
Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa worth booking?
Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa is a 7-hour experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, from $137 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $137 per person
Witness the enchanting beauty of Costa Rica's coastline on the Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour. As the sun sets over the Pacific, embark on a magical evening where shimmering waters come alive with bioluminescent organis
What you get
About this experience
Witness the enchanting beauty of Costa Rica's coastline on the Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour. As the sun sets over the Pacific, embark on a magical evening where shimmering waters come alive with bioluminescent organisms. This tour combines natural wonder with a serene atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a unique experience. Enjoy knowledgeable insights from expert guides, ensuring a memorable adventure as you explore the vibrant marine ecosystem. - Experience a stunning sunset followed by a captivating bioluminescence display - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic outing - Led by experienced guides providing insights into local ecology - Tour duration includes both sunset viewing and nighttime exploration
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Meals
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Tortuga Island
"Isla Tortuga" We will start the day by taking you on a 45-minute boat ride along the coast with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on the right and the beautiful landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula on the left. During the boat ride, most of the time, you will be able to see cheerful dolphins, jumping manta rays, primitive turtles, or if you are lucky you can even enjoy watching humpback and pilot whales.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Tambor
We have the best option for you. An activity of only 7 hours, a tour to the paradisiacal Isla Tortuga during the late afternoon when most of the boats are gone, after that, you will be able to enjoy the sunset on Tambor Bay at Playa Vivos, where we finish the experience appreciating the phenomenon of Bioluminescence!
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Puntarenas
At the Zuma Tours Office in Santa Teresa, you can leave your vehicle here.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
At the Zuma Tours Office in Santa Teresa, you can leave your vehicle here.
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
- Zuma Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Slow start but worth it in the end
Long bus ride (60min) from Santa Teresa. Snorkeling was just ok with minimal fish. The stop at Tortuga island is so late in the day that the bar was closed and there was nobody else on the island. Staff was closing everything up just as you get there. From then on everything was great. The second island you stop at for the sunset was amazing. Full bar and food, loungers, beautiful beach, hammocks. The bioluminescence on the way home was also amazing. Wasn’t expecting to get back in the water but was well worth it. Seeing the bioluminescence under water is a must do, don’t skip it.
via Viator
10/10 recommend
Such a good day. The entire staff was so friendly and fun. It was so unexpected to have so many special moments in one “activity”. From being picked up, to the meal, to the magical bioluminescence!! Pure magic.
via Tripadvisor
What. A. Trip. ...
What. A. Trip. Hand’s down a must do. My girlfriend and I forget the staff’s name but they made the boat tour memorable. From great DJ’ing, fantastic lunch, unforgettable night swim and a few beers; this entire day was more than worth it!
Response from the operator: What. A. Review! 🌴 Huge thanks for the shoutout. We’re so glad you and your girlfriend had such a blast—from the lunch to that "unforgettable" night swim. We’ll be sure to pass the kind words along to the crew; they’ll definitely appreciate the love for the music and the vibes!
via Viator
Wonderful trip with fantastic crew.
Beautiful smooth boat ride. We were lucky enough to see dolphins while cruising to our snorkeling location. Tons of beautiful tropical fish to see there and good clean equipment for snorkeling was provided. Tortuga island and the private beach at a secondary location were a beautiful. Our guide was very informative and spoke great English and explained what thin were and why they were called that. Overall, and excellent boat tour ending with the magical bioluminescents. If you are not comfortable swimming in the ocean in the dark with the bioluminescents, the guides made sure you still got to experience the magic on board.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 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
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zuma Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.
See everything Zuma Tours runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puntarenas.
How much does Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa cost?
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Prices start at $137 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puntarenas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Puntarenas is not rushed.
Is Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puntarenas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa?
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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 Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa?
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Around 1 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 Puntarenas 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 Puntarenas and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tortuga Island Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour from Santa Teresa 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 Puntarenas 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 Puntarenas?
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On Outty we rank every Puntarenas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat, 3 Hour ATV Medium Waterfall Tour (Swimmable Pool), 4 Hours ATV Exclusive Jaguar Waterfalls. 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 Puntarenas?
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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 Puntarenas?
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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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