Tortuga Island Day Trip: Beach, Lunch & Local Guide

Summary

Boat trip from Puntarenas to Tortuga Island with lunch and snorkeling

You’ll cruise from Puntarenas to Tortuga Island with a local guide sharing stories along the way. Enjoy fresh ceviche on board, swim or snorkel in turquoise waters, relax in private beach chairs, and savor a full Costa Rican lunch before heading back with coffee and fruit—leaving you sun-kissed and smiling long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever try ceviche at 9am?” That’s how our guide Marco started things as we boarded the boat in Puntarenas — he handed out little cups of fish ceviche and banana cake with coffee, which honestly hit different with the salty air and everyone still half-awake. The water was that kind of blue you see on postcards but never really believe until you’re there. We passed Isla San Lucas and Marco pointed out the old prison — he told us stories about escapes (or attempts) that made me laugh, though I’m not sure if they were all true. There was this moment when the engine cut for a second and it got quiet except for birds overhead and someone’s kid giggling at the wind.

Getting closer to Tortuga Island — or Tolinga, like Marco called it — you could smell something sweet in the breeze (maybe mangroves?). The sand felt almost powdery underfoot. They set up beach chairs for us in a private area, which was good because I’m not built for direct sun all day. Some folks went straight for snorkeling; I just watched for a bit before trying it myself. Not gonna lie, I got water up my nose immediately but then saw these bright fish darting around and forgot about it. There were options for kayaking or banana boats too, but honestly just floating around with a rum punch was enough.

Lunch was two kinds of meat — chicken and fish — plus salads, rice, veggies… more than I expected. Marco poured wine for anyone who wanted it (I stuck to soda after my third punch). People drifted between eating and swimming; nobody seemed rushed. On the way back to Puntarenas, they brought out more coffee and fruit while everyone looked sunburnt but happy. There’s this feeling you get after a long saltwater day where your skin feels tight but your head’s clear — I still think about that view leaving Tortuga Island behind, light bouncing off the water like it didn’t want us to go yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tortuga Island Beach Excursion

• Boat tour around Isla San Lucas National Park
• View Isla Cedros from the boat
• Relax on Tortuga Island beach and lunch

Top questions

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

The trip covers 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas to Tortuga Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your stay on Tortuga Island.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

Yes, breakfast snacks like coffee, fruits, ceviche, banana cake are served plus a full lunch on the island.

Is this Tortuga Island tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What drinks are included on the tour?

The tour includes unlimited natural drinks, three sodas, drinking water, five rum punch per person, plus coffee throughout the day.

Can infants join this excursion?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are extra activities available on Tortuga Island?

Yes—snorkeling is included; kayaking or banana boat rides can be purchased separately.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip boat cruise from Puntarenas with a local guide sharing stories en route; morning coffee with fruits and fresh ceviche; use of snorkeling gear; unlimited soft drinks plus rum punch; private beach chair setup; full Costa Rican lunch with salads and meats; afternoon coffee and fruit before returning to port—all fees covered so you can just relax into island time.