Tortuga Island Private Boat Tour & Snorkeling from Puntarenas
Your boat leaves Puerto Azul at sunrise for a private day on Tortuga Island
You board a private boat at Puerto Azul marina and spend the day snorkeling at Tortuga Island's volcanic reef, spotting spider monkeys at Isla Negritos, and eating fresh-caught lunch on a reserved beach. Dolphin watching, all equipment, and unlimited drinks are included. Small groups mean you avoid the commercial tour crowds, and hotel pickup can be arranged if you're staying nearby.
Step-by-step itinerary
Private full-day tour to Tortuga Island
- Meet at Puerto Azul hotel and marina
- Receive safety briefing and boarding
- Enjoy dolphin watching (weather permitting)
- Spot spider monkeys at Isla Negritos
- Visit natural Stone Arch
- Arrive at private beach spot on Tortuga Island
- Take guided one-hour snorkeling tour
- Eat fresh fish ceviche appetizer
- Enjoy delicious lunch and dessert
- Have afternoon coffee and cookies
- Relax with bottled water, fruits, and snacks
- Return from Tortuga Island
The Experience
The boat departs from Puerto Azul boutique hotel and marina in Puntarenas, and you're on the water before the commercial tours even load their passengers. It's a private vessel, not a crowded catamaran, which means the whole rhythm of the day changes — your guide knows where the dolphins are moving, when the light hits the reef best for snorkeling, and exactly which beach spot keeps you away from the tour groups. The ride takes you past the Central Pacific coast, and if the weather holds, you'll spot dolphins on the way out. A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) walks you through the safety briefing and what to expect, and then it's just your group and the water.
Once you reach Tortuga Island, you get a reserved private beach spot — not the main landing where fifty people are already setting up. From there, the snorkeling happens at a nearby volcanic reef with water so clear you can see the reef structure from the surface. The guide takes you through a one-hour session, pointing out the fish and coral, and the equipment is included so you don't rent separately. After you come back to shore, there's a spider monkey tour at nearby Isla Negritos, where the monkeys move through the canopy above you and the guide explains their behavior without the noise of a larger group. It's the kind of detail that makes the difference between a tour and an actual morning in the forest.
Lunch arrives mid-afternoon, prepared fresh that day with local ingredients — grilled fish fillet or chicken, ceviche, tropical fruits, and dessert. Bottled water, snacks, and afternoon coffee with cookies come throughout the day, so you're never reaching for your wallet or wondering what's next. The boat has music playing, the pace is relaxed, and nobody is rushing you back to the dock. You return to Puerto Azul in the late afternoon, and the whole day — transport, entry, snorkeling gear, food, and the guide — is already paid for.
What’s included
Your day includes private boat transport from Puerto Azul marina, professional bilingual guides (English and Spanish), dolphin watching (weather permitting), spider monkey tour at Isla Negritos, one-hour guided snorkeling session with full equipment at Tortuga Island's volcanic reef, access to a private reserved beach spot, fresh-caught lunch with grilled fish or chicken, ceviche, tropical fruits and dessert, bottled water, snacks, afternoon coffee and cookies, private parking, safety briefing, and insurance.
Operated by Turismo Marítimo del Pacífico
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Tortuga Island experience — snorkeling, wildlife, and a full day on the water — without the noise and crowds of commercial tour boats. The private boat and reserved beach spot are what make the difference, and the all-inclusive meals mean you're not hunting for food or paying extras throughout the day.
Traveler reviews
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What time does the tour start and end?
The boat departs from Puerto Azul marina in the morning (exact time depends on your booking date). It's a full-day tour, returning in the late afternoon.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour price. The guided snorkeling session lasts about one hour at the volcanic reef.
Can I see dolphins?
Dolphin watching is included weather permitting — it often happens on the boat ride to or from the island, but sightings depend on conditions that day.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch includes grilled fish or chicken, ceviche, tropical fruits, dessert, bottled water, snacks, and afternoon coffee with cookies.
How many people are on the boat?
It's a private tour, so group size is small — much smaller than the commercial tour boats. The exact number depends on your booking.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
The snorkeling is guided and suitable for all fitness levels. The reef area is in shallow water with clear visibility.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup can be arranged if you're staying in the Puntarenas area. Confirm this when you book.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather, but rough seas or storms may cause cancellation or rescheduling. Your operator will advise if conditions are unsafe.
Can children go on this tour?
Yes. Infants can ride in a stroller or pram, and children can snorkel with supervision. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Is there parking at the marina?
Yes, private on-site parking is included at Puerto Azul marina.
Tortuga Island Private Boat Tour & Snorkeling from Puntarenas
7h · EN · DE +2
from US$ 125 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.75124 reviews















