If you are here outside of those months, dont count out a trip here. Going kayaking is also really nice on the calm waters here. Although overnight stays on the island are not routine, there are several tour companies in Costa Rica North Puntarenas that are happy to help visitors experience a magical day on Tortuga Island. If renting a car isnt in your budget, you dont feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just dont like driving, shuttles are the next best option. BY GRETA OMOBONIIG: @GRETASTRAVELSGRETASTRAVELS.COM. Furthermore, since all tour packages include these fun activities, it would be a shame to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to see up close and personal colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles and even larger marine creatures teeming the rocky reefs. On the way we witnessed breathtaking views of the Pacific and on our way back we even saw a humpback whale jumping. 15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Tortuga Island, Costa Rica We take you around the southern part of Nicoya and show you Cabo Blanco and several surfing communities as well as watch baby turtles get released into the ocean for the very first time. Lastly, you can use the public bus system. Best Price Guarantee My personal favorite and truly a must if youve come all the way here is to go snorkeling. Its only a 20-minute boat ride before youre at the beautiful volcanic rock reef surrounded by stunning blue waters. *See the excellent prices to Isla Tortuga departing from Montezuma or Santa Teresa. After lunch we had free time to explore by ourselves. Youll ideally want to come here between December and April. Santa Teresa, price from $80 USD per person. NICOYA COSTA RICA: In this Costa Rica travel guide we explore the Nicoya Peninsula towns of Santa Teresa, Montezuma Beach and Tortuga Island. Besides, following in the footsteps of Johnny Depps character in The Pirates of the Carabbean is definitely possible, given the fact that Tortuga Island was pirates favorite island back in the 17th century. You would need to simply do the regular tour of the island. A dry bag isnt a bad idea either for the boat ride incase it gets rough. Its undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips! Other free activities on Tortuga Island include swimming, tanning, playing volleyball on the white sandy beaches and hiking the verdant hills, because the island also has few trails for exploring on foot the majestic nature spectacle, which is among Costa Ricas greatest natural treasures. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Two for snorkelling in the cliffs surrounding Isla Tortuga and one for lunch on the beach of Isla Tortuga. Tortuga Island - Tour Information:Tour Time & Rates:Departure: 7:45 am start to pick up from Santa Teresa.Return: 5:30 pm back to your hotel in Santa Teresa.Includes; pop drinks, beers, fresh tropical fruits, full lunch, snorkeling gear and much more.English Speaking Guides. The longest boat ride is from Jaco at 1.5 hours. YES!! Rome2Rio makes travelling from Playa Santa Teresa to Tortuga Island easy. What I love about the boat ride out to Tortuga Island is how scenic it is! Its a popular day-trip destination while youre in Costa Rica as there are no hotels here. The dense foliage of the island serves as home to a wide array of native wildlife, birds and insects. A lot of the drinks can be served in coconuts too, which is really fun. Find all the transport options for your trip from Playa Santa Teresa to Tortuga Island right here. Beach volleyball and other activities, such as rides in glass-bottom boats or kayaking, are available as well. We spent just over two weeks in Costa Rica. The boat will anchor near the island for two hours of snorkeling among volcanic rock reefs before you head to shore for fresh BBQ fish lunch. Return: 5:30 pm back to your hotel in Santa Teresa. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This is some of the best snorkeling weve done in the entire country. We are already snorkeling on the Caribean side and had a poor snorkeling experience last year in Varadero, Cuba any input would be great. Youll have a few hours to relax, play volleyball, snorkel, kayak, or drink lots of coco locos! Popular spots to leave from include Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Jaco, Paquera, and San Jose. You can go a bit faster on the water with a jet ski! Tortuga Island, Costa Rica - City Guide - Go Visit Costa Rica I got on a plane for the first time when I was only one month old. Nicoya Peninsula is in the northern part of the country, one of two such land masses on the western coast. This small island lies off the coast of Costa Rica along the southeastern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. World Class Service You will get a professional and personalized service. To be completely honest, I hadnt really thought of visiting Costa Rica until a friend suggested it. I've