere was amazing. But this was especially nice for a boat tour.

The snorkelling was extremely poor - the meal was OK, I understand you can't control what sea life we see but this was not the greatest.

One of the highlights of our trip! Perfect in every way! Highly recommend!

We were able to see plea try of dolphins, and the snorkelling was great! And of course with a free bar how do you go wrong

The boat ride, scenery, sunset, all were terrific. The snorkeling was disappointing.

Again, too many people on one boat, the snorkling was in groups with 50 other people, saw more legs than fish, it felt too turisty and crowded to us

Great meal, great service (head guide speaks fluent English and Spanish, impressive!), great fishes, kid loves jumping from the roof top of the boat.

The overall cruise was enjoyable. The location and crowd where we snorkeled was disappointing. Too many snorkelers in a small space with little sea life to see.

Beautiful boat, very large..... thankfully not full. A bit of crowding at the start. Food was good, staff good. Drinks were so so, but they were there. Include the beer in the trip (nobody will get intoxicated on the local beer :)), or give drinks chips if volume is an issue. -- Comfort was fine, but the snorkeling was a bust=no great. There was nothing to see under water, so I would just as well go swimming. The guide and the ocean view of the coast was amazing, as well as the "planned" sunset. Great day. Snorkeling, no bueno.

BEAUTIFUL AND FUN!

Fun day, good food.

Another highlight for us, we really enjoyed this activity. It was a small group, only about 20 people on a boat for 100, so lots of space. Food, snacks and drinks were wonderful. Guides were good, moving around to answer questions/chat as appropriate. The snorkeling was really fun and the slide on boat was fun too. Saw dolphins and flying fish, so overall was a really fun day!

Had a delightful time - even saw some dolphins.

I especially appreciated the guide helping me with snorkelling.

Had a lovely time. The meal was probably the best we had on the whole tour. Catamaran was not crowded. Nicely done.

The tour was lovely, the sunset amazing and the food wonderful. However, we didn't see any dolphins at all.

The snorkeling was lame; swim 50 feet to explore one rock and then come back, all the time surrounded by 200 people. But we had fun on the water slide and found dolphins right before sunset.

About us who is Planet Dolphin

Planet Dolphin is a family owned & operated company with over 25 years of experience in whale, dolphin and marine life observations.

We offer a personalized quality service and are committed to give our customers the very best experience possible.

One of our principal goals is to educate our clients on the conservation of our natural resources and protection of marine wild life.

Offering to the world sustainable eco tourism services with our continual efforts to achieve a neutral carbon footprint for future generations.

Every one of our boats has been built to fulfill a special purpose those seeking for a private intimate experience will love the Spanish Dancer, for those seeking for a combination of nature and party tour will love the Tom Cat I and Tom Cat II pack with fun features like slides and sunbathing areas.

Let us take you on unforgettable trip on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful places Manuel Antonio.

Quepos & Flamingo – Costa Rica

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QUEPOS: Office: (506) 2777-1647 Whatsapp: (506) 8417-6449 FLAMINGO: Whatsapp: (506) 6028-8250

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Manuel Antonio Catamaran

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The Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour is available in both Morning and Afternoon-Sunset tour full of beautiful views and marine exploration along the stunning pacific waters of Manuel Antonio.

We will navigate our way around the various islands and along the beautiful Pacific Coastline. Gliding along the blue waters in search of playful dolphins we will pass along jagged rock formations and towering cliffs that host numerous varieties of nesting marine birds. Snacks and refreshments are included in the trip.

After gliding along the coast and bays we will stop in a protected bay where the waters are calm and the reefs are healthy. Be sure to bring your bathing suit — you will have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel at a popular dive site. Keep a look out for tropical fish and colorful coral while the crew prepares a delicious meal that includes local produce, tropical fruits, and fresh bocas — skewers of meat and fish. The tour also comes with a variety of refreshments.

Most visitors take this tour aboard the Tom Cat, which can take groups of up to 150. It has comfortable seating and provides a smooth ride. Typically you and your group will join a larger group for the tour.

Note: From May 1st to November 30th - for safety reasons - this tour is only operated in the morning because in the afternoon the rain could be very strong.

What to Bring

Comfortable fresh clothes, sunglasses with strap, bathing suit, waterproof camera, sandals, sunscreen, soft-soled shoes or sandals and towel.

What's included

Bilingual guide, snacks, lunch and beverages, round trip transportation from hotels in Manuel Antonio.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

Good lively tour. The food on the boat, fish kebabs, were amazing! Good to see the sunset too. Slightly disappointed not to see any sea life but appreciate that this is not guaranteed.

We are old but the boat trip was a lot more fun tha we expected.

More Comments

Similar things to do

We invite all our friends and visitors to enjoy an outstanding naturalist tour with amazing views of the Manuel Antonio National Park on board our catamaran. Enjoy great company and recreational fun during this half-day excursion Choose between our morning and afternoon tour.

The Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour combines elements of some of the most popular tours - whale/dolphin watching and snorkeling - into one rip-roaring, exciting day of adventure.

A challenging half-day journey along the coastline of Manuel Antonio, this ocean kayaking adventure takes you past islands and inlets for incredible views and bird watching.

More things to do →

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Planet Dolphin catamaran

Experience the ‘Pura Vida’ with a adventurous day on this catamaran cruise from Quepos. Sail along the shoreline of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most majestic coastlines in Costa Rica. Swim & snorkel in the clear waters of Biesanz Bay. Soak up the Pacific sun while enjoying the views with a cold beverage. Enjoy a delicious grilled buffet meal, cruise past tropical islands and white sand beaches searching for dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife.

