Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour
Badge of Excellence
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
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Overview
Nature-loving travelers will enjoy this full-day, small-group snorkeling tour to Isla Tortuga. After a boat ride to the island and views of some dramatic rock formations, you’ll stop to snorkel in the clear waters around a volcanic reef. Look out for tropical fish including angelfish, moray eels, needlefish, and spotted eagle rays. Finish with some relaxing time on the white-sand beaches of the island and a refreshing fruit snack.
- Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
- Snacks and soft drinks are included
- A great way to see the beautiful island while getting active
- Snorkeling gear and life vests are included
What's Included
- Soda/PopSoft drinks & Bottled water
- SnacksLocal fruits & sandwich
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Life vests
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- El Gecko Tours - Isla TortugaPlaya Organos, Provincia de Puntarenas, Paquera, 60105, Costa Rica
Once you arrive at the beach in Paquera (Playa Paquera, Los Organos) we are located at the right side, or you see our boat already at the sea shore.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Billie_C
This was a great trip! Our guide was super helpful and knowledgeable about the fauna, land and sea. The reef was rich with fish. A nice lunch was provided. What a way to spend a day on the water! We loved it.
Reviews
4.5
based on 133 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sebastian_R, Jun 2026
Very Knowledgeable throughout the tour and helpful. Definitely recommend a tour with them. Thanks a lot to ecko tours
Jeanette_S, May 2026
Amazing little trip with snoring and privet island beach , nice lunch and visit from Bambi 😊 o will definitely recommend!! Super friendly people and chill vibes 👍
Judy_H, May 2026
If you love boats, swimming and snorkeling this is a definite must do! Our guides showed us beaches, rocks and pelicans before we anchored to snorkel. We tried two spots and were given a lot of time to look at the colourful fish. We were taken to a private beach where we were served fresh fruit, drinks and lunch. They took great care to find an alternative lunch for 2 of us who can’t have gluten. Very much appreciated. We were given the perfect amount of time to explore the beach before we had to head back.
We couldn’t speak the same language as our guides and it worked out just fine. We preferred this company as we were not a part of the busy beach and larger groups. Well worth it!
Susan_D, Feb 2026
Communication before the trip was excellent. We met on the beach by El Gecko’s meeting point. Directions were accurate. Then we took a very enjoyable, scenic boat ride to the snorkeling location. Snorkeling was very nice. plenty of fish to make the 45 minute experience worth it. There were only 7 of use and it was quite lovely to be in such a small group. Maybe 30 minutes after we had arrived a very large group of snorkelers (maybe 20 or 30) descended upon us and I was glad we at least had 30 minutes to ourselves. After, the guides took us to an isolated, quiet beach and served us delicious fruit. But wait - that wasn’t all. I totally did t expect the lunch that came 1 hour later. Which came with home-made salsa that was truly yummy! We had the beach to ourselves for about 3 hours and besides getting in another swim we saw reptiles, monkeys and deer. It was the perfect, Puta Vida day.
Sonya_M, Feb 2026
It was an amazing experience! We ended up being the only people on the tour, so we got a private tour of the islands, and were able to have a lot of time for snorkelling and relaxing on Isla Tortuga! They provided drinks, a sandwich, chips, and lots of fresh fruit! It was all delicious and so much food! The snorkelling spot was really clear and we saw so many different fish. The beach was big and beautiful, and we had so much time to relax and explore. We saw lots of birds, monkeys, and crabs on the beach. We saw other tour boats that all seemed packed and rushed compared to ours. The guides were all really nice and informative!
Eleonora_E, Jan 2026
I definitely recommend going with them. The snorkeling part was around a rock, very crowded area with other boats, and there were a lot of fish but we were all really close to each other. Snorkeling equipment was provided but unisize, so I suggest bringing your own if you have it. Then we went to a beach which was right next to the really crowded one, but not reachable on foot, and we were only ones there! Obviously no services (no toilets, no bar), there was just a table and gazebo where we had snacks, fruits and then the sandwich for lunch. We were free to explore all the beach which was beautiful, quite big and had quite some time to relax. I suggest to bring water shoes if you have delicate feet like me.
