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Watch the sun sink behind the Nicoya Peninsula, snorkel clear shallows, then witness bioluminescent waters light your wake on this 7-hour boat tour from Santa Teresa. Guides provide gear, local insight, and an evening that blends wildlife encounters with coastal culture.
Watch the sun sink behind the Nicoya Peninsula, snorkel clear shallows, then witness bioluminescent waters light your wake on this 7-hour boat tour from Santa Teresa. Guides provide gear, local insight, and an evening that blends wildlife encounters with coastal culture.
The day begins with a low sun sliding toward the Pacific and a small boat cutting a bright path from Santa Teresa toward Isla Tortuga. Guides move with practiced calm as the coastline drops away, ocean spray fogging your sunglasses and distant palms leaning into the wind. Dolphins often race the hull; manta rays and sea turtles can punctuate the surface like punctuation marks.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Zuma Tours · Santa Teresa, Puntarenas
The day begins with a low sun sliding toward the Pacific and a small boat cutting a bright path from Santa Teresa toward Isla Tortuga. Guides move with practiced calm as the coastline drops away, ocean spray fogging your sunglasses and distant palms leaning into the wind. Dolphins often race the hull; manta rays and sea turtles can punctuate the surface like punctuation marks.
Isla Tortuga sits off the Nicoya Peninsula in waters shaped by volcanic uplift and coastal currents; the island’s terraces and white-sand coves reflect a recent geological choreography of sea level change and river sediment. The region has long ties to small fishing communities and the Chorotega cultural area; modern visitors arrive here after a day in surf towns and fishing villages around Tambor and Santa Teresa.
As sunset deepens, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay for tacos, plantain chips and a last tropical beer while the sky rewrites itself. After darkness falls, skillful guides point out patches of bioluminescence—microscopic plankton that light when disturbed—turning the wake into a slow, luminous river.
Practical guidance: expect a 7-hour outing that includes a 45-minute coastal crossing, shallow snorkeling (equipment provided), and a short shore stop. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light jacket for the evening breeze, and a seasickness remedy if needed. Timing around moon phase improves visibility—new moon nights maximize the glow. Respect marine life: no touching turtles or corals, and follow guide instructions during nighttime water time.
Yes — snorkel, mask and fins are provided for the shallow reef sections; bring personal fit items if you prefer.
Visibility depends on moon phase, water conditions and plankton levels; calm, dark nights (new moon) give the best displays.
Families with infants and small children can join; infant seats and stroller-accessible pickup are typically available—confirm at booking.
Standard policy often allows a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before departure; check the operator’s terms when booking.
Zuma Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The day begins with a low sun sliding toward the Pacific and a small boat cutting a bright path from Santa Teresa toward Isla Tortuga. Guides move with practiced calm as the coastline drops away, ocean spray fogging your sunglasses and distant palms leaning into the wind. Dolphins often race the hull; manta rays and sea turtles can punctuate the surface like punctuation marks.
The day begins with a low sun sliding toward the Pacific and a small boat cutting a bright path from Santa Teresa toward Isla Tortuga. Guides move with practiced calm as the coastline drops away, ocean spray fogging your sunglasses and distant palms leaning into the wind. Dolphins often race the hull; manta rays and sea turtles can punctuate the surface like punctuation marks.
Isla Tortuga sits off the Nicoya Peninsula in waters shaped by volcanic uplift and coastal currents; the island’s terraces and white-sand coves reflect a recent geological choreography of sea level change and river sediment. The region has long ties to small fishing communities and the Chorotega cultural area; modern visitors arrive here after a day in surf towns and fishing villages around Tambor and Santa Teresa.
As sunset deepens, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay for tacos, plantain chips and a last tropical beer while the sky rewrites itself. After darkness falls, skillful guides point out patches of bioluminescence—microscopic plankton that light when disturbed—turning the wake into a slow, luminous river.
Practical guidance: expect a 7-hour outing that includes a 45-minute coastal crossing, shallow snorkeling (equipment provided), and a short shore stop. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light jacket for the evening breeze, and a seasickness remedy if needed. Timing around moon phase improves visibility—new moon nights maximize the glow. Respect marine life: no touching turtles or corals, and follow guide instructions during nighttime water time.