Isla Tortuga

In the event you’re planning a visit to Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica, I share what to do on Isla Tortuga in addition to my private expertise of this fab little island!

Sorts of Lady concerning the Globe – Island GatG, Ocean GatG

My time in Costa Rica was restricted. Having solely been stamped for 10 days entry meant that I used to be on a whistle cease tour.

One of many highlights that I merely needed to do was snorkel at Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica, an island close to the Nicoya Pennisular named after a turtle due to its form, not as a result of it was a habitat for turtles. Snorkeling right here was meant to be a number of the greatest snorkelling in Costa Rica and I wasn’t going to overlook out.

Journeys function instantly from Montezuma on the Nicoya Pennisular so staying right here was the proper departure level to go to this gorgeous little island. As morning got here I walked all the way down to the seashore and hopped aboard our boat able to cruise alongside the beautiful shoreline to Isla Tortuga.

The luxurious island of Isla Tortuga

Stopping at Rainbow Rock, I might see the white sands of Tortuga Island within the distance, lined with coconut palms alongside its shores. We had two alternatives to snorkel with 45 minutes in every. Choosing the inflatable jacket for further safety, I climbed down the steps as everybody else gracefully jumped from the boat.

Not being a lover of water, I tailed on the again, floating round and admiring the odd fish that swam previous as each else headed in direction of the rocks. A couple of minutes later I heard a phrase that you just actually don’t wish to hear while you’re floating round in deep water.

“Shark!”

Snorkeling within the deep water surrounding the island

Visions of the horrifying Jaws film got here flashing again. A lone swimmer bobbing in the midst of the ocean as a big silhouette ventured out from the darkish depths of the water.

As an alternative of everybody panicking and swimming away from the one that screamed the scary “S” phrase, everybody headed in direction of the rocks the place they had been pointing.

I couldn’t shake the jaws scene (I swear that movie has scarred me for all times), so I started a delicate retreat and commenced floating again to the boat, protecting myself calm as I swam again.

Snorkelling right here you may swim by means of the opening within the rock

I climbed on the boat to a shocked crew member and was greeted by “That was fast!”

“There was a shark,” I spluttered.

“Oh that!” he replied. “There have been 4 reef sharks noticed right here final week. They have to nonetheless be right here.”

I had snorkelled with reef sharks in Belize up to now (at a distance although) however simply listening to the “s” phrase while you weren’t anticipating it has a totally totally different impact.

As everybody got here again full of pleasure about seeing the reef sharks, we moved to our second snorkel cease the place I stayed close to the boat (I used to be taking no possibilities).

Again on the boat from our snorkelling journey

Ten minutes later, we pulled as much as gorgeous Tortuga Island for a lunch of barbecued fish and greens on the white sandy seashore. The group dispersed as some swam, others took benefit of the water sports activities, and a few shopped in the one present store on the island. I laid out my sarong and soaked up some rays, grateful that I used to be again on land.

Till it was time to go away, I used to be doing nothing. I had had sufficient motion and pleasure for someday…

You may even go jet snowboarding right here

Issues To Do on Isla Tortuga

1. Snorkel

Snorkelling is among the the reason why I visited Isla Tortuga! It’s a must-do exercise on the island. Many excursions provide the choice to snorkel and can present the tools in addition to directions on how one can snorkel. It’s actually an expertise. Get pleasure from seeing the unique and vibrant fish and different underwater creatures, however don’t be shocked to see a shark, as I did!

2. Uncover The Shipwrecks

Do you know there are a number of shipwrecks in Isla Tortuga? They’re wealthy in historical past! You will discover it very attention-grabbing to listen to the tales behind these shipwrecks and the occasions that occurred. The three shipwrecks to take a look at close to Isla Tortuga are Caroline Star, Coronel Alfonso Monge and Franklin Chang Diaz.

3. Merely Loosen up on The Seashore

The seashores in Isla Tortuga are spectacular. The ocean color, the white sand and the vegetation make you’re feeling like you’re in paradise. Fortunately, seashores on Tortuga Island are protected, and it isn’t unusual to see dolphins, whales and turtles. Benefit from the tranquil ambiance and exquisite views, swim or watch the sundown.

There are such a lot of actions to do right here

4. Go On a Mountaineering Path

Isla Tortuga is house to stunning mountain climbing trails with considerable timber and wildlife, so take note of your environment to find distinctive birds. There are two important mountain climbing trails. The primary mountain climbing path lasts about half-hour, and the second 45 minutes. Each mountain climbing trails provide gorgeous views of the island. 

Attempting the native barbecued delicacies

5. Attempt Costa Rican Dishes

One other factor to focus on about Tortuga Island is the meals. Though you may attempt Costa Rican dishes in different places throughout the nation, the island has a very good repute for meals. Eat casado, a typical dish with rice, beans, peppers, fried bananas and meat, ceviche, and tamales, amongst different delicacies.

Along with these dishes, the locals in Isla Tortuga know how one can make a very good BBQ. Many seashore eating places provide scrumptious and recent BBQ fish and meat. 

You may chill out on the island, snorkel or simply swim

Suggestions For Visiting Isla Tortuga

• Go to Isla Tortuga throughout the dry season (December to April). This manner, you’ll assure sunny and clear days good for enjoyable on the seashore, snorkelling or doing different water actions.
• Take money with you. It’s the major fee technique on the island.
• Put on reef-safe solar cream. It’s higher on your pores and skin and helps defend ocean life.

Taking a ship tour here’s a must-do in the event you’re in Costa Rica

Tortuga Island Tour

Costa Rica Tortuga Island is gorgeous and this journey is a particular should in the event you go to Costa Rica. There are not any currents right here which make it very protected to dive and snorkel. In the event you’re not sure how one can get to Isla Tortuga Costa Rica, you may attain the island on one of many Isla Tortuga Excursions from both Jaco, Montezuma or San Jose. In addition they run excursions from Puntarenas however I wouldn’t advise staying in Puntarenas as it isn’t a protected port city.

The journeys value from $110 and embody a snorkel tour, tender drinks, lunch which is both fish, hen or vegetarian and your switch to the island. Relying on the place you are staying, they’ll additionally choose you up too. I’ve included two really useful Tortuga Island Tour under. 

Regularly Requested Questions About Tortuga Island

• The place is Tortuga Island Costa Rica? Isla Tortuga is southeast of the Nicoya Peninsula. 
• Is it potential to remain in Isla Tortuga? Sadly, there aren’t any lodging on the island. Due to this fact, you will have to remain in close by places, equivalent to Santa Teresa or Montezuma.
• Is Tortuga Costa Rica value visiting? Sure, Isla Tortuga is a unbelievable day journey with snorkelling alternatives and exquisite seashores.
• How a lot does it value to go to Tortuga Island? A Tortuga Island tour from Montezuma often prices round 50 USD.
• Are there turtles on Tortuga Island, Costa Rica? Sure, you may spot turtles in Isla Tortuga.

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