Charlotte_M, Dec 2025
Great option for visiting Isla Tortuga from Paqueras. It’s a quick ride out and lunch is served on a calmer beach than where most tours stop. It was also nice to have a 5 hour option.
Jora_V, Nov 2025
We were the only ones who booked the tour that day, so we got a private tour! We stopped for a swim and then for some snorkeling. Along the way, we received information about the rocks and parks we passed. Afterward, we were dropped off at Isla Tortuga and given fruit and a sandwich. We were able to do some more snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming. A very well-organized tour!
Oscar_D, Aug 2025
Gecko Tours cancelled the tour last minute. They told Viator that it was due to weather (a lie), however no one informed me, and i found out upon arrival after a 90-minute drive, that their boat needed some repairs.
They seem to not care about their potential clients, and I would highly recommend you to look somewhere else. There are other serious tour operators that you should go with instead.
Gecko Tours should be de-listed on this platform, what a joke.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We would like to state that indeed this reservation needed to be canceled from our end and we have done so through the aplication of Viator the evening before as we had a mechanical problem and we heard that evening that evening from the mechanic that he needs a spare part. We indicated that the cancelation if because of force major and not because of the weather. We also sended the client a message through Viator with the same reason, so we cancelled on time before he made the drive to our starting point.
Bridgett_B, Apr 2025
We ended up driving several hours by the time we got there message that they had canceled. Due to the the size of the waves. We ended up having to book with another company to be able to salvage our day. Would have been nice to give a heads up the night before.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
We do sorry to hear that you didn't see the message from WhatsApp sended and received at 6.37am on time and the cancelation has been done officially through the website before that.
As mentioned to you, we didn't go out that day as the waves where to high and the day before we couldn't leave Tortuga Island for the same reason and needed to surge higher places (into the mountain) to stay dry.
It would have been very inresponseble to take you and your family out on that day,
risking that something worse could have happened. Not on all beaches the waves come in with the same straight, but we know how the ocean can be where we leave from when the tides get higher then normal.
Once again we do sorry for any inconvenience caused to you and your family.
Molly_C, Apr 2025
My two friends and I had a great experience on this tour! We snorkeled in two locations and saw tons of fish, sea urchins, a starfish, and a small shark! Our tour guides set up a really nice lunch for us on a quiet beach. We had time to explore the beach and see some more wildlife (lizards, deer). Overall great value for the price and a really fun day!
cindy_l, Mar 2025
Honestly was a great tour. Got a lot for what we paid. Lunch was good and snorkeling was awesome!
I wouldn’t do this as a solo traveling female.
Per_W, Jan 2025
Very nice hosts, well arranged, top service. Nice snorkeling and a very special island. I can strongly recommend El Gecko tours.
Billie_C, Dec 2024
This was a great trip! Our guide was super helpful and knowledgeable about the fauna, land and sea. The reef was rich with fish. A nice lunch was provided. What a way to spend a day on the water! We loved it.
Rie_R, Nov 2024
This was the best experience I booked during my stay in Costa Rica. We were 4 guests in total and the boattrip was so nice, we were lucky enough to see dolphins during the ride as well. The water was a bit cloudy do to the rainy weather the days before, but still a nice snorkel where we could see some beautiful fish. It is a boatride to Isla Tortuga, but in stead of stopping on the main beach, the guides took us to a small private beach just next to the other one instead (we chose to instead of the main beach). We had fruit (coconut, pineapple, banana and watermelon), someting to drink of choice and even a sandwich. The guides were so chill and had the best vibes and gave us the greatest tour! Would highly recomend.
The only small minus (bot important to me) was that none of the guides spoke any english, but just something to know.
All in all the nicest trip that I would do again. Nature, relaxation, sun and just a good vibe. Thanks a lot!
Manolo_C, Jan 2024
I DID NOT MAKE IT TO THIS EXPERIENCE.
