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Spend a half-day from Tambor exploring Spider Monkey Island’s mangroves then snorkeling the reefs around Isla Tortuga. This private boat tour pairs close wildlife encounters with beach time and a grilled lunch.
Spend a half-day from Tambor exploring Spider Monkey Island’s mangroves then snorkeling the reefs around Isla Tortuga. This private boat tour pairs close wildlife encounters with beach time and a grilled lunch.
You step off the sand of Punta Tambor as the captain trims the engine and the Gulf of Nicoya opens around you — a low horizon of islands, mangrove silhouettes and a wind that pushes the panga forward. Forty-five minutes later you’re near a small mangrove islet where quick, long-limbed spider monkeys leap along the canopy edge, curious and bold enough to take fruit from a gloved hand under your guide’s watchful eye.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Pura Vida Expeditions · Tambor, Puntarenas
You step off the sand of Punta Tambor as the captain trims the engine and the Gulf of Nicoya opens around you — a low horizon of islands, mangrove silhouettes and a wind that pushes the panga forward. Forty-five minutes later you’re near a small mangrove islet where quick, long-limbed spider monkeys leap along the canopy edge, curious and bold enough to take fruit from a gloved hand under your guide’s watchful eye.
From there the boat slips to Isla Tortuga, a rounded white-sand island ringed by shallow reefs. Snorkeling here puts you among parrotfish, damselfish and spiky black urchins; visibility varies with tide but often reaches several meters on calm days. Inland, trails reveal iguana sunning on stone and the occasional peccary track. Offshore, dolphin pods commonly pass through the gulf; migratory whales visit seasonally.
The islands lie in the Gulf of Nicoya, shaped by tectonic uplift and centuries of artisanal fishing — small communities on the Nicoya Peninsula still depend on the sea. Tourism here is rooted in those coastal cultures, and guides often combine natural history with local lore.
Practical notes: the tour is a half-day private trip with snorkeling gear and lunch included; expect light boat motion and periods in sun. Use reef-safe sunscreen, secure loose items in a dry bag and follow the guide when interacting with wildlife. Mornings usually offer calmer water and better visibility; bring water, a hat and sensible water shoes. Respect wildlife: observe from a distance when instructed and avoid feeding animals unless directed by trained guides.
The initial ride to Spider Monkey Island is about 40–45 minutes; transit to Tortuga adds additional cruising time but the full tour is around six hours.
Yes — masks, snorkels and fins are included, though some guests prefer to bring their own well‑fitting mask for comfort.
Dolphins are commonly sighted in the Gulf of Nicoya; whales are possible seasonally but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The tour accepts families; guides may offer supervised feeding opportunities for spider monkeys, but follow their instructions — feeding is only allowed when managed to reduce harm.
Pura Vida Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the sand of Punta Tambor as the captain trims the engine and the Gulf of Nicoya opens around you — a low horizon of islands, mangrove silhouettes and a wind that pushes the panga forward. Forty-five minutes later you’re near a small mangrove islet where quick, long-limbed spider monkeys leap along the canopy edge, curious and bold enough to take fruit from a gloved hand under your guide’s watchful eye.
You step off the sand of Punta Tambor as the captain trims the engine and the Gulf of Nicoya opens around you — a low horizon of islands, mangrove silhouettes and a wind that pushes the panga forward. Forty-five minutes later you’re near a small mangrove islet where quick, long-limbed spider monkeys leap along the canopy edge, curious and bold enough to take fruit from a gloved hand under your guide’s watchful eye.
From there the boat slips to Isla Tortuga, a rounded white-sand island ringed by shallow reefs. Snorkeling here puts you among parrotfish, damselfish and spiky black urchins; visibility varies with tide but often reaches several meters on calm days. Inland, trails reveal iguana sunning on stone and the occasional peccary track. Offshore, dolphin pods commonly pass through the gulf; migratory whales visit seasonally.
The islands lie in the Gulf of Nicoya, shaped by tectonic uplift and centuries of artisanal fishing — small communities on the Nicoya Peninsula still depend on the sea. Tourism here is rooted in those coastal cultures, and guides often combine natural history with local lore.
Practical notes: the tour is a half-day private trip with snorkeling gear and lunch included; expect light boat motion and periods in sun. Use reef-safe sunscreen, secure loose items in a dry bag and follow the guide when interacting with wildlife. Mornings usually offer calmer water and better visibility; bring water, a hat and sensible water shoes. Respect wildlife: observe from a distance when instructed and avoid feeding animals unless directed by trained guides.