Tortuga Island, Costa Rica, is a paradise on Earth. This is a deserted island is surrounded by tall trees and white sand. This island is on the bucket list of every traveler. This place will capture your heart and will be one of the best scenic views you have ever seen. This island is home to so many species of birds and aquatic animals as well. If you love exploring nature, you must visit Tortuga Island, Costa Rica.
There is so much to explore in and around the coastline of Tortuga Island. You can easily reach Tortuga Island through a quick 90-minute boat ride from Puntarenas. On the way, you can enjoy some breathtaking views as well.
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An Overview of Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island, or turtle island, is one of the most popular islands of Costa Rica. you can easily go for a day trip from San Jose to Tortuga Island and have the opportunity to enjoy the lap of nature. Moreover, tourists and travelers love going Scuba diving here as this island is home to many rare aquatic species. Stretching over 247 acres at sea level altitude, this is a heavenly place.
The breathtaking turquoise water is surrounded by tall coconut trees. This is a romantic destination for couples. However, you can also enjoy many water activities with your friends and family here at Turtle Island. This island will give you an unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever.
The name of this island comes from the volcanic rocks that it’s made of, which resemble turtles. Moreover, Tortuga Island also includes two exotic islands (Isla Alcatraz and Isla Tolinga). This is why this is a perfect weekend getaway to enjoy with your family and friends.
How can you reach Tortuga Island?
Depending on your budget and preferences, there are many ways to reach Tortuga Island. In most of the cities, you can easily find boat operators that will take you to the Island. You can take a boat ride from Jaco and Puntarenas. It will just take 90 minutes to reach Tortuga Island, and along the way, you can enjoy the lovely views.
However, if you are in San Jose, then you need to first take a bus to Puntarenas. After reaching Puntarenas, you need to take a ride to the Peninsula village of Paquera. From here, there are many ways to reach Tortuga Island. depending on your preference and budget, you can pick how you want to travel.
If you are looking for an economical way, then you can take a boat ride, and if you want a luxurious option, then you can take a chartered plane to Tortuga Island. Moreover, there is also a daily fairy operated from Puntarenas to Paquera, and the timings for that are 5 AM and 9 AM. This is the most budget-friendly and convenient way to get to Tortuga Island.
Fun Things to Do on Tortuga Island
Once you reach the island, there is so much to explore and many activities to enjoy. From water activities to sightseeing, there is something for everyone. So, if you love adventure, here are a few activities that you must try while your visit to Tortuga Island.
Scuba Diving
If you ask me the one thing that you can’t miss while on Tortuga Island, it has to be Scuba diving. You might get to do scuba diving at other places as well, but here, you can witness some rare aquatic animals, including octopuses, jellyfish, sting rays, dolphins, and many more. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss out on.
If you want to explore the world underwater, this is a great place to do so. At Tortuga Island, you can do Scuba Diving along the three sunken shipwrecks. Here you can have a unique experience that you cannot afford to miss out on.
snorkeling on Tortuga Island
If you can only go snorkeling in one place, you must choose Tortuga Island. Here you can witness the true underwater world. You will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of aquatic life that you can explore on this Island. Moreover, Tortuga Island is home to many rare and fascinating aquatic animals like dolphins, turtles, whales, and much different fish. This will be an unforgettable experience for you.
Hiking along the Mountain Trail
At Tortuga Beach, you can have the best of both worlds and enjoy mountains and beaches. Hiking the mountains around Tortuga Beach is a great way to burn out some calories as well as enjoy exploring nature.
While hiking, you can actually witness the real flora and fauna of the place. So, dont forget to go on hiking while your visit to Tortuga Island.
Try out the Local cuisines
There are endless snacking options at the Tortuga Island Costarice. You can try out their authentic recipes and flavors. On this island, there are many BBQ restaurants that serve the best seafood, and you cannot miss out on that.
However, if you are vegetarian, you can also enjoy some hot BBQ veggies. This island will not disappoint you for sure. There are many cafes where you can enjoy a delightful cup of coffee.
When is the best time to visit Tortuga Island?
As Tortuga Island is a tropical Island so it’s best to visit the Island in the dry months. It would be best if you visited Tortuga Island between December and April. You can enjoy great visibility in the water, and also, there will be a great amount of sunlight in the daytime.
During these months, it will be less likely to rain, so it’s best to visit Tortuga Island at this time. Moreover, you can enjoy great weather and clear sky. During this season, you can also enjoy all the water sports and witness the great aquatic diversity. So, make sure you plan for your trip during December and April to enjoy the best experiences on this heavenly Island.
Things to Keep in Mind while visiting Tortuga Island
There are several things that you must take into consideration while visiting this Island. Especially if you are traveling or doing water sports for the first time, here are the things that you must keep in mind.
If you are on a tight budget and do not want to splurge. You should visit the Island from late April to December. However, there are chances that it might rain during this time. But you can grab some really great discounts during this time as it’s off-season time.
Make sure to pack your underwater camera so you can capture the unique and fascinating underwater life.
While you are packing stuff, make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, shades, swimwear, and a towel. Make sure to carry a dry bag with you as the weather is really unpredictable. So, in case it rains, you can protect your valuables.
Make sure to carry a first aid kit and tablets for sea sickness. Especially if you are visiting with kids or if you are someone who gets seasick quite easily.
However, if you want to experience water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, make sure to carry a wet suit. If you dont want to carry your wet suit, you can also rent it from the Island before the activity.
Is Tortuga Island Safe for Kids?
Yes, if you have kids, you will definitely enjoy Tortuga Island. This island is safe for kids. Moreover, there are so many things here that your kids will enjoy. However, if your kids are doing any water activity, make sure they have their life jackets on and also an adult with them who is a strong swimmer.
However, if you have teenagers with you, they can enjoy many fun activities like banana boat and many others. They will definitely be going to love the experience and going to have a great time on Tortuga Island.
The Bottom Line
Tortuga Island in Costa Rica must be the next destination you tick off your bucket list. If you love adventure or want to explore nature in its true sense, then you must visit Tortuga Island. This island has everything you need, from mountains to beaches. There is something for everyone. If you want to explore the underwater world or you want to hike on the surrounding mountains, there is so much to do on Tortuga Island.
This tropical island looks straight out of an animated movie scene. However, its surrounded by tall coconut trees and is covered with white sand. Visiting thai Island will be an unforgettable experience that you will never forget and will cherish forever.
