Tortuga Island Snorkeling & Dolphin Spotting from Puntarenas

Six hours on Tortuga Island, watching for dolphins on the way out

You spend a full day on Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya, starting with a boat ride where dolphins and seasonal whales are possible sightings. Snorkeling equipment and a 30-to-40-minute guided session are included, followed by six hours of free beach time to spot wildlife or rest. A prepared lunch with drink and dessert happens on the island, and the certified bilingual guide handles the timing and navigation so you just show up at the dock.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tortuga Island adventure and beach time

• Travel 1 hour to Tortuga Island
• Observe marine fauna and birds en route
• See wild pigs, deer, monkeys, iguanas, peacocks
• Enjoy 6 hours of free beach time
• Return 1 hour to starting point

The experience

There's something about the moment the boat engine cuts and you realize you're about to snorkel in open water: that mix of nerves and wanting to see what's actually down there. The trip to Tortuga Island takes about an hour across the Gulf of Nicoya, and that's when the real watching starts. Bottlenose dolphins move through these waters, and humpback whales show up depending on the season, so you're scanning the surface the whole way. The boat has powerful engines and the crew knows the route: they've got all the navigation permits sorted, which means you're not thinking about logistics, just looking.

You arrive at the island around 10 a.m., and the first thing on the schedule is snorkeling. The gear is included, and you get about 30 to 40 minutes in the water. The company has an exclusive area for their clients, so it's not crowded. After that, the day opens up: six hours of beach time, depending on weather. That's when you might spot wild pigs, howler monkeys, iguanas, or deer moving through the island's natural habitat. Nothing's guaranteed because they're wild, but the island is small enough that you're always walking into something. The certified guide speaks English and Spanish, so you're not guessing what you're looking at.

Lunch happens on the island itself: a typical Costa Rican meal with your choice of chicken fillet or grilled fish, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if you need them. There's coffee or black tea after, and dessert. The setup includes roofed picnic tables and shower facilities at the dock, so you can rinse off the salt before the hour-long ride back. If your group is more than seven people, you can arrange a private boat, which changes the whole feel of the day.

What’s included

• Round-trip boat transport from Puntarenas to Tortuga Island with powerful engines and navigation permits.
• certified bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• snorkeling equipment and 30-to-40-minute guided snorkeling session in an exclusive client area.
• six hours of beach time on the island.
• typical Costa Rican lunch with chicken fillet or grilled fish options, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
• dessert.
• Costa Rican coffee or black tea.
• toilet facilities and showers at the dock.
• roofed picnic tables.
• possible dolphin sightings during the boat ride.
• possible humpback whale sightings in season.
• opportunity to see wild island wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, deer, and wild pigs in their natural habitat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mardy tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full island day without arranging boat transport, snorkeling gear, or a meal: the fixed schedule and included guide handle all three, leaving you free to watch for dolphins on the way out and just be on the beach once you arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 long is the boat ride to Tortuga Island?

Approximately one hour each way. The return trip is also about an hour, so plan for two hours of travel time total across the day.

What time do we arrive at the island?

Around 10 a.m., which gives you the full day for snorkeling, beach time, and lunch before heading back.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Equipment is provided, and the snorkeling session lasts 30 to 40 minutes with a guide.

What animals might we see on the island?

Wild pigs, howler monkeys, iguanas, deer, and peacocks live on the island. Dolphins and humpback whales (in season) are possible during the boat ride. Sightings depend on nature and timing, so they're not guaranteed.

What food is included?

A typical Costa Rican lunch with your choice of chicken fillet or grilled fish, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Dessert, coffee, or black tea are also included.

Can we make this a private tour?

Yes. Groups of more than seven passengers can arrange a private boat.

Are there shower facilities on the island?

Yes. Toilet facilities and showers are available at the exit dock, so you can rinse off before the return trip.