At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- A full-day tour, about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pickup in Santa Teresa or Malpaís; the boat ride is about 50 minutes each way from Montezuma
- From the airports
- Not a stop on the way in. From San José airport (SJO) area hotels, day cruises with pickup take 8–10 hours door to door
- Swimming
- Usually calm, clear water off a white-sand beach; good snorkeling
- Best for
- Couples and families alike; kids who can swim will love the snorkeling
- Facilities
- Tours include lunch on the beach, drinks and snorkel gear; kayaks and extras cost more
- Surf
- None: that's the point
What is a day on Isla Tortuga like?
Most people go on a full-day tour, roughly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Montezuma the boat takes about 50 minutes each way, and a typical day includes a captain and guide, snorkel gear, soft drinks and a barbecue lunch with fruit on the island's white-sand beach. Kayaks and souvenirs cost extra. Between swims, snorkel around the rocks for tropical fish.
The water around Tortuga is usually calm, unlike the open Pacific at Santa Teresa, which makes this one of the easiest ocean days on the peninsula for families. In August and September, humpback whales are often spotted from the boat.
How do you get to Isla Tortuga?
| Leaving from | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Teresa, Malpaís or Montezuma | Full-day boat tour from Montezuma, with hotel pickup; about 50 minutes on the water each way | Staying on the southern peninsula |
| Tambor | Boat tours leave straight from the beach | Staying on the Gulf side |
| Puntarenas, San José, Jacó | Larger catamaran cruises with pickup; 8–10 hours from Puntarenas or San José | Travelers staying on the mainland |
Some operators also run a sunset and bioluminescence version from Montezuma. See Montezuma and Tambor, Curú and the Gulf side for where the boats leave from.
Is Isla Tortuga worth it?
For a calm, easy day on the water, yes, and it works for couples and families alike. It's busier than it used to be, with jet skis at peak times, so go on a weekday if you can. There's good news underwater, too: since 2024, a restoration project has planted about 2,000 corals around the island.
Insider tip: Book the tour with pickup from your hotel in Santa Teresa, so nobody has to drive the hill to Montezuma early in the morning. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag for your phone: you'll spend most of the day in the sun.
Nearby beaches
- Curú Wildlife Refuge and Playa Curú
- Playa Tambor
- Montezuma: Beach, Waterfalls and Town
- Pochote and Playa Muertos
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Isla Tortuga from Santa Teresa?
On a full-day boat tour, with pickup at your hotel. Tours leave from Montezuma, about 50 minutes by boat from the island, and run from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Is Isla Tortuga good for kids?
Yes. The water is usually calm and clear, there's a white-sand beach and lunch is included, so it's one of the easiest ocean days for families. Kids who can swim will enjoy the snorkeling; bring life vests for younger ones if the operator doesn't supply them.
Can you see whales on the way to Isla Tortuga?
Often in August and September, when humpback whales from the Southern Hemisphere are in Costa Rica's waters. Dolphins can turn up any time of year.
Is Isla Tortuga crowded?
It's busier than it used to be, with several tour boats and jet skis at peak times. Weekdays outside the Christmas and Easter holidays are quieter.
Can you do Isla Tortuga from San José?
Yes, on a catamaran cruise that picks you up in San José and sails from Puntarenas; plan on 8 to 10 hours. If you're heading to the peninsula anyway, it's easier to go from Montezuma or Tambor.