Sailing, Snorkeling and Sunset Aboard the Kuna Vela
Kuna Vela Sailing Tours began in Coco over 11 years ago, changing owners several times, and most recently in December 2019 when the current owners took over. In just a few months, the Kuna Vela has gone from a great, standard boat tour in Playas del Coco to an absolute must-do while in Coco.
DISCLAIMER: WE TEST OUT A LOT OF BOATS, TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS IN THE GREATER PLAYAS DEL COCO AREA. THERE ARE MANY GREAT TOURS IN THE AREA, ONES THAT WE CAN RECOMMEND WITH CONFIDENCE, BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THERE’S ONE THAT STANDS OUT ABOVE THE REST. THE KUNA VELA SAILING TOUR IN PLAYAS DEL COCO IS ONE OF THEM.
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What makes Kuna Vela one of the best boats in Coco?
The crew, the boat itself, and the incredibly personal touches added by the owners.
There is one thing that hasn’t changed on Kuna Vela in the last 11 years – the captain. Captain Israel has been at the helm of Kuna Vela since the beginning, making him one of the most experienced sail boat captains in the area.
The Best Boat Tour in Coco for Families
The first time we took a tour on the Kuna Vela, we were on board with a family and their 6 year old son. It was his first time on the water and to say he was nervous is an understatement. He sat quietly at the front of the boat, anxiously look out at the water.
As soon as first mate Andres noticed, he encouraged the young boy to go back with the captain, where he took his mind off the water and learned how to sail the boat. When we were on the beach and he wanted to snorkel despite not knowing how to swim, Andres grabbed a noodle float and made it happen.
Back on the boat, the boy was full of laughter and smiles. Six months later he was still telling everyone he knew about the best day of his life, the one he spent aboard Kuna Vela.
While this is just one first-hand example of how Kuna Vela treats families onboard, it’s not the exception. Each family that boards Kuna Vela receives this same attention from the crew.
If any family asks us for the best boat tour for families in Coco, this is our top recommendation – the ambiance onboard is one meant for families without the emphasis on drinking that you find on other open boat tours.
However, Kuna Vela is not just for families!
Enjoy Sunset with Friends
Our second, third and fourth times on the Kuna Vela were with a group of friends at sunset. Each time we sailed to a local beach to snorkel and relax, enjoyed food back on the boat, and then headed back into the Coco Bay for sunset.
The best part of the trip is that as the sun begins to set, the captain cuts the motor so that we can properly watch the sunset from sea, to the sound of nothing but light music playing in the background.
These moments, as we watch the sun sink below the water, are some of the most magical moments I’ve experienced on a boat.
On the last trip, we were surrounded by a pod of dolphins splashing alongside the boat. Talk about an unforgettable moment.
The Food, The Drinks & The Crew
On each tour of our many tours with Kuna Vela, 3 things have always been the same – the food, the drinks and the high level of service from the crew.
Though it is far from a booze cruise, each Kuna Vela tour comes with an open bar of rum punch, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Our personal favorite is their signature rum punch, full of delicious citrus flavor. Whatever you drink, you’ll never have an empty hand as Andres is always there to grab another beer or refill your glass as soon as you are ready.
Another stand-out feature of Kuna Vela tours is that the food is prepared on the boat. While the guests are swimming and snorkeling, Captain Israel is inside getting the food ready. This includes beautiful fruit tray, a delicious bean dip and chips and guacamole, followed by freshly prepared finger sandwiches.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free or vegan, let them know in advance. They will be happy to accommodate you.
Private vs Open Boat Tour
Kuna Vela offers both open (public) tours and private tours. The open tours are those that we described above. These tours are open to anyone to join, with a maximum of 16 people on the boat.
If you’d like to guarantee having the boat all to yourself, they offer the option of an upgraded private tour. Private tours include everything in the group tours and more. The food gets upgraded to a delicious mahi mahi wrap, prepared on the boat by the captain. More drink options are available as well.
Book Your Sailing Tour Now
If you’re ready to book your tour with Kuna Vela, just click here! If you still have questions, write us at contact[at]experiencecoco.com.
Kuna Vela leaves out of Playas del Coco but will also make stops in Playa Hermosa or Playa Panama as necessary. Staying at one of the resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula? They can help arrange transportation to and from Coco for the tour.
During high season, we highly recommend booking in advance. It’s not unusual for the boat to be sold out several days at a time!
