Exploring Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is famous for its transparent turquoise waters, coconut palms, and Caribbean-like white sand beaches that offer the perfect place to unwind during your Costa Rica vacation.
Situated just off the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and only 45-minutes from Los Suenos Resort and Marina, Tortuga Island is one of Nicoya Peninsula’s top attractions where visitors can relax on the white-sand beach, hike, play volleyball and swim in the island’s tranquil waters. Here, you will find excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots where you can see exotic marine life and explore three shipwrecked boats that offer unique diving adventures.
Named Tortuga Island (Turtle Island) for its volcanic rock formations that resemble the majestic marine creatures, Tortuga Island is comprised of two uninhabited islands and sits a few miles in front of Curu Wildlife Refuge.
Getting To & Around Tortuga Island
If you decide to visit Tortuga Island during your Cost Rica vacation, you can choose from various tour operators who offer transportation to Tortuga Island from cities such as Jaco or Herradura. These trips usually take 90-minutes while offering breathtaking views of the marine life found in Costa Rica. Tourists coming from Montezuma or Mal Pais have a shorter, 45-minute ride, usually by way of covered speedboat.
Most day trips to the island are aboard catamarans, yachts or speedboats that depart from nearby destinations. Full-day tours usually included roundtrip transportation, bilingual guide, snorkeling or scuba diving, snacks, and a BBQ lunch on the beach. Some tour operators include complimentary wine and fresh ceviche in route to Tortuga.
When you arrive on Tortuga Island, you can relax on the beach, take a ride on the famous glass-bottom boat, go kayaking, hiking or even take part in canopy tours with ziplines that provide birds-eye views of the island and its lush forests.
Activities on Tortuga Island
• Rent a sea kayak
• Play beach volleyball
• Pet a peccary
• Enjoy BBQ-type restaurants on the beach
• Shop at gift shops in tents
• Hike around the surrounding jungles and explore the trails
• Swim
• Snorkel
• Scuba Dive