-Duration: 3.5 hours

-Start times: 9am or 2pm (depending on your preference)

-Included: local transportation ( Quepos & Manuel Antonio area), certified bilingual crew, natural fruit beverages, buffet gourmet lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, cocktails, fresh Fruits, coffee, waterslides, trampoline tanning nets.

-Not included: gratuities, towels, beer (available for purchase $2 each can), carbonated beverages of any kind, transportation to and from Jaco-Los Sueños is not included in the price but can be provided at an extra cost if needed.

Price: $80 per person. All ages are welcome onboard!

Private charter rates: 0-50 people – $5,000, 51-70 people – $6,720, 71-80 people – $7,440, 81-110 people – $9,570.

For each tour, Native’s Way has carefully selected guides who have extensive knowledge of the area to guarantee an authentic Costa Rican experience for you.

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Planet Dolphin Catamaran Manuel Antonio

A relaxing afternoon cruise on a luxury catamaran.

• INFORMATION

Book online now!

Swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters of Bahia Biesanz, enjoy a delicious meal & Discover the true meaning of the word paradise as you relax and enjoy the Pura Vida in this beautiful paradise surrounded by the lush green landscape and the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Local Transportation (Quepos & Manuel Antonio)

Snorkeling equipment

Natural juices (Fruits, pineapple, hibiscus)

Cocktails (Cacique, vodka & rum after snorkeling)

Lunch (Grilled fish brochettes, pasta salad with mixed veggies, fresh fruits & Costarican coffee)

Waterslides

Sunbathing nets

Outdoor showers

Shared Tour (100 max)

Adult 10+ = $80 Child Ages 5-9 = $60 Infant Ages 4 and under = $8

Add 13% of taxes

Experience the ‘pura vida’ with a adventurous day on the BEST Catamaran Eco Adventure cruise from Quepos. Sail along the shoreline of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most majestic coastlines in Costa Rica Swim & snorkel in the clear waters of Biesanz Bay.

Soak up the Pacific sun while enjoying the views with a cold beverage. Enjoy a delicious grilled buffet meal. Cruise past tropical islands and white sand beaches, searching for dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife.

Learn interesting facts of Quepos & Manuel Antonio. Our veteran local crew members are ready to show you the BEST of COSTA RICA!

SELF DRIVE: 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM at Marina Pez Vela

Special Notes

• All of our boats have licenses, safety inspection certificates and insurance. Our captains and guides are seaworthy professionals and tourism industry veterans who always put the safety and well being of our customers first.
• The winds for sailing, clarity of the water & sight seeing of wild life ONLY depend on Mother Nature.
• Carbonated sodas are not included in any of our trips due to the tons of recyclable trash we have had to process.
• For safety reason we do not allow excessive consumption of licour in our excursions.
• For safety reasons all of our excursiones depend on sea and weather conditions.

Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY: Services canceled 0-48 hours before start time of tour: 100% Penalty Services canceled 48 hours or more before start time of tour: No Penalty

Cancellation Policy for Groups 10+ People Services canceled 0-48 hours before start time of tour: 100% Penalty Services canceled 2-7 days before start time of tour: 50% penalty Services canceled 7 days or more before start time of tour: No Penalty

Departure/Return Location

Departure time, not included, from our gallery.

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Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour: Choose the BEST for You

Are you looking for the best Manuel Antonio catamaran tour? You are in the right place!

Catamaran tours are one of the best ways to relax and enjoy a tropical destination, but when there are a ton of different tour options it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

One of my favourite days on my entire Costa Rica trip was the sunset catamaran tour.

Laid back vibes, snorkeling, delicious food, a stunning Pacific ocean sunset and great company; it cannot get better.

This breakdown list of catamaran tours in Manuel Antonio will discuss what each tour offers and who they are best suited for.

The Pacific Ocean of Manuel Antonio is calling you!

Some links in this Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour blog post are affiliate. If clicked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

My Top Picks: Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

Best Party Catamaran: Ocean King Catamaran Adventures Best Small Group Catamaran: Sunset Sails Best Family Friendly Catamaran: Iguana Tours Best Luxury & Private Catamaran: Catch & Relax

Table of Contents

The Best Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour: Which should you choose?

Ocean king catamaran adventures.

Ocean King Catamaran is the busiest catamaran Manuel Antonio has to offer. Allowance of 160 people on board, you are sure to have a party!

Expect a loud and fun atmosphere onboard Ocean King!

• Length of tour: 4 hours
• Tours: 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM (sunset tour)
• Included: jacuzzis (2), trampolines, slides, two sundecks, snorkeling, lunch/dinner, cocktails
• Amount of people: Maximum of 160 people
• Free pick up and drop off included in Manuel Antonio or Quepos area 
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible
• There is a 4 drink limit per person

This Manuel Antonio catamaran tour is great for: those who require wheelchair accessibility and those looking for the ultimate large party boat!

Click here to book the morning or afternoon, sunset catamaran with Ocean King.

Planet Dolphin

Planet Dolphin Eco Adventures is a popular, highly rated company that offers catamaran tours in Guanacaste Province as well as Manuel Antonio / Quepos.

Hop aboard and be rewarded with views of the gorgeous coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park. 

Planet Dolphin offers a few different catamaran options, as well as catamaran combos including hikes in Manuel Antonio National Park, canopy adventures and more.

