Hey travelers! If you’re like me and you love pristine white sand beaches and calm waves the whole family can swim in, you might want to consider a day trip to Isla Tortuga on your vacation to Costa Rica.
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What is Isla Tortuga?
Isla Tortuga (sometimes referred to as Turtle Island), is a small island off the coast of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and part of a protected wildlife refuge, is a popular destination for day trips due to all the opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. There is also a ton of amazing ocean life to experience, including colorful fish, rays, and even sea turtles.
Getting to Isla Tortuga
As a popular day-trip destination for tourists to Costa Rica, there are several different tour operators that can take you to Isla Tortuga, depending on the city you’re traveling from.
| From Putarenas: | 45 min-1.5 hour boat ride |
| From Montezuma: | 45 minute boat ride |
| From Jaco: | 1.5 hour boat ride |
From Putarenas
| Distance from San Jose: | 98 km |
If you’re traveling from Puntarenas, check out Inside Tours Costa Rica which offers a full-day tour to Isla Tortuga including a gourmet lunch and an included snorkeling tour. Or for a more upscale experience look at Bay Island Cruises which also features live music and the option for guided snorkeling.
From Montezuma
| Distance from San Jose: | 169 km |
Zumatours is an operator that leaves from Montezuma or Santa Teresa, popular destinations that you might be visiting as you tour the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. As much as there is to see in those cities, it’s worth it to take a day-long detour and explore the beautiful ocean life and islands in the area.
From Jaco
| Distance from San Jose: | 98 km |
Jaco is a very popular city for tourists who love to surf, so you might find the convenience ideal to choose a tour operator that leaves from here. Costa Cat Cruises offers a luxury tour that includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling and beach activities such as a short hike where you can see a view of the island.
Sidenote – this is the tour I did and I cannot recommend them enough as worth the pricetag!
Looking for a tour right from San Jose?! Check out this tour with transportation included!
Things to do on Isla Tortuga
Think of your most perfect beach day, and that’s how you can expect to spend a day on Isla Tortuga!
1. Swim!
You can relax all day on the white sand beach, or since the water is shallow and extremely calm, the warm water here is the ideal experience of swimming in paradise. I was amazed looking straight down while swimming to the ocean floor, the water was that clear!
There are chairs and umbrellas available to rent along the beach.
2. Snorkel
Due to the presence of tons of marine life like colorful fish, you might also want to do a self-guided snorkeling tour while visiting Isla Tortuga. Or, some tour operators offer kayaking, paddleboarding, or banana boat rides where you can experience the ocean without swimming.
3. Hiking
There is also wildlife to see on the island itself, for example you’ll see different species of parrots, pelicans, and iguanas as you walk around.
There are some short hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints where you can view the entire island and ocean. Then, you’ll find it perfect to cool off after your with another dip in the ocean!
Isla Tortuga FAQ’s
Here are some of the most common FAQ’s I get from those planning a day trip to Isla Tortuga!
1. Can you stay on Isla Tortuga?
Since Isla Tortuga is a protected area, there are no overnight accommodations on the island and only licensed tour operators can offer day-trip excursions.
That said, there are some great tourist destinations close by such as Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Jaco, or Manuel Antonio that are close enough to make a day trip convenient.
2. Is a day trip to Isla Tortuga safe?
Thankfully, if you choose to visit Isla Tortuga with an experienced and licensed tour operator, your trip will be perfectly safe. The activities are supervised and staff will intervene at any point if trip plans need to be altered, for example due to inclement weather. Just make sure you book with a well-reviewed company that boasts a record of safety!
3. Is there food to eat on Isla Tortuga?
There are no restaurants on Isla Tortuga, so check with your tour operator in advance to find out what kind of prepared meals they offer throughout your tour. Make sure to inform the company of any dietary restrictions you make have to be sure they can accommodate your needs.
4. What should I bring?
You can’t come to Isla Tortuga without going for a swim, so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, towel, plenty of sunscreen, and perhaps a change of clothes. You should also bring a water bottle, a waterproof camera, and insect repellent to ward off any mosquitos.
More Tips for visiting Isla Tortuga
- 1. Book a Tour in Advance: Isla Tortuga is typically accessed via boat tours, which often sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your spot ahead of time (Check availability here on Viator or GetYourGuide)
- 2. Check the Weather: The best time to visit is during the dry season (December to April) when the seas are calm, and you’ll have the best chance for clear skies.
- 3. Bring Cash: While most tours include lunch, additional activities like snorkeling or renting kayaks may require cash.
- 4. Protect Your Electronics: Bring waterproof bags or cases to protect your phone and camera from water and sand.
- 5. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, as the sun can be intense and not all tours provide enough drinking water.
- 6. Respect the Environment: Follow Leave No Trace principles by disposing of waste properly and avoiding contact with marine life.
- 7. Plan for a Full Day: The journey to Isla Tortuga can be long, so plan for an entire day trip, including travel time to and from the island. Plus, you want as much time soaking up the sun as possible!
Is a Day Trip to Isla Tortuga Worth it?!
Overall, I don’t think you’ll regret spending a day of your Costa Rican vacation in Isla Tortuga. More than that, I think you’ll find that the memories you make there enjoying the white sand beach, clear blue water, and interesting wildlife, will stay with you for a lifetime.
If possible, I recommend going with one of the luxury tour operators like Costa Cat Cruises. The pricetag is a little higher, but it’s worth it for the seamless experience they curate for you from start to finish. You’ll have an amazing time!
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
