Tortuga Island: Catamaran Day Trip with Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Catamaran to Tortuga Island for snorkeling, hikes, beach lunch and island vibes

You’ll sail from Los Suenos Marina toward Tortuga Island on a catamaran day trip filled with easygoing adventure: snorkeling in clear waters, a fresh-grilled lunch right on the sand, banana boat rides or hikes if you want them—all with a bilingual guide who keeps things light. Expect laughter, new friends, and those quiet moments that stick long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen water this blue?" That’s what someone behind me said as we pulled away from Los Suenos Marina just after sunrise. I was still half-asleep, clutching my coffee and trying to decide if I’d regret skipping breakfast at the hotel (spoiler: you get a light one on the catamaran). The crew moved around quietly, setting up fruit plates and joking with each other in Spanish — I caught maybe every third word. There was this salty tang in the air, kind of sticky but not in a bad way. It felt like summer camp for grown-ups.

The ride out to Tortuga Island took about 45 minutes, which sounds short but somehow feels longer when you’re watching pelicans dive and trying not to spill your rum punch (yes, they start serving early — no judgment). Our guide, Luis, pointed out tiny islets along the Gulf of Nicoya and told us stories about pirates that may or may not have been true. By the time we got close to Isla Tortuga, people were already lining up for snorkeling gear. I hesitated because I’m not exactly graceful with fins, but Luis just grinned and said “Pura vida — nobody cares.” So I went in. The water was clear enough to see these little neon fish darting around my ankles. Honestly? It was quieter underwater than above.

Afterwards there was this buffet on the sand — grilled chicken, rice with something green in it (cilantro?), potatoes that tasted way better than they looked. Some folks wandered off for banana boat rides; others just crashed under umbrellas with cold drinks. I tried hiking up one of the trails but gave up halfway because it was hotter than expected and honestly, sitting by the shore listening to distant laughter sounded better right then. The whole place smelled faintly of sunscreen and grilled onions.

I think what stuck with me most wasn’t any single activity — it was how everyone sort of relaxed into themselves by mid-afternoon. No rush, no schedule except catching the boat back before sunset. On the return trip people were swapping stories and sharing phone photos like old friends even if we’d only met that morning. I still think about that view as we left Isla Tortuga behind — sky turning gold over the Nicoya Peninsula — and how good it felt to just be there for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day tour to Tortuga Island

• Drive to Los Suenos Resort & Marina
• Board catamaran at 7:45 AM
• Sail 45 minutes to Tortuga Island
• Enjoy snorkeling and banana boat rides
• Take scenic nature hikes
• Relax on the beach
• Optional paddle boarding and kayaking
• Return to marina

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Los Suenos Marina to Tortuga Island?

About 45 minutes by catamaran across the Gulf of Nicoya.

Is lunch included on the Tortuga Island catamaran tour?

Yes, a buffet-style lunch is served on the island including grilled chicken, rice, potatoes, and salads.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Yes—rum punch, margaritas, soft drinks and water are available all day.

What activities are included at Tortuga Island?

Snorkeling gear is provided along with banana boat rides and an eco-hike; paddle boarding or kayaking cost extra.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Los Suenos Marina near Jaco.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—children ages 4-13 have a special rate; under 3 go free.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Travelers with limited mobility should contact when booking for assessment; some activities may not be suitable.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Los Suenos Marina with a bilingual guide at your side, light breakfast onboard as you head out across the Gulf of Nicoya, all-day access to rum punch or soft drinks, three included activities—snorkeling gear ready when you arrive at Tortuga Island plus banana boat rides and an eco-hike—and a full buffet lunch served right on the sand before heading back in late afternoon.