• Length of tour: 3-4 hours
• Tours: 9 AM (morning tour), 2 PM (sunset tour)
• Included: snorkelling, onboard waterslide, buffet lunch (fish kebabs, pasta, fresh fruit), cocktails, wildlife sightings 
• Amount of people: Maximum of 75 per group
• Free hotel pick up and drop off within Manuel Antonio & Quepos area
• If you have a child aged 0-4 years of age it is $5 for transportation costs
• Beer = $3 per can, otherwise drinks included 
• Wheelchair accessible , however, they CANNOT to assist with boarding and disembarking

This Manuel Antonio catamaran tour is great for: those looking for a party environment!

Click here to book your Planet Dolphin catamaran tour (morning or evening option linked here).

Sunset Sails

Sunset Sails Tours was the first catamaran tour company in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica . Well established in the area, it makes sense they are the highest rated catamaran company. 

Although named Sunset Sails, they still offer two different tour options, an early morning tour and an afternoon (sunset tour).

Get ready to see some wildlife and snorkel to your heart’s content! 

• Tours: 9 AM – 12:30 PM, 2 – 6 PM (sunset tour)
• Included: Lunch or dinner depending on the tour, snorkeling, fruits, snacks, open bar
• Amount of people: Maximum of 35 per group
• Free pick up and drop off included in Manuel Antonio or Quepos
• Beer is not included 
• If needing a vegetarian option, let them know at booking

This Manuel Antonio catamaran tour is great for: those looking for a small group tour.

Book a Sunset Sails tour here (morning or afternoon options available).

Catch & Relax

Catch & Relax is a luxury yacht charter company that offers private tours; half day, full day and even multi day!

With perfect 5 star ratings on TripAdvisor , this is the best company to use if travelling with a small group and wanting to enjoy a lovely day on the Pacific ocean.

If you are wanting to stay overnight on board, this can be arranged with a smaller group. 

• Length of tour: 4 hours (half day), 8 hours (full day), 24+ hours (multi day)
• Half day: 7 AM or 12 PM (flexible)
• Full day: 7 AM (flexible)
• Multi day: flexible
• Included: snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, fishing
• Amount of people: Maximum 13 people, maximum of 6 people + crew for multi day trips

This Manuel Antonio catamaran tour is great for: those looking for luxury & private yachts. 

Book and inquire directly on their website.

Tucanes Tours

Tucanes Tours is a highly reputable tour company in Manuel Antonio that offers a number of different day trip and tour options in the area. 

Their specialties include; guided hikes in Manuel Antonio National Park, nature boat trips, canopy tours, jet ski tours, kayaking, fishing trips, beach parties & catamaran tours!

• Length of tour: 5 hours
• Tours: 8 AM & 1 PM (sunset tour)
• Included: snorkeling, snacks, lunch, open bar
• Amount of people: Large boat capacity (two story boat), not specified
• Free transportation pick up and drop off 
• Two story boat

Book directly on Tucanes Tours website here.

Iguana Tours

Iguana Tours is another Manuel Antonio tour company that offers a multitude of tour options, including catamarans. The company is highly reputable and offers a great time on many of their tours. 

• Length of tour: 4-5 hours
• Tours: 8 AM or 1 PM (sunset tour)
• Included: Snorkeling, water slide, kayaks, live music performance, lunch, snacks, cocktails
• Amount of people: Maximum 32 people
• Can book transportation from nearby towns for an additional fee ( Jaco or Dominical / Uvita )
• Under 6 years of age = FREE

This Manuel Antonio catamaran tour is great for: family friendly adventures! Children under 6 years are FREE !

Book directly on the Iguana Tours website here.

Pin the Catamaran Manuel Antonio Post for later!

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I create custom itineraries and activity guides starting at $25.00 CAD per day!

Final Thoughts on the Best Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour For YOU

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is by far my favourite region in the country (a close second to Arenal, Costa Rica ). The sunsets, wildlife, beaches, rainforests, and the people, all come together to create the perfect holiday environment.

A catamaran tour is one of the best ways to sit back and enjoy the ocean, get a little taste of the marine life in Costa Rica and be with amazing people for a day.

Each catamaran tour listed above has something for everyone. You are sure to find your perfect pick after reading through the options of catamaran Manuel Antonio has to offer.

Happy sailing along the Pacific Ocean!

Joanna Neander is the author and creator of Plan Before Land. She is dedicated to creating detailed travel itineraries to help the travel planner in you! Joanna's most visited continents include, North America, Central America & Europe. Asia coming soon! Join along on Joanna's travels.

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Quepos is a harbor town on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast with an area of 235.8 km². This town is named after the indigenous people of the area, the Quepoa natives. It’s known as a gateway to the famously known Manuel Antonio National Park. 

The park’s mangroves, lagoons and beach-lined rainforests shelter howler, white-faced and squirrel monkeys. Nearby sandy stretches include Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz.

The town of Quepos is very tourist friendly. It has a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, a marina, banks, post office, and shopping.

Elevation: 5 m Province: Puntarenas

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Moscow marks Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary

India’s Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra dwelt upon the contributions made by Swami Vivekananda. Source: Embassy of India in Moscow

This week, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, the Ramakrishna Society – Vedanta Centre and the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, jointly commemorated the 150 th  birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

In his opening remarks, India’s Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra dwelt upon the contributions made by Swami Vivekananda, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 19 th  / 20 th  centuries. The sage was a social reformer and a great scholar whose teachings influenced many across the globe and continued to do so even today. The Indian ambassador highlighted the message propagated by Swami Vivekananda that “service to God can be rendered by service to mankind.”  

Other prominent speakers on the occasion were Swami Jyotirupananda, Rostislav Rybakov and Mark Mokulsky who highlighted various aspects of the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda and their enduring contemporary relevance.

The Labour Valour Fund honoured Professor Rybakov and Swami Jyotirupananda with awards on the occasion.