taken it from Montezuma, so it's a nice long boat ride which is an excellent boat ride (I'd expect the same for Santa Teresa, they might even shuttle you to Montezuma for it). The boat trip took an hour and we opted for a one day, all inclusive tour from Montezuma ($70 USD from Santa Teresa which includes a 45-minute transfer by minibus). Isla Tortuga from Montezuma 7 hrs. In front of the main beach there are smaller islands, all rich with marine flora and fauna. COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Paquera, Costa Rica +11 Fun Things to Do! That means have a beach bag with a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The bar here has some great options whether youre looking for something with alcohol or not. Tortuga Dive Club Montezuma-based scuba divemasters. You can expect a 45-minute boat ride from Jaco and more like 20 minutes from Paquera. One of the most important things to bring is cash! . Tortuga Island, North Puntarenas. Adults and children alike have a unique opportunity to revel in natures finest attractions intertwined between Costa Ricas crystal clear waters and the breathtaking tropical rainforest, home to an impressive range of wildlife. On the other hand, the more adventurous types might choose to hike into the hills of the nature preserve, either to enjoy the wildlife or to reach the summit of the island. Rentals here are $30 USD for 15 minutes, $50 USD for 30 minutes, and $100 USD for an hour. How long is the drive Santa Teresa to Liberia. I grew up in Milan, Italy. It is possible to take a Tortuga Island Tour from Jaco, Paquera (the area where the ferry lands on the Nicoya Peninsula ), Montezuma, or the Santa Teresa area of Costa Rica. Santa Teresa Costa Rica Guide + Best Things to Do Jointhis full-day tourto be whisked away to a private island paradise. Tortuga Island is off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica along the southeastern shoreline of the Nicoya Peninsula. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Though snorkelers and scuba divers will certainly get to see a dizzying array of fish, they can also expect to witness larger animals such as manta rays, spinner dolphins, sharks and octopuses. The snorkelling was amazing and we were lucky to spot Manta rays. Yes, the boat ride over is a great opportunity to enjoy some time on the open ocean and spot wildlife. While there are often last-minute spots to Tortuga Island and you dont need to book too far in advance, tours can fill up. Am I crazy to go with a 4 month old and 3yo? There are several Costa Rica islands worth including in a trip to Central America, and one highlight is Tortuga Island, located off the southeastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. Join us for a second snorkeling session at a different spot on the reef or take a siesta under the coco palms on the island. Because Tortuga Island is a bit further from Jaco, make sure you book atour like this one that has a speed boat. aboard a pedal boat. Youll then head to Montezuma Beach to hop aboard a boat to the island. There is no accommodation on Isla Tortuga. On most days, the boat ride over isnt too rough. Isla Tortuga Tour is very popular in Costa Rica Those seeking an adrenaline rush might be tempted to try out the action of the zipline ride as part of a canopy tour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. COSTA RICA TROPICAL PARADISE! Santa Teresa, Montezuma Beach & Tortuga It mostly felt like a game but some of the footage did at times make it into his shows. Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour, is perhaps the biggest attraction and adventure in the southern Nicoya Peninsula, its a combination of all you have dreamed about Costa Rican beaches and more It actually, makes you feel the necessity to stay there forever and forget about the stress back home. But pictures dont do it justice! Greta Omoboni is an Italian travel blogger and content creator based in London but always on the move. But it isnt all water activities! Try a SUP to gently paddle through the waters around the island. Taxi from Tambor to Santa Teresa/ reserve b4 hand?? Let me tell you about my experiences below. I have read a lot of mixed reviews about this tour and the snorkeling being poor. Isla Tortuga - Tortuga Island, Snorkeling Tour with Zuma Tours. Tortuga Island snorkeling - Santa Teresa Forum - Tripadvisor The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. As youre planning a trip here, one of the most important things to keep in mind is when to go. We've seen whales on the ride; the one time constantly the other time, just a few times. Enjoy one of the most popular tours of Santa Teresa, Montezuma &Mal Pas, with a 45-minute boat ride we will arrive at one of the most beautiful islands in Costa Rica with white sands crystalline waters. This map shows where youll probably start, in Montezuma, in the bottom-left corner, and Tortuga Island in the top-right corner.