An island teeming with sea and land life, covered in gorgeous flowers and foliage, and ringed with snowy white beaches perfect for melting into a beach chair and watching the ocean waves slowly roll by – this is Isla Tortuga, just 45 minutes by boat from Santa Teresa, and easily one of the most memorable day trips you'll take in Costa Rica.
Snorkel in the Shallows
The fine, clear waters of Isla Tortuga make it a prime spot for snorkeling. Spot graceful orange- and sapphire-colored angel fish, lime-green parrotfish, and even small rays. If you're lucky, you might be able to see turtles or even smaller, benign reef sharks.
Some tour companies take you a bit offshore for snorkeling, but you could also do it right off the white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga. Snorkeling is good all year round, but the visibility is better during the dry season. Plus, a bright, sunny day makes the entire island experience all the better. Your tour company should provide the proper gear, but you can also rent it on the beach.
Scuba-Dive Among the Sharks
Isla Tortuga is a fantastic dive site with a volcanic reef and a wreck, frequented by white-tip reef sharks. You'll also see a glorious array of marine life, such as spotted eagle rays, octopuses and green turtles. Lucky divers might also encounter dolphins or whale sharks. Between the wreck and the reef, there's plenty to explore. While PADI-certified divers will have the opportunity to explore deeper and more remote areas, non-certified visitors can participate in a "discovery dive" where you can dive up to 7m deep under strict supervision.
Keep your eyes on the wreck's smaller crevices and dark corners to spot moray eels and different kinds of tropical fish that have made their homes in these clandestine spaces. If you want diving included in your Isla Tortuga tour, prepare to pay extra when booking. Prices vary depending on the operator and season, but if you're keen on seeing marine life and don't mind the technical aspects of navigating a wreck, this activity could be for you.
Explore the Island's Flora & Fauna
While the sea will undoubtedly have your attention for at least part of your time on Isla Tortuga, the land is worth checking out, too. All manner of fantastic beasts populate this region of Costa Rica, including peccaries (small boars), monkeys, peacocks, macaws and armadillos. You can see some of these animals right on the beach, take an Ecological Tour (US$5), or explore the terrain yourself.
Schedule your Ecological Tour at the small shop in the middle of the beach, next to the bathrooms. As Isla Tortuga measures about 500m across and about 1.5km long, you can cover quite a bit of distance. While the walk is short, the elevation is substantial, 88m near the beginning of the trek.
Catch Some Rays
Isla Tortuga was made for maximum relaxation, so slot in some time to chill out on the beach and enjoy the views. You can rent beach chairs for about US$8 and use them for the entire day. There's a bar a bit back from the shore, and your tour will likely provide lunch and snacks, including cold, freshly cut fruits and water. If you feel like moving, you can jump into a game of beach volleyball, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or take a stroll in the surf. The vibe and pace are pura vida at its most distilled and finest.
