Jaco: Private Tortuga Island Boat Tour & Snorkeling

Your own speedboat to Tortuga Island, arriving before the crowds

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour to Tortuga Island

• Depart from beach at 7:30 AM
• Boat ride across Gulf (45 minutes)
• Watch spider monkeys from boat
• Arrive at snorkeling location
• Snorkel and see tropical fish
• Use unique Sub-wings underwater
• Head to beach and get chairs
• Enjoy fresh tropical fruits
• Have warm cooked lunch
• Use stand up paddle boards and play volleyball
• Return to departing beach around 3:45 PM

The experience

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.

What’s included

• Private speedboat with Bluetooth music connection.
• hotel pickup (confirm with operator).
• breakfast snack (chicken empanada).
• 45-minute boat ride to Tortuga Island.
• spider monkey spotting at a neighboring island.
• snorkeling equipment.
• Subwings underwater activity.
• fresh-cut tropical fruit served on beach chairs.
• hot cooked lunch with chicken, fish, or vegetarian option.
• paddleboards, volleyball, and football available on the beach.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• beer and rum punch for guests 18 and older.
• captain and personal guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

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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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: 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 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride from Jaco to Tortuga Island?

About 45 minutes across the gulf to the snorkel site, plus a stop at a neighboring island to see spider monkeys.

What time does the tour depart and return?

Departure is 7:30 am from Jaco. Return is around 3:45 pm. Times may shift slightly due to weather.

What's included in the lunch?

A hot cooked lunch with chicken, fish, or vegetarian options, served in a shaded picnic area on the island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included. You'll also have access to paddleboards, volleyball, and football on the beach.

Can I bring my own music on the boat?

Yes, you can connect your phone via Bluetooth and play your own music during the boat ride.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Beer and rum punch are included for travelers 18 and older. Minors receive non-alcoholic drinks.

What's the group size on the private boat?

It's your own private speedboat, so the group is just your party: no large crowds like on catamarans.