Spend a full day in the Gulf of Nicoya exploring Tortuga Island: a one-hour boat ride, a guided 30–40 minute snorkeling session, and several hours on a shaded beach with lunch. Expect dolphin sightings, coastal wildlife, and relaxed, family-friendly island time.
Spend a full day in the Gulf of Nicoya exploring Tortuga Island: a one-hour boat ride, a guided 30–40 minute snorkeling session, and several hours on a shaded beach with lunch. Expect dolphin sightings, coastal wildlife, and relaxed, family-friendly island time.
The engine cuts through the Gulf of Nicoya and salt air pushes you forward; dolphins often answer the bow with quick, silver arcs as the shoreline of Tortuga Island brightens on the horizon.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mardy tours · Puntarenas, Puntarenas
The engine cuts through the Gulf of Nicoya and salt air pushes you forward; dolphins often answer the bow with quick, silver arcs as the shoreline of Tortuga Island brightens on the horizon.
Isla Tortuga is a compact island of white sand beaches and mangrove-flanked channels shaped by Pacific tides and decades of local fishing. The Gulf itself is an estuarine system that funnels nutrients and attracts marine life—whales pass seasonally and dolphins patrol the shallows. The island has small, wild populations of deer, iguanas, and howler monkeys on nearby islets, and local guides often point out old fishing routes and the coastal communities that supply the day's catch.
Your day typically includes a roughly one-hour boat ride each way, a safety briefing, a 30–40 minute guided snorkeling session over reefs and rocky outcrops, and several hours of beach time with lunch served on the island. Guides speak English and Spanish and the operator provides snorkel gear, shade, and a picnic lunch with fish or chicken and vegetarian options.
Practical guide: arrive prepared for sun and spray—reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water-resistant layers are useful. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand; boat rides can be choppy in open stretches. Respect wildlife: no feeding animals, and keep a hands-off distance from nesting birds and iguanas. Timing matters—mornings often offer calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and any extra cash for tips. With basic preparation, this is an accessible day on the water that combines marine viewing, snorkeling, and relaxed beach time.
Yes—tours typically include masks, snorkels, and fins for the guided 30–40 minute snorkeling swim.
Dolphin sightings on the crossing are common; humpback whales may be seen seasonally but sightings depend on timing and conditions.
The beach and shady picnic area are family-friendly and the tour is rated suitable for all fitness levels, though some boat boarding and sandy walking are required.
Yes—the operator offers fish, chicken, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if requested when booking.
Mardy tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The engine cuts through the Gulf of Nicoya and salt air pushes you forward; dolphins often answer the bow with quick, silver arcs as the shoreline of Tortuga Island brightens on the horizon.
The engine cuts through the Gulf of Nicoya and salt air pushes you forward; dolphins often answer the bow with quick, silver arcs as the shoreline of Tortuga Island brightens on the horizon.
Isla Tortuga is a compact island of white sand beaches and mangrove-flanked channels shaped by Pacific tides and decades of local fishing. The Gulf itself is an estuarine system that funnels nutrients and attracts marine life—whales pass seasonally and dolphins patrol the shallows. The island has small, wild populations of deer, iguanas, and howler monkeys on nearby islets, and local guides often point out old fishing routes and the coastal communities that supply the day's catch.
Your day typically includes a roughly one-hour boat ride each way, a safety briefing, a 30–40 minute guided snorkeling session over reefs and rocky outcrops, and several hours of beach time with lunch served on the island. Guides speak English and Spanish and the operator provides snorkel gear, shade, and a picnic lunch with fish or chicken and vegetarian options.
Practical guide: arrive prepared for sun and spray—reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water-resistant layers are useful. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand; boat rides can be choppy in open stretches. Respect wildlife: no feeding animals, and keep a hands-off distance from nesting birds and iguanas. Timing matters—mornings often offer calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and any extra cash for tips. With basic preparation, this is an accessible day on the water that combines marine viewing, snorkeling, and relaxed beach time.