Swami Jyotirupananda, president of the Ramakrishna Mission in Moscow, was the first speaker. He emphasised Vivekananda’s role as a fighter for the rights of the suppressed members of society in India. Jyotirupananda reminded that in India that April 15 - the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda – is celebrated not only by holding lectures and functions but also by holding charitable activities. During the 4 years from 2010 to 2014, special attention is devoted in India to helping women and children, as well as other members of society who are in need of support. Within the framework of the programme, children from poor families and orphans are fed, tended to by the doctors and given primary education. Another part of the action is the support of mothers.  There is also a moving exhibition of Vivekananda in train which travels from state to state.

Source: Embassy of India in Moscow

Jyotirupananda reminded the audience that Swami Vivekananda was the first person to suggest spreading the great Vedic wisdom across the world. “Scientists say that a human being is an economical and biological creature,” he said. “But this is not the whole truth. The wise philosophers even before Ramakrishna and Vivekananda spoke against it. The scientists say that they acknowledge the consciousness but they don’t understand its nature.”

Mark Mokulsky, Prof. and Dr. of physical and mathematical sciences at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, followed the discussion about Vievakananda by sharing his hypothesis on the connection between spirituality of Vedanta and genetic-molecular science. Mokulsky is very much interested in the in-depth interpretation of ancient religions. He spoke about a number of signs forming human genetic code and the mysteries ciphered in the ancient Vedic scriptures.   

Another eminent speaker Rostislav Rybakov, Indologist, Dr. of historical sciences and Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1994-2009, elaborated about the relevance of Vivekananda’s teachings to the issues Russia has to face in our day. Rybakov maintains that Vivekananda’s philosophy is very much on the agenda for Russia and Russians of the 21 st century.

He called Vivekananda a man that came from the future to teach people the great wisdom, and people are very slowly and gradually moving towards the understanding of his ideas.

Recalling the recent Day of Cosmonautics in Russia, Rybakov also quoted the legendary Yuri Gagarin who said: “India looks like a big human heart from the space.”  According to Rybakov, such an observation coming from the first cosmonaut shows that India represents the centre of spirituality for the world even at the sceptical epoch of scientific and technological progress.

Professor Rybakov believes that in the past Russia, which had a lot of things in common with India, has lost its traditional values. “Disrespect is one of the toughest issues that Russians have to fight today,” he says. “All kinds of disrespect. Disrespect towards people, towards history, towards law, and, finally, towards ourselves.”

Among the big problems of contemporary Russia, Rybakov singles out a lack of education, and, what he considers even worse, poor education; when a person has heard a little on every subject but doesn’t have profound knowledge on anything. This idea is intertwined with what Alexander Pushkin said in his famous work Evgeny Onegin about Russia’s high society in the 19 th century: “We all meandered through our schooling      haphazard; so, to God be thanks, it's easy, without too much fooling, to pass for cultured in our ranks.”

Rybakov believes that the only path to follow is to educate children from the youngest age, but not simply educating but imbibing them with moral and ethical values that will lay the foundation for their future view of the world. “The way that we need to go is lengthy, torturous and complex,” Rybakov says. But it is the only possible way.”

The finishing stroke of Rybakov’s speech was drowned in enthusiastic applause: “Recently, the French actor Gerard Depardieu has become an honourable citizen of Russia. But, in my view, Swami Vivekananda should become an honourable citizen of Russia, even after his death. We need him very much in our lives today.”

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Russia agrees ‘in principle’ to UN and Red Cross involvement in evacuations from Mariupol

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Russia has agreed “in principle” to UN involvement in the evacuation of citizens from the last remaining holdout in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, following a meeting between Secretary-General António Guterres and President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.

The UN chief, who was in the Russian capital for talks on the war in Ukraine, also met with the country’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

During his “tête-a-tête meeting” with President Putin, Mr. Guterres reiterated the UN’s position on Ukraine, according to a readout issued by his Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.

In Moscow, Secretary-General @antonioguterres met with Russian president Vladimir Putin and reiterated the UN’s position on Ukraine. They discussed proposals for humanitarian assistance & evacuation of civilians from conflict zones. Full readout: https://t.co/GqlxzmGYCT pic.twitter.com/trlqMwZsNX UN Spokesperson UN_Spokesperson

They also discussed proposals for humanitarian assistance and evacuation of civilians from conflict zones , namely in relation to the situation in the besieged port city of Mariupol, where thousands of civilians and Ukrainian troops remain holed up in the Azovstal steel mill.

“ The President agreed, in principle, to the involvement of the United Nations and the International Committee for the Red Cross in the evacuation of civilians from the Azovstal plant in Mariupol ”, said Mr. Dujarric.

He added that follow-on discussions will be held with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA , and the Russian Defence Ministry. 

‘Frank discussion’

Mr. Guterres told reporters that he had held “a very frank discussion” with Mr. Lavrov “and it is clear that there are two different positions on what is happening in Ukraine.”

Russia has said it is conducting a “special military operation” in Ukraine, while for the UN, the 24 February invasion is a violation of the country’s territorial integrity and goes against the UN Charter .

“But it is my deep conviction that the sooner we end this war, the better – for the people of Ukraine, for the people of the Russian Federation, and those far beyond,” he said.

Underlining his role as a “messenger of peace”, the Secretary-General recalled that the UN has repeatedly appealed for ceasefires to protect civilians, as well as political dialogue towards a solution, which so far has not happened.

Referring to the “violent battle” underway across the Donbas in eastern Ukraine, he noted that many civilians are being killed, and hundreds of thousands are trapped by the conflict, adding that repeated reports of violations, as well as possible war crimes, will require independent investigation for effective accountability.

