Guide to Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

Tortuga Island truly is a paradise not to miss while exploring Costa Rica. Those who love the sea will step into the ideal tropical scene straight from promotional materials.

Did you know that Isla Tortuga incorporates two uninhabited islands, Alcatraz and Tolinga Islands? Despite their small sizes, these islands showcase globally recognized beaches with crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.

One of the easiest means to access this idyllic destination is by joining this boat tour from Paquera, situated south of the Nicoya Peninsula. While reaching Paquera promises its own experience, have no concerns – you can find excursions in Costa Rica from nearly every corner of the country that will take you across the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island. We participated in this tourthat departs from San José, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste.

In this guide, providing all needed to organize visiting Tortuga Island, one of the most beautiful attractions in Costa Rica will be undertaken. Additionally, discovering a wealth of things to do on Tortuga Island will guarantee time spent here is unparalleled.

Where is Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica + how to get there

Isla Tortuga benefits from a strategic location, situated directly next to the Nicoya Peninsula amid renowned natural reserves and some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica. Furthermore, you can find several charming coastal towns in the area, like Santa Teresa,Playa Hermosa, and Tamarindo.

To arrive, you can take this boat tour departing from the Paquera port, which is the closest access point to Isla Tortuga. It presents a fascinating adventure allowing the opportunity to see spider monkeys near Isla Negritos.

Boats depart daily from various points south of the peninsula, including Montezuma,Curú Wildlife Refuge,Tambor, and Santa Teresa, though you must check with locals for the specific details and schedules.

Optionally, if you’re on the mainland, you can opt for this excursion departing from Guanacaste, San José, La Fortuna, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. These trips commonly involve transportation to Puntarenas, where catamarans depart for Isla Tortuga.

For budget-conscious individuals, one can take a ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera for around $2, then catch this boat tour from there. Though, fitting it into one`s schedule may be a bit tricky, and it doesn’t make a huge difference regarding overall costs.

Another way to reach the Tortuga Island is by selecting this boat tour from Puntarenas, or this water experience from Jacó.

Remember, access to Isla Tortuga is only possible through booked excursions that commence in the mornings and conclude by the afternoon. As there are no hotels on the island and overnight stays are prohibited, I suggest lodging in one of the top-rated hotels in Costa Rica located in a nearby community.

For the smoothest, most relaxed experience, consider reserving one of the premier excursions to Tortuga Island. They generally include meals, hotel pickup/drop-off, and water activities, which will save you the trouble of coordinating transportation and lodging. Now, let’s explore some of the top options below.

Best tours to Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

As mentioned earlier, booking a excursion to Isla Tortuga is the best way to visit this paradise. Whether renting a vehicle in Costa Rica is preferred or simply focusing on enjoying the journey is preferred, here are some popular outing options.

We visited Isla Tortuga from San José, the capital city of the country and one of the most intriguing cities in Costa Rica. It proved to be a wonderful plan, especially if you haven’t yet covered beach destinations in your itinerary or if you’re searching for the best activities to do in San José during the day.

To initiate this full-day event, a coach will pick you up from your lodging in San José or other key areas like Guanacaste,La Fortuna,Arenal, or Manuel Antonio, depending on your selected choice. You’ll then head to Puntarenas, where a watercraft awaits to take you to Turtle Island. Keep your eyes open, as you might be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins in Costa Rica during the journey. While onboard, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast including coffee, cookies, and tropical fruits.

Once the boat docks at the island, you’ll have approximately 5 hours of free time to delight in this paradisiacal setting, surrounded by swaying palm trees. I’ll share some ideas about things to do on Isla Tortuga shortly, but basking in the sun and swimming in its turquoise waters is a failproof option.

Before departing, indulge in a typical Costa Rican meal included in the tour, consisting of salad, fish, chicken, rice, and sautéed vegetables, perfectly complemented by a glass of red wine and local coffee.

During the return trip, the live music and scenic views of Isla Tortuga and its surroundings will entertain you until reaching the port. From there, transportation by bus will be provided to take you back to San José or your selected town. Expect to arrive at your hotel around 8:00 p.m., concluding a full-day excursion worth spending your time on. It is remarkable how a single day trip to Tortuga Island can help reconnect one with nature and immerse in a landscape vastly different than the city.

