Dry season (December-May) brings a kind of clarity that feels unmistakable. The sky settles into a deep, unwavering blue. The air warms. And the Pacific opens into calm, glassy water that catches every shade of the setting sun. February, March, and April welcome Las Catalinas’ annual glow-up, when Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast is at its sunny best, shaped by brilliant sunsets, steady breezes, and ocean conditions that seem made for being out on the water.
This is the season when mornings dawn cool and quiet, afternoons stretch long and golden, and the idea of sailing into the evening light becomes almost irresistible. You can picture it, can’t you? The soft lift of the catamaran, the warm breeze in your hair, the coastline unfolding in silhouettes behind you, and the kind of shared anticipation that makes the world feel wide open.
This is why couples come to Santarena Hotel. Not as a resolution, but as a choice: to make time for each other this year, to savor moments that feel effortless, and to slip away to somewhere where connection comes naturally. A sunset at sea, a beachside dinner on the sand, and an evening shaped by light and movement have a way of pulling you into the present moment and reminding you what matters most.
The Magic of Sunset Sailing on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast
There is something unforgettable about watching the afternoon turn to gold from the deck of a catamaran. The world feels wider at sea. The colors feel richer. The sun is definitely bigger. And the rhythm of the water has a way of drawing you into the moment without effort.
Our sunset catamaran tour runs from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm and creates a relaxed social atmosphere that still feels intimate for couples or pairs of couples traveling together. There’s space to move, room to breathe, and a natural ease in sharing the experience with others who are there for the same reason: to enjoy the beauty of the season and experience one of the world’s Great Romantic Experiences.
Once onboard, the afternoon unfolds slowly. Snorkeling gear is available for anyone who wants to slip into the water and explore. Snacks and soft drinks keep the excursion light and comfortable. As the catamaran sails farther from shore, the coastline stretches into soft silhouettes and the water begins to pick up the golden tones of the late afternoon sun.
The magic of sunset sailing lies in this transition. The shift from day to evening is gradual and intentional. You feel the breeze change. You see the color deepen. You hear the quiet that settles across the deck when it turns toward the horizon and falls naturally into silence. This is where couples naturally lean into each other, where friends pause to soak up the beauty around them, and where the experience becomes something you feel rather than something you simply see.
For those wanting an even more personal evening, our concierge can arrange a private charter upon request. Upgrades like sparkling wine or simple in-room touches can be coordinated as well, especially if you’re celebrating something meaningful. Because the best experiences often come from choosing a few thoughtful enhancements and letting the rest unfold on its own.
An Evening That Moves from Sea to Shore
The beauty of beginning your evening on the water is that you return to Playa Danta in exactly the right state of mind. The last light of the day lingers across the headlands. The breeze softens. And the shoreline, already beautiful, takes on a warm kind of glow that feels made for romance.
From here, you can step into the second part of your evening: a beachside dining experience designed to slow everything down and bring you even closer together.
A Romantic Beach Dinner for Two
Our Beach Dinner for Two is one of the most intimate dining experiences available in Las Catalinas.
A beautifully arranged table is set out on the sand, framed by ambient string lights or tiki torches, depending on the weather. The waves become your soundtrack, soft and steady. As the evening settles, a three-course tasting menu arrives, prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that showcase both land and sea. The flavors are balanced, the pacing is natural, and the entire experience is an extension of the sunset you just witnessed from the water.
Handcrafted desserts complete the meal, adding the perfect touch of sweetness to a night already shaped by beauty. It is easy to understand why this dinner becomes a milestone moment for many couples traveling to Santarena: It creates a sense of privacy, even though the world around you is wide open.
If you’re celebrating something special, or if you want the experience to feel even more personal, our concierge can guide you through small enhancements to your room or evening. The idea is never to overbuild the moment, but to give you just the right elements to create your own version of magic.
For Couples Traveling Together: A Beach Barbecue on Playa Danta
For couples who are traveling with friends, our Beach Barbecue on Playa Danta is a memorable way to round out the evening.
This open-fire dinner blends coastal ease with culinary warmth. As the sun begins to set, a long table is arranged directly on the sand. The chef prepares fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables over an open flame, creating aromas that drift into the warm night air. You’ll dine on beach classics and seasonal creations, lit by tiki torches and surrounded by the soft breeze that comes off the Pacific.
The barbecue is lively yet relaxed. It is perfect for two or three couples traveling together who want to share both the sunset sailing experience and an evening meal that feels social and heartfelt. There is a sense of togetherness here that keeps people laughing long after the stars appear.
Why These Evenings Matter
Beginning the year with experiences like these has a particular emotional power. Sailing into the sunset, returning to shore in the glow of evening light, and sharing a meal on the beach become more than activities; they are markers of time, moments that leave you feeling open, grounded, and connected.
The movement of the catamaran, followed by the stillness of dinner, creates a natural arc to the evening. It is playful, then quiet. Adventurous, then grounded. Light-filled, then intimate. These contrasts help couples step into the year to come with presence and ease.
February, March, and April are the perfect months for this. The weather is reliable. The sunsets are brilliant. The sea feels welcoming. And Santarena’s beachfront setting places you at the center of it all, surrounded by coastal beauty and walkable simplicity.
Imagine Your Perfect Sunset in Costa Rica
When you picture the perfect getaway with the one you love, imagine warm light across the water, a gentle breeze at sea, and an evening that ends with your feet in the sand.
Explore sunset sailing, beach dinners, and more experiences at Santarena, then book your favorite room or suite. And if there is something meaningful you want to celebrate, our concierge will help you plan the perfect extra, whether it’s flowers in your room or a surprise engagement photography session.
