Tortuga Island Cruise from San José: Catamaran & Beach Lunch

The boat leaves San José before dawn, and you're still half-asleep when it hits the Gulf

You're picked up from your San José hotel and driven to Puntarenas, where you board a catamaran for a 12-nautical-mile crossing to Tortuga Island. The day includes swimming in turquoise water, lunch on the beach, and time to explore the protected forest or simply rest on deck. The return drive gets you back to San José by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tortuga Island Cruise and Beach Visit

• Depart from Puntarenas
• Enjoy catamaran amenities
• Arrive at Isla Tortuga
• Swim in turquoise waters
• Relax on white sand beaches
• Return to Puntarenas

The experience

The drive from San José to Puntarenas takes a few hours, which is why the pickup happens early. You're basically trading sleep for water. Once you reach the dock, the catamaran is already there, and it's bigger than you'd expect: three separate decks, air-conditioned cabin below, open bow up front, and a Jacuzzi on top. The crew hands you a box breakfast and tropical fruit as you board, and then you're moving. Twelve nautical miles out into the Gulf of Nicoya doesn't sound far until you're actually on the water and the mainland shrinks behind you.

Tortuga Island appears gradually: white sand beach, turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat, and a protected forest that's been flying the Ecological Blue Flag for over five years, which means the water is actually clean. The island is only 120 hectares, so it's not sprawling, but that's the point. You swim where you want, walk the beach, or just sit under the palms while the crew sets up lunch. The water temperature is warm enough that you don't think twice about going in, and the visibility is good enough that snorkeling makes sense if you brought a mask. Some people stay in the water for hours. Others never get in at all. The catamaran has enough deck space that you can spend the whole day reading or watching the Gulf.

Lunch arrives mid-afternoon: fresh fish, rice, salad, and cold drinks. It's not fancy, but it's substantial and tastes better when you've been in salt water all morning. The crew keeps the snacks and tropical fruit coming the whole day, so you're never actually hungry. The ride back to Puntarenas takes the same route in reverse, and by the time you're back in the cabin heading toward the dock, the sun is already low. The drive back to San José is long (you'll be in the car until evening), but you're tired enough that it doesn't feel like a waste of time.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from San José.
• bilingual tour guide.
• catamaran or yacht transport.
• box breakfast.
• lunch with fresh fish and salad.
• snacks and tropical fruits throughout the day.
• access to Tortuga Island's beach and protected forest.
• Jacuzzi on the upper deck.
• air-conditioned cabin and open-deck areas.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 100

Audio 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.

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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in San José who want a full beach and water day without arranging their own boat or driving to the coast: the early pickup and long return drive are what make a remote island visit possible in one day from the city.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); 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 early do I need to wake up?

Hotel pickup from San José happens early morning to reach Puntarenas by boat departure. You'll be back at your hotel by evening.

Is the water safe for swimming?

Yes. Tortuga Island's waters hold the Ecological Blue Flag, a designation given to beaches in Costa Rica with pollution-free water. Visibility is good for swimming and snorkeling.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch includes fresh fish, rice, salad, and cold drinks. Box breakfast and tropical fruits are provided at the start and throughout the day.

Can I choose between a catamaran and a yacht?

The tour operates with either a catamaran or a yacht, depending on availability. Both have air-conditioned cabins, open deck areas, and upper-deck facilities.

Is there time to snorkel?

Yes, you have several hours at Tortuga Island. Snorkeling is possible in the turquoise waters, though equipment is not mentioned as included. Bring your own or ask the crew.

How long is the total day?

The full experience runs from early morning hotel pickup through the evening return to San José, typically 10–12 hours including travel time.

Is the boat ride rough?

The Gulf of Nicoya can have waves, and the journey takes a few hours each way. The catamaran has stabilizers and three separate environments (cabin, bow, upper deck) so you can find a comfortable spot.