Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco
Jaco, Costa Rica

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

Outty Ranking 58 3.7 · 113 traveler reviews12.5 hoursFrom $146
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 113 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco worth booking?

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco is a 12.5-hour experience in Jaco, Costa Rica, from $146 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 113 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (113)
Duration
12.5 hours
From
$146 per person

Discover the magic of a dream Island, Tortuga Island. It is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Tortuga Island (called Tolinga by the indigenous people) has an area of 120 hectares and remains a protected forest; which, has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is given to beaches in our country that have their waters free of contamination. Due to its geographical characteristics, its waters are turquoise in color and are optimal for swimming. Our Catamaran has three different environments for your enjoyment: the main room with air conditioning, bar section and dressing rooms; Another area is the bow with a wonderful view of all the landscapes where we will sail; and, our upper deck, an area equipped for your rest; in which, you can enjoy a large jacuzzi.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the magic of a dream Island, Tortuga Island. It is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Tortuga Island (called Tolinga by the indigenous people) has an area of 120 hectares and remains a protected forest; which, has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is given to beaches in our country that have their waters free of contamination. Due to its geographical characteristics, its waters are turquoise in color and are optimal for swimming. Our Catamaran has three different environments for your enjoyment: the main room with air conditioning, bar section and dressing rooms; Another area is the bow with a wonderful view of all the landscapes where we will sail; and, our upper deck, an area equipped for your rest; in which, you can enjoy a large jacuzzi.

    What's included

    Included

    • Breakfast
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Trails (hike)
    • Margaritas & Rum Unlimited Punch
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Banana Boat Tour
    • Snacks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Puntarenas

      Panoramic view of the Puntarenense province, you can see the tourists' walk, the cruise ship dock, the municipality and the old train station.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Isla San Lucas

      View along the Isla San Lucas National Park where you will be able to appreciate the wildlife refuge.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Tortuga Island

      Stay on the island right there we will have lunch while you enjoy the Bay territory, which is a private area of our company where you will enjoy the best area of the island in our beach chairs.

      300 minutes here

    4. Puerto Caldera

      Muelle de Caldera and the Gulf of Nicoya along with the traditional ¨Chinamos from the Caldera area¨

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Bay Island Cruises / Isla Tortuga

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 2Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 3Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 4Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 5Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 6Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 113 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    113 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    57
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    15
    2 star
    11
    1 star
    18
    Sort
    Charles_J · June 2026

    NOT a good time, I would not recommend, even if they paid you to go

    This was NOT a good trip! No where in the description does it say that this is a party boat/trip/day. The boat had a DJ and music cranked to 100, which is fine, as we could move to a portion of the boat where it was quieter, but on the way back there was a storm, and everyone had to huddle inside the cabin, which was too small to hold everyone, (at least half of the people on the boat had to stand and try to hold on), and then they moved the DJ inside. Everyone was trapped within 20 feet of the amplifiers set on max volume. This would be fine for those who enjoy a rave/club setting, I do not. The description said, free natural drinks, which be forewarned, does NOT include water!! (I guess water isn't natural???!!). Water was an extra fee, I think $3 a bottle. We had our "included" sad little ham sandwich for breakfast, (this thing was maybe half the size of a piece of standard store bought bread). The beach time was an S show, not one of the companies people knew what was going on, they didn't know our trip had lunch included, didn't seem to have ever seen the Viator booking ticket bar code I was sent, which I thought they would scan and know our tour package, but this was not so. I broke out more email confirmations with descriptions, just to prove we got lunch included. I should not have done that. "lunch" was so terrible. The chicken breast selection was a piece of (maybe chicken), meat not exceeding 1/4" thick and about 3" in diameter, all cooked I'm guessing the day before, so it was shoe leather basically. I saw I would need something to choke this down and asked the person guarding the sauce dispensers for some BBQ and I received 1 pump of the dispenser, which dispensed an amount about half that of condiment packet you would get at any fast food joint, and wouldn't give me any more. The rice wasn't fully cooked and crunchy, or to be fair, if everything was cooked the day prior, maybe it was just, old crunchy. Again when I went to sign us up for the banana boat tour included in our paid package, they wanted an additional fee, I had to break out the emails again and prove it was included. We sat down in beach chairs, just to relax, and some guy came up and said we needed to "rent" the chairs or go away. WTH? There were outhouse type bathrooms that you HAD TO PAY TO USE!! Bathroom usage is not included in your 12 hour plus excursion. I really think if I asked for more sand in my shoe it would have been billed extra. I view this experience as something I survived, not something I would EVER want to do again.

    via Viator

    Samantha_T · June 2026

    Bamboozled

    This was not what I was expecting. The boat ride was extremely slow not exciting at all. We get to the beach, the excursions were unorganized. The food was cold and dry and the drinks were watered down . It was not worth the money that was spent . I actually want my money back. We were there all day with no adequate water, there were no showers to rinse the sand off so just sitting uncomfortable all day . The boat was overbooked to capacity, 4/10 experience

    via Viator

    Elizabeth_O · May 2026

    Party style boat ride....

    Party style boat ride. Dancing, Latin music and dance lessons. Hot tub on boat fun for kids. Amazing snokeling experience although need equipment for smaller children to be able to participate. Loved the banana boat. Where not informed about hikes or where to go to hike. Lack of communication on when next activities take place and where. Food was okay not great better options would be appreciated. Snacks were passed out but drinks were hard to get.

    via Viator

    Lisa_H · March 2026

    Do not book this tour

    DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT book this tour! Tour lists 12.5 hrs and our experience was 16 hrs total. No where does it say you’ll spend over half of the tour time in the transportation van (5 hrs) to and from Jaco and on the boat to and from the island (5 hrs). The boat has limited seating in the below covered deck. AC was not working properly too. We were forced to sit in the hot sun for over 2 hrs to the island with no shade. The sandwich they provided on the boat was awful. The fruit was and banana bread was good. Upon arriving to Tortuga, chairs were broken and filthy. One bathroom only on the island for this tour, which was disgusting. They did not disclose no service or WiFi and they wanted to charge $46 US dollars. Food was below satisfactory. Bar service was decent because they were making $. Over 9 hrs without food and 3 hrs without water before returning to JACO. This tour is not worth the cost they are charging. Save money and just go to a local beach and have a nice lunch. Time is valuable and the 16 hrs we lost, we can never get back!! Don’t make the same mistake if you value time and your hard earned money.

    via Viator

    Bridgette_G · February 2026

    If you live to party do this!

    The boat / Isla crew and driver were spectacular! Very kind and attentive. The drinks were very watered down. We ended up buying beer. The snacks and lunch were very tasty. Lots of fresh fruit and ceviche along with a nice buffet. Eat breakfast before you go… the ham and cheese Sandwich is not the best. SOME MAJOR THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION: this tour does NOT leave directly from Jaco. You will have several stops to pick folks up in Jaco and surrounding areas then head to Putenares. The boat ride from the port of Putenares is 2 hours each way with blasting music and a bar with free drinks. People get drunk on this trip so if you have small children, something to keep in mind. Also- the island is home to many other tour operators. There were a handful of older men that rented a catamaran and had each brought about what looked to be 3 hookers each. The gals ended up having a little too much to drink and fighting with each other and had to be taken care of by staff. Not a big deal but again , something to think about if you have kids. HEADS UP: the bridge between Jaco and Tracoles is being revamped so the traffic is absolutely terrible. Took us 5 hours to get back to our hotel and it should have been 2 hours. Bottom line - if you love to party, do this! You’ll love it!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    12.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    40
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Bay Island Cruises / Isla Tortuga, who run 3 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.7.

    See everything Bay Island Cruises / Isla Tortuga runs

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)19
    Review evidence (18% weight)76
    Booking momentum (14% weight)71
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jaco.

    How much does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $146 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Jaco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco take?

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    Plan for about 12.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Jaco is not rushed.

    Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 113 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Jaco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco?

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    Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Jaco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Jaco and add a light layer if any part of the 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Jaco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Jaco?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Jaco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner, Jason Crocodile Tours, Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Jaco?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Jaco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco?

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    Included: Breakfast; GST (Goods and Services Tax); Use of snorkeling equipment; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 54 listed pickup locations in and around Jaco. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco?

    +

    Across 113 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco.

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