With its breathtaking scenery, calm, inviting waters, and white sand beaches, it’s easy to see why Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island is well-known among local Ticos and seasoned travelers alike as the perfect place to play.
A Tortuga Island tour is hands-down one of the best and most fun things to do in Costa Rica, and getting there is a piece of cake. Just hop on a boat from Puntarenas pier, and you’re there in an hour and a half. And because this is such a popular destination with residents of Costa Rica, you can catch a ride to Isla Tortuga from numerous points throughout the country. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day off, so Tico families love to take advantage of this glorious natural wonder right in their own backyard.
Locals & Tourists Alike Gather to Play Beach Volleyball
Isla Tortuga: A Nearby Exotic Getaway
Tortuga Island is a tropical paradise located on the Pacific Coast side of the country in the Gulf of Nicoya off the southeastern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. With pristine soft sand beaches, crystal blue waters, equally blue skies, and all the marine life you could possibly imagine, it’s a world away from even the most stunning of Costa Rican sights.
The name is something of a misnomer… it’s actually two small islands (named Alcatraz and Tolinga), not one. Combined, the Tortuga Island(s) total about one square mile of land.
Where is Isla Tortuga? In the Gulf of Nicoya between Guanacaste & the Central Pacific Coast.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tortuga Island, Costa Rica?
There are lots of reasons to visit Costa Rica year-round. But for the most idyllic conditions, the sweet spot is during the dry season: December through April. This is true especially if swimming and snorkeling are on your list of things to do on Tortuga Island. The sun is shining, the chances of rain are low, and visibility is good.
How To Get To Tortuga Island
Because Tortuga Island is among the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, there are numerous ways to get there. Departure points also have varying packages depending the departure location. Though there is a bit of variation, it’s also a pretty standard day trip. You’ll catch a ride to the most convenient pier from wherever you’re staying, likely Puntarenas. From there you’ll board a large, comfortable, stable boat and settle in for the second leg of the journey. Among the many Tortuga Island tours, there are plenty of add-on options, various seasonal discounts, and even extra discounts for locals. So, get to know all your options so you can choose (and pay) wisely.
Here are all the ways to get to Tortuga Island, and what to expect:
Bay Island Cruises Large Boat Departing Puntarenas
Tortuga Island Departing Puntarenas
The most economical way to get to Tortuga Island is to driver yourself to Puntarenas and catch the tour from there directly. This option is the perfect choice for those who are local to Puntarenas or locals driving from other parts of central Costa Rica. And if you are coming on a cruise ship that has an extended stay in port, you can catch the cruse right next to your cruise ship port.
Comfortable Motor Coach Transportation from San Jose to Puntarenas
Tortuga Island From San Jose
As you know, Tortuga Island is a locals’ favorite weekend excursion in Costa Rica. And if you do not have a car, or just do not want to drive, this is preferred way to Tortuga Island from San Jose. But this is also a favorite for tourists staying in San Jose who maybe do not have beach destinations in their plans. And for business travelers with only one free day, this is the perfect one-day trip from San Jose.
It offers round-trip transportation from San Jose in a comfortable coach bus. It also has high and low-season pricing, add-ons to customize the experience (banana boat ride, anyone?), and even discounts for locals! And this company considers all of it’s Central American neighbors locals. So if you are traveling to Costa Rica from Panama, Colombia, Nicaragua, etc….bring your passport for extra savings!
This Catamaran in Jaco Departs Right from Herradura Beach and arrives to Tortuga Island in 45 Minutes
Tortuga Island From Jaco
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Jaco Beach, then you have more than one option to go from Jaco to Tortuga Island. There is a smaller quicker catamaran departing Herradura beach that will get you there in just 45 minutes. This means you get 5+ hours to enjoy the island!! Conversely, you can hop on the van as it stops in Jaco Beach that will take you to Puntarenas. This will put you on the same boat from Puntarenas on the San Jose tour mentioned before. However, their Tortuga Island Tour from Jaco includes a few more options. when departing from Jaco. .The boat is bigger, and though the ride is an hour and a half, the rum punch is flowing freely.
Jaco Private Boat Options
If you want the most amazing Isla Tortuga experience, we highly recommend renting a smaller fast boat privately and going with just a small group of friends. Your boat, your day, plus you can maneuver around easier and faster so you can customize your ultimate day on Tortuga Island. There are a couple options departing from Jaco that we like at all budget levels. Our very favorite option is on a speedboat that also offers the Subwing snorkeling along the way. They also can navigate to smaller coves and take you to little gems of the islands that the large boats cannot access.