As an alternative, if your travels take you to the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula, you may wish to opt for this 5 hour tour departing from Playa los Órganos, located south of Paquera. This excursion provides two schedule options: a morning departure at 9:00 a.m. or a midday departure at 12 noon. During this journey, you can take pleasure in a full day of snorkeling on Tortuga Island among a volcanic reef and crystalline waters.

What makes this excursion unique is its small tour group, allowing a tranquil setting for fully appreciating the activities. You`ll also have free time to independently explore the beaches of Isla Tortuga, known for their white sand and serene atmosphere, while enjoying light refreshments.

The final choice is to independently travel to Puntarenas or Jacó and embark on a boat tour to Tortuga Island from there. One option is a excursion from Puntarenas that is conducted with a small group of up to twelve individuals and spans seven hours. The other choice is a excursion from Jacó performed on a somewhat larger boat that incorporates hotel transport in Jacó.

TRIP FROM PUNTARENAS

EXCURSION FROM JACO

Best things to do on Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

There’s no deficiency of enjoyable activities to engage in on Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica. Here are some stimulating ideas to assure you have an unforgettable time:

Diving or snorkeling on Tortuga Island

One of the best activities to do on Isla Tortuga is exploring its underwater wonders. Its warm, crystal-clear waters invite you to don your diving gear and immerse yourself in its depths. There are numerous spots in the surrounding area where you can snorkel.

In those waters, one can expect to come across a rich diversity of tropical fish varieties, like parrotfish and pufferfish, along with larger marine animals for example eels, whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, stingrays, dolphins, and diverse types of Costa Rican sea turtles.

For daring souls eager to delve deeper, scuba diving in Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, is highly recommended. Here, you’ll not only have the chance to explore marine creatures but also uncover three sunken shipwrecks resting off the coast of Turtle Island. These submerged vessels include theCaroline Star, situated at 100 feet deep, theColonel Alfonso Monge at 80 feet, and a Coast Guardship at 90 feet deep, known as the Franklin Chang Diaz.

Whether you’re a knowledgeable diver or wanting to be one, diving in Costa Rica guarantees an other-worldly experience. Book your adventure hereand immerse yourself in the captivating underwater realm of Isla Tortuga.

Kayaking

For those preferring to remain active, taking a kayak trip is another incredible way to explore the wonders of Turtle Island. Upon arrival on the island, you’ll find kayaks available for rent either by the hour or the entire day, permitting you to leisurely navigate the beaches of Isla Tortuga at your own pace.

If your tour drops you off at the main beach, consider paddling eastward to discover the shores of Playa Tropical and Playa Cocorí, which offer a quieter setting. Alternatively, heading west will lead you to Playa Corales and Playa Salmón with their own attractions.

While we`re highly satisfied with the international digital SIMs from Holafly, I`ll reveal a few more possibilities in this guide, which includes physical SIM cards for global travel. I also advise reading our guide on strategies for travelling economically and capitalizing on all the travel reductions accessible. After all, your telephone billing is just one of the things you can save money on while exploring the world!

Enjoy the beach of Isla Tortuga

Simply bathing in the soft powdery white sands and majestic palm-lined coastline of Isla Tortuga`s beaches is an experience making your visit worthwhile. The sparkling blue sea and paradisiacal setting create one of the most breathtaking beaches I`ve visited.

As mentioned earlier, there are no hotels on the island of Tortuga. However, you’ll find ample dining choices and water activities spread along the shoreline. From banana boat rides to stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas for sun protection, though many travelers prefer relaxing in the shade of coconut trees, gazing at the ocean.

Hike the los Poetas Trail

While numerous visitors prefer sunbathing on the shoreline and enjoying a day at the beach, Turtle Island presents options to explore beyond the coastline. Spanning approximately 0.7 square miles, the island showcases a circular trail known as the Sendero de Los Poetas de Isla Tortuga (or Poets` Trail of Turtle Island), winding amidst dense woodlands where one can observe several of Costa Rica`s most unique animals.

Completing the scenic trail provides approximately 30 to 40 minutes of immersive outdoor exploration. Visitors will come upon excerpts of works by notable Costa Rican writers along the route. Undoubtedly, the highlights include breathtaking perspectives afforded by the Isla Tortuga Viewpoint of the verdant surroundings offset against the expansive azure waters surrounding the island.

Map of Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

Now that you are equipped with this thorough guide, I will leave you with this visual representation of Tortuga Island`s locations to help pinpoint all the places I mentioned.

If you have any inquiries or want to share your experiences from visiting Tortuga Island in Costa Rica, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you.

Pura Vida!