Tortuga Island (Isla Tortuga)

The basics

Most travelers visit Tortuga Island for its waters. But the island also offers a mix of activities including hiking, canopy tours, and pickup volleyball games that keep visitors well entertained on land. Meanwhile, the volcanic reef surrounding the island is home to diverse wildlife, such as moray eels, spinner dolphins, and octopi. The island’s three shipwrecks are a popular destination for snorkel tours and diving tours.

Tortuga Island is an ideal day trip destination. Day trip cruises typically run from San Jose and Jaco on mainland Costa Rica. They allow visitors to glide past some of the 23 islands scattered around the Gulf of Nicoya.

Opt for a glass-bottom boat or sea kayak tour for a chance to admire the underwater scenery without getting wet. If you want to get wet, take a thrilling ride in a banana boat.

Things to know before you go

• Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.

• Bars, restaurants, and local vendors offer food and drinks.

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun, especially while you’re on the boat trip over to the island.

• Tortuga Island is kid-friendly, and the day cruises to the island are popular among families.

How to get there

You can only arrive at Tortuga Island by boat. Operators depart from a variety of ports, including Jaco, Montezuma, Puntarenas, and San Jose. Most boat tours include snorkeling, typical Costa Rican meals, snacks like fresh fruit, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

When to get there

Tortuga Island is open year-round, with peak season running from late December through January. The island is only accessible via day tour, as there is no lodging on Tortuga. Though the official average of 120 visitors per week seems delightfully low, be aware that on weekends and in December and January, those numbers spike.

Turtle Islands

Tortuga Island is actually comprised of two islands, Alcatraz and Tolinga, but just about everyone refers to them as Isla Tortuga, or Turtle Island, named after the area’s most popular wildlife resident.

Ways to explore

The best way to experience Tortuga Island is to book a boat trip from the mainland, with excursions usually lasting a full day. Most boats depart from Jaco or Puntarenas, and many Tortuga Island tours offer access to the amenities you need to savor a day by the water there in comfort. Some include perks such as breakfast, lunch, and drinks—either alcoholic or nonalcoholic—as well as snorkeling equipment, banana boat rides, guided hikes, and access to beach chairs with umbrellas.

Accessibility

While some boats can accommodate wheelchairs, accessible facilities on Tortuga Island are limited.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Waterproof bag for valuables, insect repellent, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Swimsuit, quick-drying clothing, brimmed hat

Not allowed

Sunscreens with ingredients that harm coral reefs, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, are banned in Costa Rica.

Amenities

Restrooms, food vendors, sun loungers

Address 

Tortuga Island is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, across the water from Puntarenas and Jaco. While most boats depart from those cities, some tours offer pickup in other locations, including San José.

Driving

It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Jaco from San José by car. Follow Route 27 west from the city, then turn onto Route 34, which leads into the Jaco city center, where tour boats depart for Tortuga Island.

Public transportation

Transportes Jaco S.A. buses from San José to Jaco regularly depart from the city’s Terminal Atlántico Norte. The bus ride is around two hours. Tickets can be purchased online or in person (cash only).

Best times to visit

To give you as much beach time as possible, tours to Tortuga Island generally depart first thing in the morning, between 6–8:30am.

Best days to visit

Come on a weekday, if possible. Weekends get busy with day-trippers from Costa Rican cities.

Best months to visit

The December–March dry season is ideal for visiting Tortuga Island, with plentiful sunshine and good underwater visibility.

Special events

Whales arrive in the Gulf of Nicoya each year between July and November, a season when travelers and locals alike celebrate regular sightings of the marine giants.