Snorkeling from Puntarenas: Turtle Island with dolphins and lunch
Dolphins, spider monkeys and a snorkel stop on the way to one of Costa Rica's best beaches.
This snorkeling tour from Puntarenas takes you by boat through the Gulf of Nicoya to Turtle Island, with stops to search for dolphins and spider monkeys, a snorkel session in shallow reef waters, and lunch on the sand. A bilingual guide leads the full day. The boat departs early and returns mid-afternoon, so the pace is set and the route is fixed.
Step-by-step itinerary
Adventure from Puntarenas to Turtle Island
- Search for dolphins in Gulf of Nicoya
- Learn about World War II shipwreck
- Pass through Negritos Island to spot spider monkeys
- Snorkel near Tortuga Island
- Arrive at Tortuga Island
- Enjoy tropical fruits and lunch
- Relax on the beach
What’s included
- Bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- snorkel equipment.
- tropical fruit and hot lunch with a choice of grilled fish, chicken or vegetarian plate.
- coffee, cookies and water throughout the day.
- wildlife sighting attempts for dolphins and spider monkeys en route.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Coco's Tours Cr
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves Puntarenas in the early morning and heads into the Gulf of Nicoya. Before you reach Turtle Island, the guide will point out the wreckage of a World War II shipwreck visible at low tide, then slow near Negritos Island: a biological reserve where spider monkeys live in the canopy. The search for wildlife frames the crossing. You're not guaranteed sightings, but the boat stops and waits for them. Dolphins are common in these waters during the season.
About two minutes from Turtle Island, the boat anchors at a rock formation for snorkeling. The water here is shallow and clear, and the reef holds parrotfish, grouper, rays and smaller tropical species. You'll use provided equipment or bring your own mask and fins. The snorkel lasts as long as the group stays comfortable in the water, usually 30 to 45 minutes, then the boat moves to the island itself.
Turtle Island has one of the Pacific coast's widest, calmest beaches. You arrive to fresh tropical fruit, then a hot lunch: grilled fish or chicken, a vegetarian plate if you prefer it, served family-style on picnic tables in the sand. Coffee and cookies come in the morning. Water and sodas are available all day. The afternoon is yours to swim, walk the shoreline or rest under the trees before the return trip to Puntarenas. The full day runs six to eight hours from pickup to drop-off.
Is this one for you?The boat departs on a fixed schedule with predetermined stops, so you follow the guide's timing rather than planning your own route. Choose this if you prefer a structured day with snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and beach time without deciding where to go.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 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.
What kind of marine life will I see when snorkeling near Turtle Island?
The snorkel site near Turtle Island holds parrotfish, grouper, rays and smaller tropical reef fish in shallow, clear water. The exact species present depends on the season and tide, but the reef is active year-round.
Will we actually see dolphins and spider monkeys, or is that just a hope?
The boat searches for both as it crosses the gulf and passes Negritos Island, but sightings are not guaranteed. They depend on the season, time of day and where the animals are feeding. The guide knows the patterns and stops to look, but wildlife spotting is never certain.
What's included in the lunch on Turtle Island?
Lunch is a hot meal of grilled fish or chicken with a vegetarian option, served with rice and beans. Fresh tropical fruit comes when you arrive, and coffee with cookies is served in the morning. Water and sodas are available throughout the day.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?
Snorkel equipment is provided, including mask, fins and snorkel. You can use the gear supplied or bring your own if you prefer.
How early does the boat leave, and what time do we get back to Puntarenas?
The tour runs six to eight hours total from Puntarenas. The exact departure time depends on your booking. Confirm the pickup time when you reserve, as the return will follow the same schedule.
Is this tour crowded, and can I avoid the busiest times?
Weekends draw larger groups. If you prefer fewer people, the operator recommends booking Monday through Thursday for a smaller crowd on the boat and beach.
Snorkeling from Puntarenas: Turtle Island with dolphins and lunch
6h–8h · EN · ES
from US$ 95 per person
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