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Local travel agency · Since 2014

Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour: A Day at Sea in the Gulf of Nicoya

Monkeys on a wooded islet, rocks carved by the sea, clear water to explore with a mask, and a pale-sand beach to finish the day.

Tortue marine nageant près de plongeurs en snorkeling au-dessus d'un fond corallien dans une eau turquoise

Some days in Costa Rica are best spent on the water. This Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour sets out from Paquera, on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, and takes you across the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, where small islands rise out of the sea wrapped in green vegetation.

Over the course of the day, the boat stops at Isla de los Monos to watch spider monkeys moving through the trees, passes the striking rock formations of Roca Corazón and Roca Arcoíris, then anchors in clear water for a snorkeling session with your guide and the equipment provided. The day ends on the light sand of Isla Tortuga, where you have time to swim, rest in the shade or simply take in the view.

Lunch, fresh fruit and drinks are included, so you can enjoy this Tortuga Island day trip without worrying about anything other than the sea, the light and the wildlife. Please note that transportation is not offered for this excursion: you meet the group on site in Paquera.

Your day, step by step

Paquera to Isla Tortuga: islands, reefs and pale-sand beaches

Your day begins in Paquera, where you board for a full day on the Gulf of Nicoya. The boat glides over tropical waters to Isla de los Monos, a wooded islet where spider monkeys swing and feed in their natural habitat. The journey continues past Roca Corazón and Roca Arcoíris, two rock formations shaped by wind and waves. Next comes a stop in clear, calm water: with the snorkeling gear provided and your guide nearby, you slip beneath the surface to discover the seabed and the marine life it shelters. You then reach Isla Tortuga, known for its pale-sand beaches fringed with tropical greenery. Swim, stretch out in the shade, or simply enjoy the unhurried island rhythm. Lunch, fresh fruit and drinks give the day a relaxed, shared pause before the return crossing to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Snorkelers swimming in clear turquoise water near a large rock formation on an Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour
Snorkelers explore the clear turquoise water around a rocky islet during an Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour.
Aerial view of a forested rocky island surrounded by turquoise water and white surf in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica
A green, rocky island rises from turquoise waters, a typical setting for an Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour.
White sand beach with turquoise water, swimmers, blue umbrellas and boats anchored offshore at Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica
Boats anchor in the turquoise bay while swimmers enjoy the shallow water off the white sand beach on an Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour.
Snorkeler swimming above a coral reef with a spotted eagle ray and schools of tropical fish in clear blue water
A snorkeler glides above colorful coral as a spotted eagle ray and tropical fish swim below.

What the tour includes

Included

  • The visits described in the program, with their guide
  • Entrance fees to the sites visited
  • The 13% tax on tourist activities
  • Our assistance in English
  • Lunch
  • Fresh fruit and drinks served during the tour

Not included

  • Transport (not offered for this tour: meet on site)
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel or repatriation insurance
  • Any service not listed under “Included”

Book this day tour

Estimated total, 13% tax included

Minimum 2 participants. No payment now: we confirm availability within 48 hours, then send you a secure Banco de Costa Rica payment link.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour include?

The excursion includes the guided boat tour described in the program, entrance fees to the sites visited, the 13% tax on tourist activities, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fresh fruit and drinks, and assistance from our agency team. Tips, personal expenses and travel insurance are not included.

Is transportation to Paquera provided?

No. Transportation is not offered for this excursion, so you make your own way to the meeting point in Paquera, where the tour begins.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

No. The necessary snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide accompanies you during the session.

Will I see wildlife during the day?

The program includes a stop at Isla de los Monos, where spider monkeys live in their natural environment, as well as a snorkeling session to observe marine life. As with any wildlife outing, sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I ask questions in English before booking?

Yes. Our team in San Francisco de Heredia plans trips in English, French, Spanish and German, and will gladly answer your questions in English.

Between spider monkeys, sculpted rocks, clear water and a quiet island beach, this Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour offers a full, gentle day on the Gulf of Nicoya. It fits easily into a stay on the Nicoya Peninsula or a longer journey across Costa Rica. If you would like to add it to your plans, feel free to contact our team for a personalized quote; we will be happy to help you find the right date.

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