Humanitarian corridors

“We urgently need humanitarian corridors that are truly safe and effective and that are respected by all to evacuate civilians and deliver much-needed assistance.”

The Secretary-General has proposed establishment of a Humanitarian Contact Group - comprising Russia, Ukraine and the UN - “to look for opportunities for the opening of safe corridors, with local cessations of hostilities, and to guarantee that they are actually effective. “ 

Addressing the “crisis within a crisis” in Mariupol, where thousands are in dire need of life-saving assistance, and for many, evacuation, he underlined the UN’s readiness to fully mobilize its human and logistical resources to help save lives.

Mr. Guterres has proposed that the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ukrainian and Russian forces, coordinate work to both enable the safe evacuation of civilians who want to leave Mariupol – both inside the last redoubt of the Azovstal steel plant, and in the city itself, and in any direction they choose – and to deliver humanitarian aid.

Global shock waves

Turning to the wider impacts of the war, the Secretary-General spoke of some of the “shock waves” being felt across the globe , such as the “dramatic acceleration” in food and energy costs, which particularly are affecting millions of the world’s most vulnerable people.

“This comes on top of the shock of the continued COVID-19 pandemic and uneven access to resources for recovery, that particularly penalize developing countries around the world.  So, the sooner peace is established, the better – for the sake of Ukraine, Russia, and for the world,” he said.  

“And it’s very important, even in this moment of difficulty, to keep alive the values of multilateralism,” he added.

The Secretary-General underlined the need for a world that is “multipolar”, that abides by the UN Charter and international law, and which recognizes full equality among States, in hopes that humanity will again unite to address common challenges such as climate change “and in which the only war we should have would be a war of those that put the planet at risk. 

The Secretary-General will be in Ukraine on Thursday where he will have a working meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and he will be received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Moscow vs St. Petersburg – Which One to Visit?

• Posted on July 31, 2019 August 3, 2019
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

When it comes to Russian girls and Eastern Europe generally, guys love to debate over which city has the hotter girls – Moscow vs St. Petersburg.

Some say they’re all the same; others say there are clear differences, while some locals will laugh then explain in autistic detail just how different every district of each city is but it doesn’t matter because you’re a foreigner and all you have to do is show your passport.

Doing comparisons can be difficult because at the heart of the matter; all cities share a similar energy that is transferrable from one country to the next. Cities all over the world attract a specific kind of mentality: those seeking careers, adventure, and anonymity. Yet certain cities seem to excel in certain things relative to others, which end up attracting certain kinds of girls. From the many cities I’ve traveled to, I can always distill the essence of the place to two overarching mindsets: business and culture.

For our purposes here we’ll be talking about Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Combined, their metro population is about 23 million, which is about 15% of the entire Russian Federation despite being clustered in a small part of Eastern Europe. In other words, it’s a very dense area.

Similarities between Moscow and St. Petersburg

Both cities attract girls from all over Russia , and also the former Soviet countries as well as parts of Eastern and Central Europe. We are talking full on megalopolises here. Both are based off the center, from which everything then sprawls out. Both have efficient transportation systems that make getting around the sprawl quite easy. Both attract lots of students and career-oriented girls. Both cities attract scammers yet in different ways. Both cities are exotic yet familiar to Westerners.

Some people freak out about “going to Russia” because the lying media claim it’s dangerous and you’ll be robbed. Pay no attention to them. These same scaremongers have been saying the same thing for 100 years, all while creating danger and crime in the West and promoting chaos outside their borders.

Keep in mind that Saint Petersburg was built with Westerners in mind and Moscow has so much money floating around that unless you’re hanging out in an Uzbekistani’s car in the boondocks 15 miles out, you’ll generally be safer than in New York or London.

You’re likely to meet girls from the surrounding regions and provinces of both Saint Petersburg and Moscow. This can give Saint Petersburg a slant towards a “Northern” local population while Moscow has a “Central” pull. It’s also possible to meet girls from Kazakhstan, Siberia and Ukraine quite easily as well and girls from one region who prefer the atmosphere in the other, say a Northerner who’s into finance, or a Southerner obsessed with poetry.

Girls in both cities are friendly, but don’t mistake that for easiness. Russian girls know their value and you’ll have to put in the time and work to get them to open up. A particular girl may really like you and the “3 date rule” may not apply, or a girl may be slutty for her local guys but see you as a possible resource (shiny foreigner), hence may make you wait. Expect dating to be more normal than one night stands, unless the girl is completely westernized with tattoos, strange hair and strange piercings.

Differences

Now the biggest difference between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is that of mentality. And this mentality permeates into the girl’s aesthetic. In general, Saint Petersburg attracts the more creative, alternative, hipster crowd while Moscow brings in the more businesslike, refined, upscale one. You can find classical looking practical girls in Saint Petersburg and green-haired drug-abusing ones in Moscow but in general these two cities have their distinct template aesthetic. In St. Petersburg I’d more often than not ask myself “What is she doing looking like that?” whereas Moscow I’d just focus on the girl herself.  This doesn’t mean the girls in Saint Petersburg are genetically ugly; merely the appearance decisions they make is more in line with fully Westernized cities.

Like Paris vs London or New York vs Boston, Moscow and Saint Petersburg have a rivalry. There’s more money flowing into Moscow than Saint Petersburg, yet more cultural capital going through Saint Petersburg. This may account for why girls want to look like a “work of art” in Saint Petersburg while Moscow girls don’t seem to care as much.

Muscovites don’t necessarily dress fantastically either though. The hiptsterization has spread there and you can see some pretty uninspired fashion. Luckily the city is big and competitive enough so you don’t need to pay attention to the hipsters.

