Cruise from Puntarenas to Isla Tortuga for dolphin sightings, spider monkeys, and a private beach lunch. This premium day trip combines guided snorkeling with curated wildlife viewing and a reserved beach spot.
Cruise from Puntarenas to Isla Tortuga for dolphin sightings, spider monkeys, and a private beach lunch. This premium day trip combines guided snorkeling with curated wildlife viewing and a reserved beach spot.
A warm sea breeze snaps the salt off your lips as the boat clears the channel by the Puntarenas lighthouse. The captain eases into the Gulf of Nicoya, and a pod of dolphins edges the bow—curious, quick, then gone. Minutes later the jungle edges a small islet where spider monkeys lunge between mangroves and shore.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Turismo Marítimo del Pacífico · Puntarenas, Puntarenas Province
A warm sea breeze snaps the salt off your lips as the boat clears the channel by the Puntarenas lighthouse. The captain eases into the Gulf of Nicoya, and a pod of dolphins edges the bow—curious, quick, then gone. Minutes later the jungle edges a small islet where spider monkeys lunge between mangroves and shore.
Isla Tortuga sits where the Pacific meets the Nicoya shelf; volcanic rock underlies white sand and shallow reefs that make for easy snorkeling. The Puntarenas shore has long been a crossroads for coastal trade—lighthouses and old shipwrecks mark shipping routes that fed Costa Rica’s Pacific ports. Local crews know where frigatebirds roost and where pods hunt at dawn; cultural ties to fishing and small-scale tourism shape the islands’ pace.
On this premium day trip expect a curated rhythm: wildlife spotting en route, a guided spider monkey viewing at a forested islet, then a reserved stretch of sand with unlimited nonalcoholic drinks and a gourmet lunch. A one-hour guided snorkel introduces reef topography and fish life; gear is provided.
Practical side: wear reef-safe sunscreen, bring a lightweight cover-up and water shoes for rocky entries, and stow a dry bag for phones. Morning departures minimize wind and swell; if you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand. Tours are suitable for most fitness levels but require basic mobility for boarding and shallow-water snorkeling. Respect wildlife distances and follow crew guidance to keep these islands healthy and accessible for future visitors.
easy.
8 hours.
Light activity—suitable for most adults and older children able to climb aboard small boats and swim in calm, shallow water.
Yes—snorkels, masks and fins are supplied and sanitized between uses; you may bring your own mask if preferred.
The full tour is about 8 hours with roughly five hours on the island and a one-hour guided snorkeling session.
Gourmet lunch includes fresh fruits and can accommodate common dietary requests—note restrictions at booking.
The tour is family-friendly but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; ensure small children are comfortable with boat travel.
Puntarenas’ lighthouse and nearby shoals reflect the Gulf of Nicoya’s history as a coastal shipping route; several shipwrecks off the point date to early 20th-century trade.
Operators emphasize reef-safe practices and limited access to private beach spots to reduce crowding; follow crew guidance to minimize impact and stay on marked paths.
Turismo Marítimo del Pacífico operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A warm sea breeze snaps the salt off your lips as the boat clears the channel by the Puntarenas lighthouse. The captain eases into the Gulf of Nicoya, and a pod of dolphins edges the bow—curious, quick, then gone. Minutes later the jungle edges a small islet where spider monkeys lunge between mangroves and shore.
A warm sea breeze snaps the salt off your lips as the boat clears the channel by the Puntarenas lighthouse. The captain eases into the Gulf of Nicoya, and a pod of dolphins edges the bow—curious, quick, then gone. Minutes later the jungle edges a small islet where spider monkeys lunge between mangroves and shore.
Isla Tortuga sits where the Pacific meets the Nicoya shelf; volcanic rock underlies white sand and shallow reefs that make for easy snorkeling. The Puntarenas shore has long been a crossroads for coastal trade—lighthouses and old shipwrecks mark shipping routes that fed Costa Rica’s Pacific ports. Local crews know where frigatebirds roost and where pods hunt at dawn; cultural ties to fishing and small-scale tourism shape the islands’ pace.
On this premium day trip expect a curated rhythm: wildlife spotting en route, a guided spider monkey viewing at a forested islet, then a reserved stretch of sand with unlimited nonalcoholic drinks and a gourmet lunch. A one-hour guided snorkel introduces reef topography and fish life; gear is provided.
Practical side: wear reef-safe sunscreen, bring a lightweight cover-up and water shoes for rocky entries, and stow a dry bag for phones. Morning departures minimize wind and swell; if you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand. Tours are suitable for most fitness levels but require basic mobility for boarding and shallow-water snorkeling. Respect wildlife distances and follow crew guidance to keep these islands healthy and accessible for future visitors.