Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour: Catamaran, Lunch & Fun

Snorkel the Gulf of Nicoya, then eat and play on white sand

A full-day catamaran tour from Jaco to Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya with snorkeling, banana boat rides, and nature hikes included. The boat leaves Los Suenos Resort at 7:45 AM and reaches the island in 45 minutes. You get a bilingual guide, three on-island activities, a full buffet lunch, and drinks all day. Gratuities for the crew are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day tour to Tortuga Island

• Depart from Los Suenos Resort Marina
• Sail 45 minutes to Tortuga Island
• Enjoy snorkeling
• Experience banana boat ride
• Take a nature hike
• Relax on the beach
• Return to Marina

The experience

The catamaran departs at 7:45 AM from the Marina dock at Los Suenos Resort, a 10-minute drive from downtown Jaco. The crossing to Tortuga Island takes 45 minutes, and you'll have light breakfast and rum punch or margaritas on board. Once you arrive, the day opens into three included activities: snorkeling in the Gulf of Nicoya, a banana boat ride, and an eco-hike through the island's interior. You choose which ones to do and when, or you can stay on the beach with a chair and umbrella while the crew handles the rest.

Lunch is a full buffet served on the island (grilled chicken, spring rice, sautéed potatoes, and two salads) with soft drinks and water available all day. Rum punch and margaritas stay flowing throughout. If you want to paddle board or kayak, those are available for an additional fee. The group stays small enough that the bilingual guide (English and Spanish) can keep track of everyone, and beach toys are provided for anyone who wants to play in the shallows.

The boat returns to Los Suenos Resort by late afternoon. Hotel pickup is included if you're staying in the area. The resort is 1 hour 15 minutes from San Jose airport, so the timing works for travelers based in central Jaco. Insurance, permits, and all marine safety equipment are provided. Note that this tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and pregnant travelers should contact the operator before booking.

What’s included

• The tour includes a bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• light breakfast on the catamaran.
• snorkeling, banana boat rides, and an eco-hike on the island.
• a full buffet lunch with grilled chicken, spring rice, sautéed potatoes, and two salads.
• rum punch, margaritas, soft drinks, and water all day.
• beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys.
• insurance, permits, and marine safety equipment.
• and hotel pickup from Los Suenos Resort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (14 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the commentary and safety briefings in either language. If you're traveling with a mix of English and Spanish speakers, or if you're more comfortable in one language, this tour keeps everyone on the same page without a separate group or a language barrier at the snorkel site.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 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. No refund if you cancel.

How far is Tortuga Island from Jaco, and how long is the boat ride?

Tortuga Island sits in the Gulf of Nicoya, and the catamaran crossing from Los Suenos Resort takes 45 minutes each way. The resort itself is a 10-minute drive from downtown Jaco.

What snorkeling will I do, and what fish or marine life might I see?

Snorkeling is one of three included activities on the island. The operator describes the waters as teeming with tropical fish, though the specific species and depth depend on the day and the exact site where the guide anchors.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is a full buffet served on the island with grilled chicken, spring rice, sautéed potatoes, and two salads. The operator does not offer food substitutions, so if you have allergies or dietary needs, bring your own alternatives or contact them before booking.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes the catamaran, bilingual guide, three activities (snorkeling, banana boat, eco-hike), lunch, breakfast, and drinks all day. Paddle boarding and kayaking cost extra. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the price.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Los Suenos Resort?

Hotel pickup is included from Los Suenos Resort. If you're staying elsewhere in Jaco, contact the operator to confirm pickup availability. The resort is 10 minutes from downtown Jaco and 1 hour 15 minutes from San Jose airport.

Can I do all three activities, or do I have to choose?

You can do all three included activities (snorkeling, the banana boat ride, and the eco-hike), or mix and match them throughout the day. You can also spend time on the beach while the crew provides service, and beach chairs and umbrellas are set up for you.