A festive environment!

If you’re looking for an option with sun, catamaran rides and a great ambiance, you have to visit this natural spot.
Beautiful Isla Tortuga is located off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and is only accessible by boat. Several companies can bring you here from different parts of the country, so there is no excuse not to visit the paradise of white sand, turquoise waters and beach chairs that awaits you.

It is important to know that only day tours are available, since hotel accommodations are not available on the island. This helps preserve the attractions of the location, the perfect combination between flora, fauna and sea.

You can reserve the tour from Jacó, the Curú Wildlife Refuge or in the area around Montezuma.
One of the best known points of departure is the Puntarenas port. The trip from Puntarenas can take about an hour and a half, with departures beginning at 7:30 a.m. and return trips at 4:00 p.m. (after which no one is allowed to stay on the island) for a return to Puntarenas by 6:00 p.m.

A group of people playing volleyball on a beach.

An island for every style

Isla Tortuga offers delights for every taste, whether you wish to spend the day relaxing or you’d like to opt for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding tours, nature hikes and even more specialized activities and sports like jet ski, banana boat and paddleboarding. Other activities that await include beach volleyball or a sandy pick-up soccer match, or mejenga.

Traveling to this tropical island is such an adventure, especially with the catamaran ride that allows you to fully enjoy the trip there and back. For some years now, companies have been offering all-inclusive tours that include transportation, meals, live music on the catamaran and tours, meaning you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Remember to bring back some photographs of the island’s vegetation and the incredible sunset over the Pacific on your way back. We know that once you get to explore this paradise, you’ll be organizing your next trip back before you’re off the boat.

A woman laying on the beach reading a book.

Information you need to know

  • Information about the island: Isla Tortuga actually consists of two very small islands right next to one another, called Alcatraz (60 ha) and Tolinga (120 ha).
  • How to get there: Drive to the Puntarenas ferry docks (1 hour and 40 minutes from San José on Route 27).
  • Sand: white
  • Water: aquamarine
  • Sea life: dolphins and whales can often be spotted.
  • Access: by catamaran or ship.
  • Accommodations on the island: none
  • Departure and return times: 7:30 a.m. a 4:00 p.m.
  • Activities: jet ski, banana boat, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, hiking, and beach chairs for rent.