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Tortuga Island Full-Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Escape San José for a full-day catamaran adventure to beautiful Tortuga Island. Enjoy convenient hotel transportation, a hot breakfast, a scenic cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya, guided snorkeling, five guaranteed hours on the island, and a four-course gourmet lunch.

  • Five guaranteed hours at Tortuga Island
  • Breakfast and four-course lunch included
  • Guided snorkeling with equipment provided
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations

$125.00

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Reserve now, pay later to secure your spot today.

Tortuga Island Full-Day Tour from San José with Lunch

Escape San José for a full-day island adventure combining comfortable ground transportation, a scenic cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya, tropical beach time, guided snorkeling when conditions permit, and lunch on Tortuga Island. Enjoy several hours surrounded by white sand, clear Pacific water and forested island scenery before returning to San José.

Duration: Approximately 12–18 hours
Departure: Selected San José hotels
Destination: Tortuga Island and the Gulf of Nicoya
Experience: Boat cruise, beach time and snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the tour

What You Can Expect

Your day begins with an early pickup from a selected San José hotel. Travel toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in an air-conditioned vehicle before boarding a boat for the cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya.

During the crossing, enjoy views of the coastline and surrounding islands while watching for seabirds, dolphins and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed. On Tortuga Island, spend several hours swimming, relaxing on the beach, exploring the shoreline and joining the guided snorkeling activity when ocean conditions allow.

Tour Itinerary

Early Pickup from San José

Meet your guide at your confirmed hotel pickup point and begin the journey toward the Pacific coast. Pickup times vary by hotel and are confirmed after booking.

Breakfast and Coastal Journey

Enjoy the included breakfast during the morning portion of the trip before continuing to the embarkation point near Puntarenas.

Gulf of Nicoya Cruise

Board the boat and cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya. Take in tropical island scenery and keep watch for dolphins, seabirds and other marine life along the route.

Tortuga Island

Arrive at Tortuga Island for approximately five hours of beach time. Swim, relax beneath the tropical trees, enjoy the island scenery and participate in guided snorkeling when water and weather conditions permit.

Island Lunch

Enjoy the included lunch during your stay on the island, followed by additional time to relax or explore before departure.

Return to San José

Reboard the boat for the return crossing, then continue by ground transportation to your original pickup area in San José.

The route, activity order and timing may change because of weather, sea conditions, traffic or operational requirements.

What’s Included
  • Round-trip pickup and drop-off from selected San José hotels
  • Air-conditioned ground transportation
  • Professional guide
  • Breakfast
  • Round-trip boat cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya
  • Approximately five hours at Tortuga Island
  • Guided snorkeling excursion and equipment when conditions permit
  • Lunch on the island
  • Fresh seasonal fruit and nonalcoholic refreshments
  • Applicable tour fees and taxes
What’s Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks unless specifically stated by the operator
  • Optional island or water activities not listed under “What’s Included”
  • Personal purchases and expenses
  • Gratuities
Pickup Information

Pickup is available from selected hotels in the San José area. This is a long full-day experience with an early-morning departure, generally between approximately 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., depending on your hotel and the day’s route.

Your exact pickup time and location will be provided or reconfirmed after booking. Please be ready in the hotel lobby before the confirmed time. Travelers staying outside the established pickup area may be directed to a central meeting point.

Duration and Return

The complete experience lasts approximately 12–18 hours. Actual timing varies with hotel location, traffic, maritime conditions and the day’s operating schedule. The tour returns to the original pickup area in San José.

What to Bring
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Comfortable lightweight clothing
  • Sandals or water-friendly footwear
  • Reef-conscious sunscreen and sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
  • Dry change of clothes
  • Waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
  • Cash or card for optional purchases and gratuities
Additional Information
  • Confirmation is provided after your reservation is completed.
  • The tour is offered with English- and Spanish-speaking guide service.
  • Snorkeling depends on weather, visibility and sea conditions.
  • Dolphins and other wildlife are wild animals; sightings cannot be guaranteed.
  • Children must remain under adult supervision throughout the tour.
  • Please advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking.
  • A mobile or printed voucher may be presented for this activity.
  • Operator contact information will be included with your confirmation.
Cancellation Policy

Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure may not be eligible for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Tortuga Island tour from San José?

The full experience lasts approximately 12–18 hours because it includes round-trip transportation from San José, the coastal transfer, the boat crossing and several hours on Tortuga Island.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included. Advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking so available options can be confirmed.

Is snorkeling included?

A guided snorkeling excursion and equipment are included when weather, visibility and sea conditions permit. The activity may be changed or canceled when conditions are unsafe.

Is San José hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected San José hotels. Your exact pickup time and location must be confirmed after booking.

How much time will we have on Tortuga Island?

The scheduled visit provides approximately five hours on the island, although timing can change because of weather, sea conditions or operational requirements.

When should I reserve?

Booking before arriving in Costa Rica is recommended, especially during high, peak and holiday seasons, because transportation and boat capacity are limited.

Location

Provinces

Location

Name Value
Destination Tortuga Island
Duration Approximately 12–18 hours
Tour Type Full-day catamaran tour
Guide Language English and Spanish
Meals Hot breakfast and four-course lunch
Hotel Pickup Select San José locations
Voucher Mobile or printed voucher accepted
Cancellation Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

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  1. Zipy Ride

    A wonderful full-day escape from San José. The boat ride across the Gulf of Nicoya was beautiful, and we enjoyed having time to swim, relax on the beach and explore Tortuga Island. The included transportation and meals made the long day easy to manage. Bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes. Recommended for anyone wanting a beach and island experience while staying in San José.

    Zipy Ride

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