The Subwing boat charter to Tortuga Island is also the most economical private boat charter rental and a great deal. If you want a bit more stylish boat with plenty of comfortable lounging space, we love the gorgeous 36′ Hinkley Classic Speedboat. And finally, if you want to combine some world call sport fishing in Costa Rica with your trip to Tortuga Island, we recommend a fishing charter combo …. you can maybe even cook your catch on the island! The last 2 options can be booked from the main Jaco Boat Tours page, but best to contact an Activity Specialist for a quote and full details.
Manuel Antonio to Tortuga Island
If you’ll be spending a good bit of your vacation in Quepos or Manuel Antonio, you’ll find some fabulous boat tours there exploring the gorgeous coastline. Check out all the Manuel Antonio boat tours here. But if your holiday plans include Tortuga Island as part of your bucket list, we can get you there from Manuel Antonio, easy peasy! The same van that goes through Jaco to Puntarenas originates in Manuel Antonio. They do require a minimum of 4 people in order to provide transportation from Manuel Antonio. So, we advise booking early and being flexible with your dates.
Tortuga Island From Guanacaste
Departures From Tamarindo or Papagayo
If you’ll be staying in one of the fabulous resorts in Guanacaste, we offer a chance to see Tortuga Island from Tamarindo and Papagayo too!. Just like Manuel Antonio, there are a wealth of boat tours departing both Papagayo and Tamarindo beaches that are pretty spectacular with incredible sunsets and snorkeling opportunities. But again, if a visit to Isla Tortuga is on your bucket list, we can take you to Tortuga Island from Guanacaste too. And like Manuel Antonio, this tour requires a minimum number of guests coming from your region. So it is important to book ahead and try to have flexible dates.
For people traveling with small children, proceed with caution on this tour… though it’s true that Tortuga Island is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, it’s a long day for little ones. Consider a local boat tour from Tamarindo or Papagayo instead! You’ll get the same chill and fun vibe you’re looking for, hopefully avoid a meltdown, and it’s likely cheaper too when you factor in the cost of everyone’s ticket.
Smart Connections Are a Great Way to Get Around Costa Rica
Departing Guanacaste Additions
If staying in Guanacaste, it is a long drive from the most popular destinations to the pier in Puntarenas to join the big all-inclusive tours. But as we mentioned in Jaco, the best way to go is with a smaller group. So, if you can work out transportation to Paquera, you are in luck. There are some great companies running services in small boats there we have been working with. Our clients from Guanacaste seem to really appreciate more time on the water and less time on the road. And if you are staying between Santa Teresa and Montezuma, they offer one day trips from Montezuma too. Just contact us with your dates and we can check availability and help you book either private or public options from Paquera.
BONUS: Tortuga Island Smart Connections!
Bay Island Cruises also offers a good way to travel to your next destination too. For an additional fee, this company offers smart connections to Guanacaste, San Jose, Jaco, and even Arenal! This means when you leave your hotel, you will be taking along your things and checking out. Going to to Tortuga Island to enjoy the day, then after the tour you will be transported to you next destination. Again, this does require a minimum of people so it is best to check in advance and be flexible with your dates. But well worth saving a whole other vacation day from having to travel from destination to destination without all the fun parts in between.
What Kind of Activities And Things To Do On Tortuga Island Are Available?
Banana Boat Rides are one of the Most Popular Things to do in Tortuga Island
If it has to do with sun and fun, you’ll find it on Tortuga Island! Water sports of all stripes, toes-in-sand dining, relaxing to the extreme, and shopping ‘til you drop are all on the list of options. Feeling adventurous? Hop on a jet ski or banana boat ride. For something more mellow, rent kayaks you can paddle, boats you can peddle, and even stand-up paddleboards (SUP) to really become one with the water. There’s horseback riding, beach volleyball, and let’s not forget good old hiking and swimming!
Watersports At Tortuga Island Costa Rica: Cost Breakdown
If you’re looking to do some of these extra activities during your beach time on Tortuga Island, here is what you can expect to pay (prices in US dollars):
Spectacular Swimming & Snorkeling Tortuga Island
There are tons of incredible places to snorkel around Tortuga Island… you’ve got some exploring to do!
These warm, clear waters are home to a huge variety of tropical fish and marine life in the deeper waters including white-tip reef sharks, manta rays, stingrays, dolphins, sea turtles, and more.The ore shallow snorkeling spots you can angelfish, parrotfish, puffer fish, yellowtail, eels, seahorses, octopuses, it goes on and on. Simply cruising around with a mask and some flippers will have you absolutely mesmerized.
