Tortuga Island is a true paradise that you cannot miss when visiting Costa Rica. If you share our love for the sea, prepare to step into the quintessential postcard scene straight out of a travel catalog.
Did you know that Isla Tortuga comprises two uninhabited islands, Alcatraz and Tolinga Islands? Despite their small size, these islands boast globally acclaimed beaches with crystalline waters and vibrant marine life.
Guide to visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
The easiest way 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 adventure, fret not – 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 took this tour that departs from San José, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste.
In this guide, I’ll provide you with all you need to organize your visit to Tortuga Island, one of the most beautiful attractions in Costa Rica. In addition, you’ll discover a plethora of things to do on Tortuga Island, ensuring your time here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Where is Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica + how to get there
Isla Tortuga enjoys a strategic location, situated right next to the Nicoya Peninsula amidst renowned nature reserves and some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica. Moreover, you can find several charming coastal towns in the region, including Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, and Tamarindo.
To get there, you can catch this boat tour departing from Paquera, the closest port to Isla Tortuga. It’s a fascinating adventure that offers you a chance 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 details and schedules.
Alternatively, if you’re on the mainland, you can opt for this tour departing from Guanacaste, San José, La Fortuna, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. These tours typically include transportation to Puntarenas, where catamarans depart for Isla Tortuga.
Where is Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica
For those on a budget, you can take a ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera for around $2, then catch this boat tour from there. That said, fitting it into your schedule might be a bit tricky, and it doesn’t make a huge difference in terms of overall costs.
Another option to reach Tortuga Island is by taking this tour from Puntarenas, or this boat tour from Jacó.
Remember, you can’t reach Isla Tortuga without joining a tour. Departures usually kick off at 7:30 a.m. and wrap up by 4:00 p.m. And since there are no hotels on the island and overnight stays are prohibited, I recommend staying in one of the best hotels in Costa Rica in a nearby town.
For the smoothest, most carefree experience, consider booking one of the best tours to Tortuga Island. They typically include meals, hotel pickup/drop-off, and water activities, which will save you the headache of coordinating transportation and accommodation. Now, let’s dive into some of the top options below.
Best tours to Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
As I mentioned earlier, booking a tour to Isla Tortuga is the best way to visit this paradise. Whether you prefer to skip renting a car in Costa Rica or simply want to focus on enjoying your journey, here are some popular excursion options.
We visited Isla Tortuga from San José, the capital of the country and one of the most fascinating cities in Costa Rica. It proved to be a fantastic plan, especially if you haven’t yet included beach destinations in your itinerary or if you’re looking for the best things to do in San José during the day.
Best tours to Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
To start this full-day adventure, a bus will pick you up from your accommodation in San José or other key locations like Guanacaste, La Fortuna, Arenal, or Manuel Antonio, depending on your chosen option. You’ll then head to Puntarenas, where a boat awaits to take you to Turtle Island. Keep an eye out, 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 enjoy 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.
Enjoy the beach on Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Before heading back, indulge in a typical Costa Rican meal included in the tour, featuring salad, fish, chicken, rice, and sautéed vegetables, perfectly complemented by a glass of red wine and local coffee.
During the return trip, you’ll be treated to live music and picturesque views of Isla Tortuga and its surroundings until you reach the port. From there, the bus will be waiting to transport you back to San José or your chosen town. Expect to arrive back at your hotel around 8:00 p.m., making it a full-day excursion well worth your time. It’s remarkable how a day trip to Tortuga Island can help you reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in a landscape so different from the city.
Alternatively, if you find yourself in the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula, consider opting for this 5-hour tour departing from Playa los Órganos, south of Paquera. This tour offers two schedule options: a morning departure at 9:00 a.m. or a midday departure at noon. During this excursion, you can enjoy a full day of snorkeling on Tortuga Island in a volcanic reef and crystal-clear waters.
