Isla Tortuga Boat Tour: Snorkeling, Beach & Monkeys

Six hours on turquoise water: snorkeling, beach hammocks, and spider monkeys passing the boat

A full-day boat tour from Paquera to Isla Tortuga in the Gulf of Nicoya, departing at 9am and returning at 3:30pm. You swim and snorkel off a white sand beach with volcanic rocks, relax in hammocks, play volleyball, and pass a neighboring island where spider monkeys come down to the shore. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, water, coffee and soda are included. The guide speaks English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Isla Tortuga boat tour

• Depart from Paquera at 9am
• Travel to Isla Tortuga
• Relax on white sand beach
• Enjoy tropical beach lunch
• Snorkel near volcanic rocks
• Play volleyball on the beach
• Rest in a hammock
• Visit island with spider monkeys
• Return to Paquera by 3:30pm

The experience

The boat leaves Paquera at 9am and heads into the Gulf of Nicoya toward Isla Tortuga, an island known for its Caribbean-style white sand beach and transparent turquoise water. Once you arrive, the day splits between the water and the beach itself. Snorkeling happens off volcanic rocks just beyond the shoreline, where you'll see colorful reef fish. The equipment is provided. Between water time, you can hang in a hammock on the sand, join a volleyball game, or simply sit with the view.

On the way back, the boat passes another island inhabited by spider monkeys. When they come down to the shore, you get a close-up look from the water: no need to hike or search. Lunch is a light tropical meal served on the beach, and the day includes bottled water, coffee and soda throughout. The tour runs six hours total, which means you're back by mid-afternoon.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• soda and soft drinks.
• use of beach hammocks.
• boat transport from Paquera to Isla Tortuga and back.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (17 to 63 years) · Senior (64 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Drive 1,5km from the Paquera ferry landing on gravel road until you see a sign that says Bahia Rica TOURS. Park next to this sign and walk 200 meters on small path that begins on the left side of the little bridge.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a full beach day with snorkeling, downtime in a hammock, and wildlife viewing all in one outing. The six-hour window means you leave in the morning and return by mid-afternoon, leaving time for other activities or a sunset elsewhere in the area.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Isla Tortuga?

Snorkeling happens off volcanic rocks just beyond the white sand beach, where you'll find colorful reef fish in transparent turquoise water. Equipment is provided, and the rocks are located right off the island's shore.

Do I get to see the spider monkeys up close?

The boat passes a neighboring island inhabited by spider monkeys on the return trip. When they come down to the shore, you see them from the water at close range. It's a viewing moment built into the route, not a separate excursion.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour departs at 9am from Paquera and returns at 3:30pm, making it a six-hour outing that leaves your afternoon free.

What's included in the price?

Lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, coffee and soda are all included. You don't need to bring or pay separately for any of these.

Is this tour suitable for someone who isn't a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You can snorkel at your own pace, relax in a hammock, or stay on the beach while others are in the water. There's no requirement to swim or dive.