Tortuga Island & Bioluminescent Snorkel: Spider Monkeys & 2 Islands

One Day, Three Ecosystems: Monkeys, Coral & Glowing Plankton

You spend the morning spotting spider monkeys and snorkeling Tortuga Island's reefs, break for a grilled lunch on the beach, then return to Tambor Bay for a mangrove tour and sunset. The day ends with a night swim in bioluminescent water where plankton light up with each movement. All gear, food, and drinks are included. Your group stays private with one guide and captain the entire time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island tour and bioluminescent snorkel

• Boat ride to 5 gulf islands
• Visit Spider Monkey Island
• Travel to Isla Tortuga
• Snorkel among colorful fish
• Explore Tortuga Island wildlife
• Have lunch on the island
• Return to Tambor bay
• Mangrove swamp tour
• Relax and swim at Playa Muertos
• Watch sunset over the bay
• Nighttime bioluminescent snorkeling

The experience

What if you could see wild spider monkeys, snorkel a pristine island, and swim in waters that light up at night? All in one day? That's what makes this full-day tour from Tambor different. Most operators split the experience: you get either the island tour or the bioluminescence, never both. This one stacks all three, which means you're not choosing between them.

The day starts early with a 45-minute boat ride out to five gulf islands, where spider monkeys live in the canopy. Your private guide and captain stay with your group the whole time, so the pace is yours. After the islands, you head to Isla Tortuga itself, the main stop, where the water is clear enough to snorkel among parrotfish, snappers, and smaller reef species. The boat crew lands you on the beach, and you can either get in the water or just sit under the palms. Lunch comes next: grilled mahi-mahi, grilled chicken, or vegetarian, with fresh fruit, juice, and cold drinks from the ice chest.

The second half is where it gets strange in the best way. You return to Tambor Bay and take a mangrove tour through the northern swamp, then land on Playa Muertos on the east side. You'll watch the sunset from the beach, and as the light fades, the real part begins. The bay's waters are naturally bioluminescent: tiny dinoflagellates that glow when they move. You wade or swim in, and every kick sends up a shower of blue-green light, like you're moving through liquid stars. It sounds impossible until you're in it.

Snorkeling gear, all drinks, lunch, and watermelon are included. The whole thing runs from morning until after dark, so bring a light layer and expect to be damp by the end. Book directly with the operator if you want to confirm pickup from your hotel in Tambor or nearby areas.

What’s included

• 45-minute boat ride to five gulf islands.
• spider monkey viewing.
• snorkeling at Tortuga Island with all gear provided.
• lunch with your choice of grilled mahi-mahi, grilled chicken, or vegetarian.
• fresh fruit, juice, water, soda, and beer.
• mangrove tour of Tambor Bay.
• sunset viewing on Playa Muertos.
• nighttime bioluminescent snorkel with plankton lighting up in response to movement.
• watermelon and chips with dip.
• private guide and captain for your group only.

Options for this experience

2 options

Large groupsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00For large groups, we can take up to 12 people, and we also have multiple boats available.

Snorkeling at Tortuga Island in the Gulf Islands, plus bioluminescenceUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00Starting from $145, the tour lasts 8 hours. Lunch, drinks and snacks are included: a BBQ lunch on Tortuga Island with chicken, fish or vegetarian options; water, beer or soft drinks on the boat; and a snack or fruit during the bioluminescence tour. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 32 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 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 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pura Vida Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to pack three distinct ecosystems and activities into one day without coordinating separate tours and timing. The private format means your group moves together, and the all-inclusive meals and gear remove the logistics from your morning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 to the islands?

The initial ride to the five gulf islands takes 45 minutes from Tambor.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs full-day, starting in the morning and finishing after dark when the bioluminescence swim is complete. Confirm exact pickup time with the operator.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for both the Tortuga Island reef and the nighttime bioluminescence swim.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch with a choice of grilled mahi-mahi, grilled chicken, or vegetarian; fresh fruit; juice; water; soda; beer (over 18); and chips with dip. Watermelon is also provided.

Can I do this tour if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You can snorkel at Tortuga Island or relax on the beach, and the bioluminescence swim is in shallow, calm bay water where you can wade.

Is this tour private or in a group?

It's a private tour, meaning your group has the full attention of the guide and captain for the entire day.

What makes this tour different from others in the area?

This is the only operator that combines all three experiences (spider monkey islands, Tortuga Island snorkeling, and bioluminescent night swimming) in a single day. Other tours typically offer one or two of these.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the boat?

The tour departs from Tambor. Public transportation options are available nearby, and hotel pickup may be arranged depending on your location. Confirm with the operator when booking.