Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island From San José

The full day tour to Tortuga Island from San José offers a chance to escape the city and explore the natural beauty of this protected island. With roundtrip transportation, snorkeling equipment, and meals included, the experience promises to be hassle-free. Travelers can look forward to swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach, all while taking in the island’s stunning scenery. The tour’s friendly guides and delicious food add to the appeal, making it an enticing option for nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable day trip. However, the true highlight of the excursion may lie in the surprises that await those who choose to venture out and…

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Full-Day Tours In Puntarenas.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from San José to Isla Tortuga, part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, offering swimming, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
• Roundtrip transportation, snorkeling equipment, and complimentary meals are included in the tour priced at $133 per person.
• The tour provides an opportunity to see Isla San Lucas during the sailing experience and has a 4.0-star rating from 61 reviews.
• The tour includes pickup from hotels in Puntarenas, access to island facilities and boats, and no hidden costs.
• While the tour duration is 15-16 hours from San José, the convenience of amenities and the beautiful island setting offset the lengthy travel time.

Tour Overview

The Tortuga Island Tour is a full-day excursion from San José that takes visitors to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve on the Nicoya Peninsula.

The tour includes sailing on a large cruise ship, with opportunities to see Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga. Activities on the island include swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

The tour is priced from $133 per person and has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 61 reviews.

The tour provides roundtrip transportation, use of island facilities and boats, snorkeling equipment, and a complimentary lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Inclusions and Amenities

Roundtrip transportation from hotels in Puntarenas and an air-conditioned vehicle are provided for the Tortuga Island Tour.

The tour includes access to the island’s facilities and boats. All fees and taxes are covered, and snorkeling equipment is available.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

The tour provides a hassle-free experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty and activities without worrying about logistics.

The inclusions and amenities cater to the comfort and convenience of the travelers, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable day on Tortuga Island.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup points are available for the Tortuga Island Tour, allowing travelers the convenience of being transported directly from their hotels in Puntarenas.

Alternatively, participants can choose to meet the tour group at the Bay Island Cruises location in Puntarenas.

Regardless of the pickup option, it’s crucial for travelers to be present at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour experience ends back at the original meeting location, ensuring a seamless return.

• Pickup available from hotels in Puntarenas
• Option to meet at Bay Island Cruises in Puntarenas
• Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point

Tour Experience and Activities

The sightseeing experience on the Tortuga Island Tour includes panoramic views of the stunning Puerto Caldera and the picturesque Puntarenas coastline.

Once on the island, travelers can enjoy a variety of engaging activities. They can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the private beach, exploring the diverse marine life below the surface. For an extra thrill, guests can hop on a banana boat ride.

Feedback from past travelers highlights the friendly guides, delicious meals, and attentive service that enhance the overall tour experience.

While the long duration of the trip from San José may be a consideration, the beautiful island setting and exciting activities make this tour a compelling option for those seeking a memorable day on the water.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Positive reviews of the Tortuga Island Tour emphasize the experience’s fun, relaxation, and professional service. Travelers recommend the tour for its beautiful island experience and engaging activities.

However, some noted the long duration of the trip (15-16 hours from San José) and suggested being closer to the coast for convenience. Plus, there were mixed experiences regarding pickup punctuality, with some delays reported.

• Highlight: Travelers praise the tour’s friendly guides, delicious meals, and attentive service.

• Caution: A few reviewers mentioned notable experiences like snorkeling with diverse marine life and banana boat rides.

• Suggestion: Some travelers would prefer the tour to be more conveniently located near the coast.

Duration and Convenience

One notable aspect of the Tortuga Island Tour is the duration of the trip, which can span 15-16 hours from San José.

While the island itself offers a beautiful and relaxing experience, the lengthy travel time may not be ideal for all visitors. Some travelers have suggested the tour could be more convenient if the starting point were closer to the Nicoya Peninsula. This would reduce the overall travel time and allow for more time to enjoy the island’s activities and facilities.

Despite this potential drawback, the tour’s inclusions and amenities, such as roundtrip transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a delicious lunch, help offset the lengthy journey.

Pickup Punctuality

Some travelers have reported mixed experiences regarding pickup punctuality for the Tortuga Island Tour.

While some noted that the tour operators were on time and pickup went smoothly, others experienced delays.

The feedback suggests:

• Occasional delays in the pickup process, causing inconvenience for some participants.
• The need for clearer communication from the tour company about potential delays or changes to the pickup schedule.
• Importance of allowing ample time for pickup to avoid missing the departure.

Travelers recommend being at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Overall Recommendation

Based on the overall positive reviews and rating, the Tortuga Island Tour appears to be a worthwhile experience for travelers seeking a scenic day trip from San José. The tour boasts a 4.0 rating from 61 reviews, with the majority being 5-star and 4-star ratings. Travelers highlight the tour’s highlights, including friendly guides, delicious meals, and a fun-filled island experience with activities like swimming, snorkeling, and banana boat rides. While some noted the long duration and occasional pickup delays, the consensus suggests the Tortuga Island Tour provides a well-rounded and enjoyable excursion for visitors to the region.

Pros	Cons
Scenic island experience	Long trip duration (15-16 hours)
Diverse activities (swimming, snorkeling)	Occasional pickup delays
Friendly guides and attentive service	–
Delicious meals and snacks provided	–

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Policy for Children on the Tour?

The tour includes children, and snorkeling equipment is provided for them. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the long journey and various activities involved.

Can I Book This Tour as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour provider accommodates individual bookings and does not require a minimum group size. Solo guests can enjoy the island activities and amenities just like any other participant.

Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring?

There are generally no restrictions on what travelers can bring on this tour, though it’s recommended to pack light with essentials like swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Any specialized equipment for activities will typically be provided.

How Accessible Is the Island for People With Disabilities?

The island provides some accessible facilities, but extensive mobility may be challenging. Visitors with disabilities should inquire about specific accommodations and speak with the tour operator to ensure their needs can be met during the excursion.

What Are the Payment Options for This Tour?

The tour provider accepts a variety of payment options, including cash, major credit cards, and mobile payment apps. Customers can settle the tour fee prior to the departure date or on the day of the tour.

Recap

The Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José offers an engaging excursion to the beautiful Isla Tortuga. Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience with roundtrip transportation, snorkeling equipment, and complimentary meals. Positive reviews highlight friendly guides, delicious food, and a memorable day of activities like swimming and relaxing on the beach, making this tour an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.