You board a private speedboat at 7:30 and arrive at Tortuga Island's snorkel site before the larger groups. You'll fly underwater with Subwings, spot spider monkeys from the boat, and spend the afternoon in a beach chair with fresh fruit and a hot cooked lunch. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and drinks are included; the return is around 3:45 pm.
The boat leaves Jaco at 7:30 in the morning, and it's just you and your group on a private speedboat instead of one of those packed catamarans that show up later. The crossing takes about 45 minutes — you can plug your phone in via Bluetooth and play whatever you want the whole way. The captain knows the route and the timing, so you'll be at the snorkel site first, which actually matters when you're trying to see fish and not just other tourists.
Once you're in the water, there's the Subwings — these underwater wings let you glide through the reef like you're flying, and it works for all ages, which is why families end up doing this together instead of splitting up. Before you head to the island, the boat stops at a neighboring island where spider monkeys live, and you see them from the water without the noise and chaos of a big group. Then it's on to Tortuga Island itself, where beach chairs are already set up in the shade and someone brings out fresh-cut tropical fruit while you dry off.
Lunch is hot and cooked on-site — chicken, fish, or vegetarian — served in a shaded picnic area. The whole island setup includes paddleboards, volleyball, and football if you want to move around, but mostly people sit, eat, and watch the water. You get snorkeling gear, a breakfast empanada before you leave Jaco, bottled water all day, and if you're 18 or older, beer and rum punch. The boat comes back around 3:45, which gives you the afternoon free.
Operated by Subwing Costa Rica
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to reach Tortuga Island's best snorkel site before the big tour groups arrive and prefer a flexible itinerary you can shape with your own music and requests — the small private boat is what makes both possible.
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