This full day excursion to Tortuga Island includes snorkeling a volcanic reef in pristine offshore waters, full lunch, and an afternoon on the beach exploring the action on the island, or taking a siesta before heading back to the mainland.
The tour begins when you are picked up from your hotel and driven to a marina near Montezuma Beach. You’ll meet the rest of your group and hop on board your ocean chariot before it whisks you away to paradise. It’s about a 50 minute boat cruise towards Isla Tortuga or “Turtle Island”.
Depending on the time of year, you may see dolphins swimming along side of the boat, leaping manta rays or even humpback whales as they migrate north and south during mating season.
Upon first sight, the green palm trees of Isla Tortuga may be dancing in the gentle wind, while crystal clear turquoise waters beckon, and pristine white sand beaches may convince you that you have truly found paradise.
When you arrive, the boat will anchor and you will get ready to go exploring underwater. Your guide will hand out high-quality and clean snorkeling equipment before you jump into the refreshing ocean water to join the life swirling underneath the surface.
You’ll be surrounded by colorful schools of tropical fish and likely see moray eels, porcupine fish, angelfish and spotted eagle rays. These are just some of the sea life you may encounter while gliding in and around the beautiful volcanic reef that these creatures call home.
Your may choose to snorkel in a group with your guide who will show you places to look and help identify what you see. Or you can choose to go off and snorkel on your own within a certain safe distance.
After snorkeling, your guide will crack open the cooler on the boat and offer cold beverages plus freshly cut tropical fruit. The boat will take you over to the beach where you can sink your feet into the white sand.
Lunch will be provided in an island restaurant and will typically consist of fresh ocean fish, sauteed vegetables, roasted potatoes and refreshing beverages.
After lunch you will have free time in the afternoon to explore the island. This is a popular tourist destination with a lot of concessions on the island and many different types of activities available. You can choose to rent kayaks at an extra charge, or walk the beach, or go out snorkeling again. You may want to just relax, sunbathe and take a little “siesta”. If you would like to purchase snacks or alcoholic beverages you will need to bring along some extra spending money to do so.
In the late afternoon, it will be time to head back to the mainland. You will meet at the boat and go for another 50 minute cruise back to shore, giving you a second chance to look for playful marine life and enjoy being out on the ocean before heading back to your hotel.
This full day excursion includes guide, snorkeling equipment, drinks, fruit snack, lunch and transportation from Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. One way transport from your hotel to the marina at Montezuma Beach can take between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on your pick-up location. Combined time of boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, island visit, and round trip transportation to your hotel can take between 8 and 9.5 hours.
Please bring swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and extra spending money if you would like to rent kayaks or buy things from the vendors on the island, including alcoholic beverages. You may also want to bring a cover up or other sun protective clothing.
Note: this tour is subject to cancellation if not enough people sign up on the particular day you plan to go.
The Tortuga Island Boat Ride and Snorkeling - Zuma Tours is available from Mal Pais, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa
Latitude: N 9° 50' 50.77"
Longitude: W 84° 52' 3.6"
12/12/2020
Another great experience. Everything was top notch. The meal provided by our chef was absolutely amazing. This was a little touristy for me but allowed our whole group to find something to do. Our tour guide was able to locate sharks for us. None of us could dive that far so he took our go pro down with him and was able to get us some great photos.
01/21/2017
It was a wonderful day - the boat ride, the snorkeling, a chance to see hatching baby turtles, and pilot whales. The lunch on the beach was plentiful, and they also provided drinks and pineapple on the boat ride.