My tour was cancelled 45 minutes before our 12 noon departure. We drove 1.5 hours just to get there and wasted all the sun/day.
Also @Viator why are you sending me a review when i clearly didn’t go? You sent me a refund and cancellation email.
Agata_P, Oct 2023
it was a beautiful adventure. the guides were great. it was the best money spent in Costa Rica. delicious fruit we received. beautiful island, beaches. great diving. I recommend to everyone !
Nicole_E, Jul 2023
The trip was perfect! We left the beach at exactly 9, snorkeled and then went to a beach with no one else. We had fruits and sandwiches, and then later went to a beach with a small store, beach chairs for rent, and bars.
The snorkeling had pretty low visibility, and the coral reefs are being bleached due to global warming. HOWEVER it was still a great day!
Aislyn_P, Jun 2023
We first were given life jackets and then hopped onto their boat. We had about a 30 minute tour of some of the other islands and then ended at this rock where our guide brought out all the snorkeling gear and fins. We had as long as we wanted to explore and then we were taken to a private beach on tortuga island. Our guide asked if we wanted any oysters and a boat brought us fresh ones with onion and hot sauce. They were amazing. We spent about 3-4 hours on the beach, they provided us with a light lunch.
Celesta_K, Jun 2023
We didn’t even get to go. Arrived at beach where we were charged a dollar to use the bathroom and the guide was not even expecting us. At our depart time at 9 he decided to get i the shower. I have photos. We were tired of waiting and left. Would not recommend. Requesting refund.
Kasey_J, Apr 2023
One of the best boating trips I’ve been on! Juan was very friendly and patient. We really enjoyed the experience from start to finish. We felt we got incredible value for what we paid. Highly recommend! Will be definitely doing this again next time we’re in Costa Rica!
Claudia_K, Apr 2023
We liked the tour to Isla Tortuga. It's a good trip if you want to relax at the beach. During the snorkeling we saw many colourful fishes, we did it at the weekend, so there we're a lot of people snorkeling but was still possible to find some fishes and snorkel for a bit. We enjoyed the stay at the beach in the warm and cristal clear water. All the time we felt very safe with the guides, who organised fruits and sandwiches to eat. They are very sympathetic and explained as much as they could about the place and the beach. This trip is recommended if you want to do something relaxing and just enjoy the beach.
Muchas gracias por el viaje.
Gerd_S, Feb 2023
The name of the tour indicates that snorkeling is the mainly content. But it was more a boat trip and staying on the beach. That was quite nice but not that what was expected.
Susan_S, Feb 2023
Crew was very friendly with the utmost attention to our safety. Beautiful day, lots of fun snorkeling and hanging out on the island with Gil, Juan and Jeffrey. Planning on returning within a few months to take the Bioluminescent kayak tour with Gecko tours. Small boat but better because of the personal attention everyone received from these great guys!
Roeland_O, Jan 2023
Fantastic experience. Nice boat trip along the shore and some beatiful rocks. Then snorkeling between a lot of fish. Ending on a splendid desolate beach with lots of fruit and a sandwich. Very nice crew.
Abigail_D, Dec 2022
One of the best tours I’ve ever been on! Our guides went out of their way to find wildlife for us to enjoy, & truly made this a once in a lifetime experience. 10/10 would highly recommend!!
Judith_M, Nov 2022
Saw many beautiful blue fish and coral. The guides were great and the boat ride was smooth. We had fresh fruit on a private beach after snorkeling, which was beautiful.
Herman_V, May 2022
Nice informal atmosphere, on a small boat to the islands. Two snorkeling stops and a fantastic beach stop for lunch and softdrinks. Guide Juanito knows a lot about nature in the area.
valentina_P, May 2022
The boat was too small without a sun awning.
After the half hour boat tour the time spent on the island is too long (4/5 Hours) without umbrellas and deck chairs .
John_R, May 2022
The beach they take you to was great. Hundreds of pelicans diving in the water. Juanito was a great guide. The tour does start on the SE part of the Island so you'll have to find a way there.
From $70.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour
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