SCUBA Diving The Shipwrecks Around Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is an interesting destination for SCUBA divers because there are shipwrecks to be explored, which is something you certainly won’t find every day! The three wrecks that divers rave about the most are the 30-meter Caroline Star, the 25-meter Coronel Alfonso Monge, and the 28-meter Coast Guard ship, Franklin Chang Diaz.
Hiking Around Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island isn’t just for water babies and beach bums… the hiking is pretty spectacular too.
Family Walking Along The Secluded Beaches of Isla Tortuga
There are 17 trails through thickly forested trees and tropical foliage, with a wide variety of wildlife throughout. Keep your eyes peeled for peccaries, tiny pig-like creatures that can be quite social. You may also spot armadillos, monkeys, white-tailed deer, and a huge variety of birds too.
Couple Enjoying The Walking Trails on Tortuga Island
Beach Dining At Its Best
There are few things more satisfying than chilling out after an action-packed day, and Isla Tortuga is there with loungers, umbrellas, barbecue, seafood, delightfully refreshing fruits, and whatever else you might be craving after boating, snorkeling, and generally living your best life all day. Most Tortuga Island tours include a feast on the beach, but if you want to go your own way, there are several restaurants available to try. As you might expect, everything is uber-fresh, local, and delicious. Coco loco anyone?
Souvenir Shopping
After a fun and exhilarating Isla Tortuga tour, feasting on the beach, chilling out, and letting the day soak in, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop! The local souvenir stores will help you find the perfect memento to commemorate your special day. ,Plus they have snacks, beverages, and even Wifi! All the creature comforts you’re seeking after a day of play.
What Kind of Wildlife and Marine Life Will I Find On & Around Tortuga Island?
A Few Local Residents You Can Find While Hiking Tortuga Island
Keep your eyes peeled, because Tortuga Island (like all of Costa Rica) is rich in wildlife and sea life. On land, you’ll find white-tailed deer, peccaries, iguanas, and more, while the trees hold a mind-boggling array of birds, sloths, and bugs. The crystal clear water is teeming with fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors, dolphins, sea turtles, and more biodiversity than nearly anywhere else on earth.
Be Sure to Look Up! Monkeys, Macaws & Iguanas Can Be Found in the Trees on Tortuga Island
Are there Hotels on Tortuga Island?
Though there are a handful of delightful local shops and family owned and run restaurants that you can visit during your time on Isla Tortuga, there are no hotels. So an overnight stay isn’t an option. Your tour will end with a boat ride back to the mainland, and of course, a ride back to your hotel…or your next destination if you choose.
Cruising Back to Puntarenas at Sunset
Packing List for Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
You’ll want to pack lightly, but strategically, for Tortuga Island. You’ll definitely need plenty of reef-safe biodegradable SPF, a waterproof bag for your wallet and phone, a reusable water bottle, cash for souvenirs, incidental expenses, and tips.
From there, think about the things you’ll do on your Tortuga Island tour. For example, if you’re a hiker then you’ll want good shoes, a hat, and binoculars. Planning on laying on a lounger all day? Bring that sweet bikini, a big hat, and extra SPF. Shoppers will likely want a wad of cash. Snorkelers might consider a rash guard or long sleeve shirt to help protect their skin from the sun.
A swimsuit and an extra change of clothes are a great idea for anyone planning on getting wet, and light layers work best to help keep you cooler (and warmer) throughout the day.
If you’re into photography, a camera might go in your day pack. For action shots of your big adventure, a waterproof GoPro is a great way to go. Take everything you need, and nothing you don’t, and you’ll have a great day without having to lug too much around.
Play Like the Ticos Do
Let’s face it: there is no bad time to visit Costa Rica! But between December and May, known as the “dry season”, you can expect nearly perfect weather every day. Sunshine, blue skies, and smiles are on the agenda!
There are so many wonderful things to see and do on Tortuga Island… whether you choose snorkeling the sheltered coves, hiking through the jungle, seeking out unique souvenirs, or just laying around on the beach, it’s all good, and a world away from nearly anyone’s everyday routine.
Tortuga Island Beach & Water Sports Make this a Local Favorite Getaway Spot
A Tortuga Island tour is the perfect way to spend a day off, just like the Ticos do! You can also use it to explore another part of the country… since you can begin the tour from various locations throughout Costa Rica, and return to the same place, or not, Tortuga Island Smart Connection is the perfect way to get from A to B and have a little fun in between.
We hope you have the chance to visit our favorite little island gem in Costa Rica soon!