While all Russian girls like to talk about philosophical, literary and artistic things, I’ve found Muscovites to be more practical and interested in talking business, career, ambition and such. As a man, it’s your job to steer the conversation in the direction you want, just be aware of the overarching mentality you’ll find relative to which city you’re in.

Now if a girl is indirectly inquiring into your resources from a standpoint of being a long-term provider and you’re looking for a long-term relationship, it’s up to you to gauge the situation. Just be careful about exuding the idea of foreign wealth. Just because you can provide, does not mean you don’t deserve to be loved for who you are. Do not get taken in by superficial beauty as the consequences can burn later.

Defining Sexy

Defining what makes a girl sexy is another hotly debated topic. I know guys who have clear preferences on Moscow vs Saint Petersburg. Some like Saint Petersburg because it’s “easier”, others like Moscow because the girls are “hotter”. Others say Saint Petersburg girls are nicer, while Muscovites are too conniving and cold. Since we’re dealing with so many experiences, variables and populations I can only nudge you in the direction you think will help your situation and tastes.

If your definition of sexy is alternative, Western looking mentality, cultured and unusual dress but not necessarily unattractive underneath, Saint Petersburg may be the place for you.

If your definition of sexy is dressed to the nines, long hair, hip sway while walking and a go-getting work hard play hard attitude, then the Moscow girl sounds more like your bet.

Moscow carries a more distinct Russianness than Saint Petersburg and you’ll feel you’re in a more exotic place, though still with 1 st world style amenities. Some guys hate how the city is sprawled out, others marvel in its splendor. The girls here can be friendly but deceitful. Flaking is epidemic. In that sense it’s a lot like London or New York. There’s so much distraction and commotion it’s hard to find ground sometimes.

More guys seem to prefer Saint Petersburg as its Russia without the Russianness. Europeans and Americans alike enjoy the familiarity mixed with a touch of exoticness. The girls are easy going and friendly, and since their passion is towards arts and culture, they have a more liberal and relaxed attitude. For such a large city you don’t feel they’re stressed in the same way financial centers are.

Cautionary Tales on Scammers

Regarding scammers: in Saint Petersburg, bless their hearts, they have scamming down to a perfectly technical science. It’s not as obvious as a stripper with a hot pink umbrella and tickets telling you to come to the bar. These girls will match you on a dating app, have a perfectly normal conversation, even go with you to a venue one, and then perform the bait and switch by the time you feel buzzed and comfortable.

This bait and switch usually involves going to a bar she works with, has you sit down with her, and then proceeds to order an absurdly overpriced drink for which she gets a cut. As long as you do not agree to the terms well before it gets thrown on you, nothing will happen. Do not follow her into a venue, no matter how much she insists. There may be a small chance she’ll want to show you some cool dive bar, but you can easily verify this with Google reviews.

It’s not just from dating apps, both in my and friend’s experience, girls will give you huge IOIs on the street or in the mall, flirt with you heavily and fast forward to venue two and you realize the bait and switch with the overpriced champagne.

While Russian girls are friendly, put your ego aside and think for a minute. Why is she falling head over heels for you? Is she that desperate? Are you her perfect match? Or is she trying to get one up on you? Stay dispassionate and screen for her intent if it sounds too good to be true.

Some girls may not be official scammers but they get a kick out of racking up a huge bill. She’ll pout and whine that you don’t like her if you don’t give her what she wants. I find it so infantile that I usually end up walking out right then and there. You can try and laugh it off and game on, but be very careful around that kind of girl.

In Moscow, I’d say the girls are more businesslike and up-front in their scamming. You can feel it coming a mile away. They want to go to the obviously overpriced venue. They’re dressed in a revealing but kind of strange way, “working sexy” instead of “girly sexy” may be a way to put it. Think of bartenders trying to maximize business, but with more dress than jeans.

They want the most expensive thing right away and will shame you for not opening your bank account for her in 5 minutes. The high end clubs will even hire these girls to officially flirt with you then get you to order ridiculously priced drinks. Of all the scams, this one can be the worst as you’re in a normal venue under the influence, yet they’re working behind the scenes with the staff to scam you.

Once you can see these scams coming, they become obvious as the algorithm unfolds. As long as you keep your wits about, have your ego in check and screen properly you should be mostly able to avoid these scams. As the old saying goes, you can’t cheat an honest man. Become honest by questioning a girl’s extreme forwardness mixed with demands. Don’t just fall for her beauty.

Since sexiness can be subjective and I’ve seen first-hand how different friends clearly prefer certain cities, all you have to do is ask yourself where do you feel more at home? Moscow and Saint Petersburg have distinct personalities, and its likely one clicks more with you than the other. It may not even be the girls.

Some guys prefer certain city layouts which end up giving them a better vibe to approach girls and have more positive experiences. Other guys don’t mind sticking it out in a depressive sh**hole in search of glory. Ultimately the subjectivity of sexiness depends on what a man is looking for: how much more of rabbit vs a wolf he is in terms of sexual strategy, and where his personality and interests nudge him towards.

Start meeting Russian women online with the best dating app for long-term relationships:  Russian Cupid .

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The Moscow Kremlin – Iconic Fortress of Russia

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The Moscow Kremlin (known also as the Kremlin ) is arguably one of the most iconic monuments in the Russian capital of Moscow. The Kremlin is a fortified complex that dates to the 14 th century and served as Russia’s seat of power for much of its history since then. The Kremlin, however, was not only Russia’s political heart but also its religious center.

