Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Alajuela, Costa Rica

Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José

Outty Ranking 61 4.2 · 83 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $115
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 83 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José worth booking?

Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José is a 12-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $115 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 83 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 (83)
Duration
12 hours
From
$115 per person

Discover the magic of this wonderful beach, Playa Tortuga, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Playa Tortuga (called by the indigenous Tolinga) has an area of 120 hectares and is maintained as a protected forest; which has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is awarded to beaches in our country that have pollution-free waters. Due to its geographical characteristic, its waters are turquoise in color and are ideal for swimming.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the magic of this wonderful beach, Playa Tortuga, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Playa Tortuga (called by the indigenous Tolinga) has an area of 120 hectares and is maintained as a protected forest; which has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is awarded to beaches in our country that have pollution-free waters. Due to its geographical characteristic, its waters are turquoise in color and are ideal for swimming.

    What's included

    Included

    • Fresh Fruits
    • Dolphin watching (conditions permitting)
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Snorkeling on the Beach
    • Coffee with aperitif

    Not included

    • Tip
    • Breakfast

    What you'll see and do

    1. San Jose

      We leave the capital bound for Puntarenas, where we will board our boat that will take you to Tortuga Island.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Orotina

      We will stop for breakfast in Orotina, breakfast not included.

      50 minutes here

    3. Tortuga Island

      We will take a tour to visit the beautiful Tortuga Island aboard our boat. You will be able to see iconic islands and dolphins along the way. Upon arrival at Tortuga Island we will give you 5 hours of beach time where you can relax and enjoy the sea.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Puntarenas

      We will make a stop to buy snacks or coffee. (Not included) Then we will travel to San José to drop off the clients. The return time may vary depending on traffic.

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    Ends at

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number, we will notify you by email or through Viator.

    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
    Inside Tours Costa Rica

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 2Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 3Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 4Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 5Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 6Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José in Alajuela, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 83 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

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

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    83 verified traveler reviews for Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    54
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    7
    Sort
    KIRSIMARJA_D · September 2026

    Snorkeling

    Be ready for an early start to a long day in the sun and in the water. Nice tour if you are a beach person.

    via Viator

    shaylam856 · August 2026

    Beautiful Beach

    The beach portion of this tour was absolutely fantastic, and Roy was great super friendly, attentive, and helpful. Lunch was just average/ok, but overall it was a really enjoyable day out thanks to the beach beautiful spot. The drive back from the beach was super long which it was out of their control. And prepare to take a uber if your hotel is not one of their pickup spots even though it could be a 5 min drive

    via Tripadvisor

    Vanessa_V · June 2026

    Bad experience!!!

    Never got picked up. Not one answer about why or how to get refund. Not at the time I was waiting t the pick up spot and not after. When I called (which I did a lot) the phone was never answered. The lady from my hotel also tried. It looked like a good company but unfortunately it was the only bad thing that happened to me while my 4weeks trip in Costa Rica. They did take my money so still waiting on any reply. Sorry to put this here like this but it's the only thing I can do.

    via Viator

    Julie_G · April 2026

    Excellent relaxing beach day!

    Excellent trip! We loved the beach and the lunch was fantastic! It was a very relaxing day to end a wonderful trip to Costa Rica!

    via Viator

    Sandra G · December 2025

    Christmas in Paradise

    Our guide Percy was very knowledgeable, amusing, engaging, patient, and fun! We learned so much on the bus ride to the boat that the time seemed to fly by. He made sure we recognized our driver and boat operator for the behind the scenes work, which I thought was considerate. The food (breakfast on your own, lunch and fruit snack provided) was ok. I was glad for the regular availability of coffee given the early start. Snorkeling was great as was the dolphin watching from the boat. We got to see a family of dolphins up close! And of course the beach did not disappoint! We truly enjoyed this full day excursion!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $115 to $125
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    29
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Inside Tours Costa Rica, who run 12 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.

    See everything Inside Tours Costa Rica runs

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)50
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José cost?

    +

    Prices start at $115 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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 83 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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    Around 29 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?

    +

    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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    Included: Fresh Fruits; Dolphin watching (conditions permitting); Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Tip; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    We will send the times via WhatsApp the day before your departure. Please ensure you provide a valid phone number that can receive messages. If you do not provide a valid number. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José 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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José 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 Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José?

    +

    Across 83 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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