Isla Tortuga Snorkeling: Arco Iris & Morteros

The volcanic rock reef at Morteros holds goldfish, angelfish, morays and spotted eagle rays in waters most snorkelers never reach.

Snorkel Isla Tortuga and two smaller reef sites (Arco Iris and Morteros) on a half-day activity from Paquera with a local guide, small group, and all equipment provided. The boat ride passes through a natural rock arch, and the day includes time on the island's white sand beach, fresh fruit and drinks. Departures run 9am–2:30pm or noon–4pm. The guide adjusts snorkeling duration and beach time if the group agrees.

The experience

Paquera is where the boat leaves at either 9am or noon for a 20-minute ride to Isla Tortuga. On the way you pass Playa Quesera and then motor through Arco Iris, a hole carved through a rock formation that marks the entry to the snorkeling zone. The volcanic reef at Morteros sits in clear water and holds goldfish, angelfish, porcupine fish, morays, needle fish and spotted eagle rays: species that thrive on the Pacific side of Costa Rica where hard corals are sparse but the reef life is dense and varied.

After snorkeling, you swim and walk on Isla Tortuga itself. The island has a white sand beach (Playa Tropical), a path to the top if you want the view, and palm trees for shade. The guide serves fresh fruit and drinks here, and you choose how long to stay in the water or on the sand. Because the group stays small, the guide can shift the balance of the day (more time snorkeling or more time on the beach), as long as everyone agrees.

All snorkeling gear, life vests, and drinks are included. You bring a valid ID and wear closed-toe shoes for the boat. The water is warm year-round. The activity suits any fitness level, and the boat ride is gentle enough that first-time snorkelers and swimmers of all ages can join.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life vests.
• fresh fruits, a sandwich, soft drinks and bottled water.
• a local guide leading a small group.
• boat transport from Paquera to Isla Tortuga, Arco Iris and Morteros.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Once you arrive at the beach in Paquera (Playa Paquera, Los Organos) we are located at the right side, or you see our boat already at the sea shore.”

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by El Gecko Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups mean the guide can shift time between snorkeling and beach time if everyone agrees, which suits travelers who want flexibility in how they spend the afternoon without the rigidity of a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3).

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 fish and marine life will I see at Morteros?

Morteros is a volcanic rock reef known for goldfish, angelfish, porcupine fish, morays, needle fish and spotted eagle rays. The Pacific coast of Costa Rica has few hard corals, but the reef is rich in tropical fish and shellfish that make the snorkeling productive even without large coral formations.

What happens during the boat ride to Isla Tortuga?

The boat leaves Paquera and takes about 20 minutes to reach the snorkeling sites. On the way you pass Playa Quesera and then motor through Arco Iris, a natural hole in a rock formation that frames the entry to the reef zone.

Can the guide change the schedule if our group wants more time snorkeling or on the beach?

Yes. Because groups stay small, the guide can adjust how much time you spend snorkeling versus swimming and relaxing on Isla Tortuga's beach, as long as the whole group agrees to the change.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, life vests, fresh fruits, a sandwich, soft drinks and bottled water are all included. You do not need to bring or rent gear separately.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the guide provides all equipment and instruction. First-time snorkelers are welcome, and the water is warm and calm.