Many churches and cathedrals were built on the grounds of the Kremlin. Moreover, the Kremlin is also the seat of the Patriarch (known as Metropolitan during certain periods of Russia’s history) of Moscow, the spiritual head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today, the Kremlin is also a popular tourist destination spot for those visiting the Russian capital.

The Kremlin as a Fortress

Originally, the word ‘kremlin’ simply referred to a citadel or fortress in any Russian town or city. Today, however, the Kremlin refers specifically to the one in Moscow, which is also the most famous example of a kremlin. Incidentally, the etymology of this word is disputed and it may be of Tatar, Greek, or Russian origin.

The Kremlin is situated at the very center of Moscow. To the south of this complex is the Moskva River, to its east, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square, and to its west, the Alexander Gardens (one of the first urban public parks in Moscow).

Over the centuries, various structures were built (and destroyed) in the Kremlin, including palaces, churches, and various monuments. As a citadel, it is only natural that the Kremlin is surrounded by walls and defensive towers.

Although the Kremlin dates to the 14 th century, its history stretches back further into Moscow’s past. The earliest known reference to the city itself is found in the early Russian Chronicles . On the 4 th of April 1147, the Prince of Suzdal, Yury Vladimirovich Dolgoruky, is recorded to have thrown a banquet for the Prince of Novgorod-Seversky, one of his allies, in Moscow.

Later on, in 1156, Dolgoruky is reported to have built the town’s first fortified structure on the Borovitsky Hill, a piece of land between the Moskva River and one of its tributaries, the Neglinnaya River. This structure consisted of earthen ramparts topped by a wooden wall and blockhouses and is the predecessor of today’s Kremlin.

General view of the Borovitsky Hill where the Kremlin is located. (A.Savin / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

It may be mentioned that Dolgoruky’s fortification was not called a kremlin. Instead, it was known as a grad (which translates as ‘fortified settlement’).

During the invasion of Rus’ by the Mongols under Batu Khan , which lasted from 1236 to 1240, Moscow was sacked and burned the ground. The town was sacked again by the Mongols in 1293. Three years later, the grad was strengthened with a new earthen wall and an oak palisade.

The earliest instance of the Kremlin being called as such dates to 1331. It was also around that time that the first recorded stone structures in the Kremlin were built. This was due to a pivotal moment in Moscow’s history. In 1326, Saint Peter became the first metropolitan to reside in Moscow.

The Kremlin as the Center of the Church

Prior to Peter, Kiev was the center of the Russian Orthodox Church. When Peter took office, he moved his residence from Kiev, first to Vladimir, and then to Russia, upon the request of Ivan Kalita, the Grand Duke of Moscow. Peter prophesied that Moscow would emerge as the center of Russia, and that it would liberate the country from the Mongols.

Peter’s arrival in Moscow transformed the town into Russia’s spiritual center. It was necessary for this newly found status to be reflected and commemorated in appropriate monuments, i.e. churches. Therefore, Ivan began the building of the Cathedral of the Archangel, which was dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

This was where the rulers of Moscow, from Ivan Kalita to Ivan V, were buried. In addition, following Peter’s advice, the Cathedral of the Assumption (known also as the Cathedral of the Dormition), which was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was built. This cathedral would become Moscow’s main church and the place where all the tsars would be crowned.

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The Cathedral of the Assumption one of the churches of the Kremlin. (Andrey Korchagin / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 )

It has been hypothesized that both cathedrals were built on sites which were already occupied by churches, though these were wooden structures. Ivan’s cathedrals, on the other hand, were built of stone. Unfortunately, the original 14 th century structures have not survived till this day.

Fortifying the Kremlin and Russia

Between 1366 and 1368, the oaken wall of the Kremlin was replaced by one made of white limestone. This project was carried out by Dmitri II (known also as Dmitri Donskoi), the Grand Prince of Moscow, as he was preparing to challenge the authority of the Mongols. In addition to fortifying the Kremlin, Dmitri strengthened his position by subduing other Russian princes.

As for the Mongols, Dmitri kept them satisfied by paying them an annual tribute. When the Mongols were faced with internal conflicts, however, Dmitri seized the opportunity to rebel. He refused to continue paying tribute to them and encouraged the other Russian princes to join him.

In 1380, Dmitri defeated Mamai, the effective ruler of the White Horde (the western part of the Golden Horde), at the Battle of Kulikovo on the Don River (hence, Dmitri’s surname, ‘Donskoi’, meaning ‘of the Don’). This victory was short-lived, as two years later, Tokhtamysh, who overthrew Mamai and reunited the Golden Horde , captured Moscow, and sacked it. Dmitri pledged his loyalty to Tokhtamysh, continued paying the annual tribute to the Mongols, and had his positions restored.

Tokhtamysh in front of Kremlin before he sacked Moscow. (Shakko / Public Domain )

Tokhtamysh’s reunification of the Golden Horde was brief. By the end of the 14th century, the Golden Horde had broken up into smaller khanates, which then declined rapidly. While the Mongols were suffering from fragmentation, the Russians were united under Ivan III (known also as Ivan the Great ), the great-grandson of Dmitri II. In addition to the title of Grand Prince of Moscow that he held, Ivan adopted another one, Grand Prince of All Rus’, which demonstrated his dominion over the rest of Russia.

Moscow’s new imperial status was also announced through the reconstruction of the Kremlin. For this undertaking, Ivan invited skilled architects from Renaissance Italy, including Pietro Antonio Solari and Marco Ruffo to Moscow.

It was during Ivan’s reign that the Kremlin’s crenelated brick walls and towers (originally 18 but increased to 20 during the 17 th century) were built. Over the centuries, parts of the wall were demolished, damaged, and restored.