Take a snorkeling tour in Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
What sets this tour apart is its small group size, ensuring a tranquil environment for you to fully relish the experience. Plus, you’ll have some free time to explore the beaches of Isla Tortuga, featuring white sand and a serene atmosphere, while enjoying snacks and refreshments.
The last option is to make your way to Puntarenas or Jacó on your own and embark on a boat tour to Tortuga Island from there. This excursion from Puntarenas is conducted with a small group of up to 12 people and spans 7 hours. Meanwhile, the Jacó excursion is done on a slightly larger boat but includes hotel pickup in Jacó.
Best things to do on Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
There’s no shortage of enjoyable things to do on Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica. Here are some exciting ideas to ensure you have an unforgettable time:
Diving or snorkeling on Tortuga Island
One of the best things 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.
You can expect to encounter a rich diversity of tropical fish, including parrotfish and pufferfish, along with larger marine creatures such as eels, whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, stingrays, dolphins, and various species of Costa Rican sea turtles.
Diving or snorkeling on Tortuga Island
For those daring souls eager to delve deeper, scuba diving in Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, is a must-do. Here, you’ll not only have the opportunity to explore marine creatures but also discover three sunken shipwrecks resting off the coast of Turtle Island. These submerged vessels include the Caroline Star, sitting at 100 feet deep, the Colonel Alfonso Monge at 80 feet, and a Coast Guard ship at 90 feet deep, known as the Franklin Chang Diaz.
Whether you’re a certified diver or aspiring to be one, diving in Costa Rica promises an otherworldly experience. Book your adventure here and delve into the captivating underwater realm of Isla Tortuga.
Kayaking
For those who prefer to stay active, taking a kayak ride is another fantastic way to explore the wonders of Turtle Island. Upon arrival on the island, you’ll find kayaks available for rent by the hour or the entire day, allowing you to leisurely navigate the beaches of Isla Tortuga at your own pace.
Kayaking
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.
Moreover, if you’ve arrived at Isla Tortuga from Paquera and you enjoy kayaking, don’t miss the opportunity to partake in this bioluminescence kayak tour. Paquera is renowned as one of the best locations in Costa Rica to experience this surreal phenomenon. For an even more spectacular experience, opt for a moonless night tour, where you’ll witness the enchanting sight of little lights twinkling as you stir the water—an extraordinary display caused by microscopic seaweed.
Enjoy the beach of Isla Tortuga
Simply basking on the beaches of Isla Tortuga is an experience that makes your visit worthwhile. The soft, powdery white sand, the shimmering blue sea, and the majestic line of palm trees adorning the coastline create a truly paradisiacal setting; it’s one of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve visited.
Enjoy the beach of Isla Tortuga
As I mentioned earlier, there are no hotels on Tortuga Island. However, you’ll find no shortage of dining options and water activities scattered along the beach. From banana boat rides to paddle surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas for sun protection, though many travelers opt to relax beneath the shade of coconut trees, gazing out at the sea.
Hike the los Poetas Trail
While many visitors prefer to bask on the shoreline and enjoy a day at the beach, Turtle Island offers opportunities for exploration beyond the coast. Spanning approximately 0.7 square miles, the island boasts a circular trail known as the Sendero de Los Poetas de Isla Tortuga (or Trail of Poets), winding through dense forests where you can observe some of the most unique animals in Costa Rica.
Hike the los Poetas Trail
Completing the trail takes about 30 to 40 minutes, so it’s an ideal activity for a quick outdoor adventure. Along the way, you’ll encounter fragments of poems by Costa Rican writers. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the trail is the Isla Tortuga Viewpoint, offering unparalleled vistas of lush foliage against the vast expanse of blue waters surrounding the island.
Map of Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Now that you’re equipped with this comprehensive guide, I’ll leave you with this map of Tortuga Island to help you pinpoint all the locations I mentioned.
If you have any questions or want to share your experience visiting Tortuga Island in Costa Rica, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you.
Pura Vida!
