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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Full-day private tourGuide in 4 languages · 08:30Private option: skip the crowded boat trips by sailing on a private full-day tour. Length: 7 hours

Full-day small group tourGuide in 4 languages · 08:30Small group option: skip the crowded boat trips by sailing with a group of up to 22 passengers.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (11 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

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

4.75★★★★★★★★★★

124 verified traveler reviews

5 ★108

4 ★8

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 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.

Is there parking at the marina?

Yes, private on-site parking is included at Puerto Azul marina.