Nevertheless, some of the original 15 th century construction has survived to this day. Incidentally, the walls were painted red, the color of Communism and Revolution, under Stalin’s orders in 1947.

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow (Russian Federation). (UNESCO / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

The Cathedrals of the Kremlin

Apart from the walls and towers, a number of buildings were constructed by Ivan in the Kremlin. These include three cathedrals that are still standing today – the Cathedral of the Assumption (rebuilt from the earlier one between 1475 and 1479), the Cathedral of the Annunciation (completed in 1489), and the Cathedral of the Archangel (rebuilt from the earlier one between 1505 and 1508).

Other structures built during this period include the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, which served as the home church of the Metropolitans (and later, Patriarchs) of Moscow until the 17 th century, and the Palace of the Facets (known also as the Faceted Chamber), which served as a throne hall for state receptions. Moreover, Ivan the Great Bell Tower was constructed at this time.

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Domes of Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Kremlin. (Godot13 / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Although the tower was built between 1505 and 1508, it only attained its current height a century later. It was Boris Godunov, the first non-Rurikid tsar, who increased the tower’s height, and topped it with a gilded dome. Standing at a height of 265.7 feet (81 meters) the Ivan the Great Bell-Tower was the tallest building in Muscovite Russia.

Other Additions that Enhance the Kremlin

When the reconstruction of the Kremlin was completed, efforts were made to separate the citadel form the rest of the city. For instance, no structure was allowed to be built within the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin. Additionally, a 98.5 foot (30 meter) wide moat was dug around the citadel, so as to separate it from the neighboring Kitay-gorod (known also as the Great Possad), the city’s walled merchant town.

View of part of the moat built around the Kremlin. (Ludvig14 / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

New structures, however, were added within the walls of the Kremlin by successive Muscovite rulers. As an example, during the 17 th century, after the Romanovs came to power, the Armorial Gate, the Terem Palace, and the Amusement Palace were built. The first no longer exists, the second served as the residence of the tsars, while the third was constructed for Ilya Miloslavsky, the father-in-law of Alexei, the second tsar of the Romanov dynasty.

One of Alexei’s sons was Peter, known also as Peter the Great , who became sole ruler of Russia in 1696. Peter is best-known for his modernization of Russia, and one of the things he did to achieve this was to establish a port on the Baltic Sea, which allowed Russia to conduct trade with the West.

Thus, in 1703, during the Great Northern War, the city of St. Petersburg was established. Initially, the city existed only as a fortress (the Peter and Paul Fortress) in the swamps of an island (Zayachy Island) near the mouth of the Neva River. By 1713, however, Peter’s court had moved to St. Petersburg.

In the two centuries that followed, St. Petersburg served as Russia’s capital (although it shifted back to Moscow briefly during the reign of Peter II, the grandson of Peter the Great). Moscow only regained its status as Russia’s capital in 1917, when the Bolsheviks seized power.

As a consequence of Moscow’s loss of its status as the Russian capital, the Kremlin fell into neglect. Nevertheless, it still retained its symbolic importance, as the emperors of Russia continued to be crowned there. In addition, construction work was carried out at the Kremlin from time to time.

During the reign of https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-famous-people/catherine-great-0013634 Catherine the Great, for example, the Kremlin Senate was constructed. As another example, the Grand Kremlin Palace was constructed in the 19th century, during the reign of Nicholas I. While new buildings were added, old ones were removed as well during this period.

Kremlin Senate. (Kremlin.ru / CC BY-SA 3.0 )

The Grand Kremlin Palace, for instance, used to be the Winter Palace, a Baroque structure built during the 1750 according to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, an Italian architect. The palace and the nearby Church of Saint John the Precursor were demolished for the construction of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

When the French were forced to retreat from Moscow, Napoleon ordered the whole Kremlin to be blown up. While a number of buildings were destroyed or damaged, the Kremlin was spared from complete destruction, as some of the fuses were damaged by rain.

Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the monarchy was abolished. The Russian Empire came to an end and was replaced by Soviet Russia. In 1918, the Soviet government moved the capital from St. Petersburg (renamed as Petrograd) back to Moscow, thereby giving the Kremlin a new lease of life.

The Soviet leader Lenin chose the Kremlin Senate as his residence and his room has been preserved as a museum. His successor, Stalin, also had his personal rooms in the Kremlin. By this time, symbols of the old tsarist regime were removed from the Kremlin and replaced with Soviet ones.

For instance, the Russian imperial eagles on the towers were replaced with Soviet stars. The Kremlin became synonymous with the government of the Soviet Union and remained as such until its collapse in 1991.

Like their predecessors, the Soviets added a number of buildings to the Kremlin, though much fewer than them. These include the School for Red Commanders (known also as the Kremlin Presidium), and the Palace of Congresses.

The Kremlin has outlasted both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, as it continues to serve as the seat of government of the Russian state. In addition to being Russia’s administrative center, the Kremlin has also been turned into a tourist center . Some of the buildings in the Kremlin have been turned into museums.

The Kremlin Armoury , for instance, used to be the royal arsenal. Today, it houses a large collection of artifacts from Russia and abroad, including the Imperial Crown of Russia, the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible , and weapons and armor from Persia.

Kremlin Armoury. (Kremlin.ru / CC BY-SA 4.0 )

Apart from that, church services are held in the Kremlin’s cathedrals once more. Lastly, the Kremlin was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

Top image: Distance view of the Kremlin. Source: parsadanov / Adobe Stock.

By Wu Mingren

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The Moscow Times. 2018. A Short History of St. Petersburg . [Online] Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/06/01/a-short-history-of-st-petersburg-a61807

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Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods.... Read More

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