Tortuga Island

Tortuga Island, located off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Gulf of Nicoya, is a small tropical paradise known for its white sand beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation. It is a popular day-trip destination for cruise passengers seeking sun, snorkelling, and a relaxing escape into nature.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships typically anchor offshore and use tenders to bring passengers directly to Tortuga Island's beach. The island is uninhabited and primarily visited for day excursions. Facilities are limited to restrooms, beach huts, and food stands catering to visitors. The island receives moderate seasonal traffic, especially between December and April.

Transportation Options

• Tender boats – Provided by the cruise ship, taking guests from ship to shore in about 15–20 minutes.
• Organized tours – Usually include round-trip transport, meals, and activities such as snorkelling or banana boat rides.

The island is reached by boat from ports such as Puntarenas or Caldera, approximately 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) away on the mainland.

Main Attractions in Tortuga Island

• Snorkelling – Explore coral reefs and tropical fish in crystal-clear water.
• White Sand Beaches – Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or lounging under palm trees.
• Banana Boat Rides – A popular activity for adventurous visitors.
• Hiking Trails – Short forest trails provide light hiking and photo opportunities.
• Kayaking – Paddle along the calm shores of the island.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Puntarenas – A laid-back port town with beachfront promenades and seafood restaurants (approx. 1 hour by boat).
• San Lucas Island – A former prison island with historical ruins and forest trails.
• Curú Wildlife Refuge – A coastal nature reserve known for monkeys, birds, and mangrove habitats (accessible by boat).

Interesting Facts

• Tortuga Island is actually two islands—Alcatraz and Tolinga—but only one is accessible to tourists.
• The island has no permanent residents and is a designated protected area.
• The surrounding waters are home to dolphins, manta rays, and seasonal sea turtles.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Tortuga Island lies in the Gulf of Nicoya, off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Surrounded by turquoise waters and bordered by lush forests, the island’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a dry season from December to April. The calm sea and white sands create an idyllic escape.

Local Foods

• Grilled Fish – Freshly caught and served beachside, often with garlic or lime.
• Patacones – Fried green plantains, crunchy and savory.
• Casado – A traditional Costa Rican meal of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat or fish.
• Ceviche – Marinated raw fish or shrimp with lime, cilantro, and onion.
• Agua de Pipa – Fresh coconut water, served straight from the coconut.

Destination ‘secrets’

• Quiet coves – Walk beyond the main beach to find secluded areas with fewer visitors.
• Birdwatching – Spot frigatebirds, parrots, and pelicans nesting in the trees above the beach.
• Hidden reef – Ask guides about lesser-known snorkelling spots on the island’s far side.

Local Customs and Culture

Costa Rican culture emphasizes hospitality and friendliness, often summed up in the phrase “Pura Vida.” Respect for nature is important, and eco-conscious tourism is encouraged. On Tortuga Island, visitors are expected to keep beaches clean and respect wildlife. Bartering is not customary, and US dollars are widely accepted.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old – Splash in shallow water and build sandcastles on the beach.
• Children between 7 and 12 – Try banana boat rides, kayaking, or easy snorkelling near the shore.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 – Join guided snorkelling tours or short hikes into the forest trail.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *