
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 99 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José worth booking?
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José is a 10-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $129 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 99 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (99)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $129 per person
We are a pioneer company in the tours of the gulf islands, for which we have the highest quality standards, our boats being one of the largest in the country to mobilize tourists. We have highly qualified personnel so t
What you get
About this experience
We are a pioneer company in the tours of the gulf islands, for which we have the highest quality standards, our boats being one of the largest in the country to mobilize tourists. We have highly qualified personnel so that your experience is the best in the tours that the company offers you. We have all the permits issued by the Costa Rican government authorities. You and all the passengers will enjoy the best service you can find on a tour of our country.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Use of facilities on the island and boats
- Breakfast
- Snacks
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Use of snorkeling equipment
What you'll see and do
Puerto Caldera
Muelle de Caldera and the Gulf of Nicoya along with the traditional ¨Chinamos from the Caldera area¨
Pass by without stopping
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
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
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
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Alajuela
Pacific ramp dock in Puntarenas in front of the Coonatramar ticket office
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Pacific ramp dock in Puntarenas in front of the Coonatramar ticket office
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 15 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 99 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
99 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wouldn’t do it again
First problem, they told us to be in the lobby by 5a.m. Security told me “ that’s strange, they usually show up at 5:45”. I showed him my confirmation. They arrived at 6:15.am. We finally get to the boat, everything seems to be going ok. For breakfast it’s a a ham and cheese sandwich. Very basic. But at least the staff on the boat was very attentive and polite. When we got to the beach we got to hang out, it was area for our group to swim and they had beach chairs for us. Lunch was dry and bland. Towards the end, I was going to go to the showers to take the sand off and get dressed, I was told it was a bathroom only to wait till we get to shore where the showers are located. When we get to shore, I found out that they charge you to use the showers. HOW DO THEY CHARD YOU TO RINSE OFF??!!! And when I finally was just going to pay, the driver and staff tells me we’re leaving now you have to get in the bus.. so I had to spend approximately 4 hours with my crotch full of sand and a wet bathing suit. My skin was soooooo irritated when I got back to the hotel , I was contemplating on going to the doctor if my skin didn’t feel better my the morning. I wouldn’t recommend this tour, maybe book with a different company maybe better experience.
via Viator
The Best Day ver!
The Best experience we could have! Wonderful time at the catamaran and in the Island! The guide so professional and kind! We had the Best Day in our lives!
via Tripadvisor
The beach was so...
The beach was so beautiful and serene. The crew was incredibly attentive and our tour guide, Mari, was extremely helpful! There was good music, the fruit was delicious, and the drinks were always coming. The lunch was more on the bland side, but otherwise, our experience was wonderful :)
via Viator
A Good Day Out
It was great to experience the Pacific Cast & this is an easy way of doing it. However it is a long day out & at £125 not cheap. The boat trip itself was excellent with lots of fresh fruit, coffee & cocktails provided. Tortuga Island is beautiful with a lovely beach & wildlife. Do the walking trail as it is well worthwhile.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Excellent from pickup at our hotel to drop off. Our tour guide Brian and our bus driver were great. The crew on the catamaran were just wonderful. Tortuga was beautiful. We had our own chairs, a delicious lunch, many activities to choose from or just relax on the beach and an overall amazing experience from start to finish. Would definitely suggest doing this adventure.. just plan for a fun, adventure and long day. 🥰
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 35
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
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 runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José cost?
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Prices start at $129 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela 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 San José take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Alajuela is not rushed.
Is Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 99 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José?
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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 San José suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-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 San José?
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Around 35 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 Alajuela 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José 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 Alajuela 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 Alajuela?
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On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. 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 Alajuela?
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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 Alajuela?
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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.
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