Tortuga Island

The Gulf of Nicoya’s archipelago tropical comprises several islands that are home to some of the most naturally bountiful spots in Costa Rica. The area is a sanctuary for marine aerials, that fly in the backdrop of silver sand beaches to the Central Pacific Coast along with a fascinatingly varied flora and fauna. The world-renowned Isla Tortuga is part of this gorgeous archipelago. Located 12 miles from Puntarenas, Isla Tortuga’s 120 hectares are maintained as a preserved forest region. The area manages the Bandera Azul Ecológica, an honor bestowed upon certain beaches in Costa Rica for their unadulterated, crystalline waters. The tortoise waters and composed waves here make this one of the best snorkeling destinations in Costa Rica.

The Islas Tortuga or Turtle Islands is located at just about 3 kilometers from the main beach of the Curú Wild Life Refuge. The trip lasts for around 10-15 minutes by boat. The waters here are tranquil and are sheltered by the islands. During the exciting boat tours, visitors can regularly spot dolphins, humpback whales, turtles and seabirds. Trees and vegetation decorate the sedimentary rock that creates the coastline between Curu and Islas Tortuga.

The island and its surroundings are celebrated throughout the world. It is the only area in Costa Rica and the Central America region that boasts of three shipwrecks, offering one of the best diving adventures in the Costa Rican and Central American region. The average visibility here ranges from 30 to 50 feet with the propensity of 80 feet sometimes. In addition to the sunken vessels, divers diving with well known local diving companies dive amongst rock formations and pinnacles. The local dive sites here offer white tip sharks, giant schools of grunts, yellowtail snapper, spotted eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, angel fish, octopus, sea horses, starfish, frog fish and several species of eels. Divers here have also come up, close and personal with whale sharks up to 35 feet long on several occasions, as well as spinner dolphin, humpback whales, pilot whales, and orcas.

With an average of 120 visitors per week, Tortuga Island is one of the most popular of Costa Rica’s islands. It comprises a couple of islands, located opposite the the Curu Wildlife Refuge. The crystalline cerulean waters offer excellent snorkeling and diving conditions, and the balmy white sand beaches fringed with swaying palm trees offers the most sought-after ambiance in the world including a tropical island paradise. Other than local operators, travel companies offer day trips from San José or Puntarenas to the Tortuga Island. Visitors can also take on a small canopy tour here or walk along the trail through the to the lookout point in the tropical jungle.

One of the best ways to discover this fascinating island to cruise along the rough, volcanic rock coast for an enjoyable and picturesque 50-minute boat ride to the Tortuga Island, from Montezuma beach. Lookout for jovial dolphins or jumping manta rays. The lucky visitors may spot humpback whales sprouting up as they head down the Pacific Coast from Alaska. The friendly, experienced and knowledgeable guides lead visitors on an incredible snorkeling tour to see a variety of marine species such as the King Angelfish, Porcupine fish, Morays, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays and a series of other tropical wonders. Little wonder then that the Tortuga Island is referred to as the best snorkeling spot on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast.

After the snorkeling adventure, guests are taken to Tortuga’s white-sand beach. A lunch generally consisting of BBQ fish or chicken, grilled potatoes, vegetables, bread, and large helpings of fresh tropical fruit is served. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy a number of activities on the island including volleyball, kayaking or even trails to explore the other inhabited parts of this fascinating blue Island. Visitors can hike to the top of the island and savor remarkable vistas of the surroundings.

For those who are planning to enjoy travelling to the Tortuga Island, a tour can be booked from any of San Jose’s well known resorts, while also anyplace near the Puntarenas region or the Nicoya Peninsula area. Visitors are generally picked up by a bus or transport van that takes them to the Puntaneras Port. This is an interesting ride as along the way tourists can spot Costa Rica’s famous sugar and coffee plantations, the country’s much publicized green covers and volcanic mountains that act as a perfect backdrop for a scenic the Gulf of Nicoya, or sit back and enjoy the sunshine of this photogenic destination. Before leaving tour operators may also give you the opportunity to snorkel at different snorkeling hotspots within the island ride.

The Tortuga Island Boat Ride and Snorkeling adventure is an incredible adventure that is on the must do list of all visitors here. The tour generally starts with an hour long picturesque cruise along the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island. Dolphins, manta rays or humpback whales are some species of marine life that can be regularly seen enroute to the island. On arriving to the tropical paradise of Tortuga Island, visitors can get ready for their first snorkeling session. The area is encircled by volcanic rocks, crystalline waters and vivid tropical coral reefs that are home to some of the best snorkeling waters on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. After snorkeling, visitors are allowed to visit the white sand beach of Tortuga Island. Kayaking and additional snorkeling can be enjoyed here. Most day tour operators include transportation, guide, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and meal on these fun filled family tour excursions.

Calypso’s Manta Ray is the most celebrated super catamaran that offers visitors a luxurious Tortuga Island Cruise. Upon boarding, the white-clad crew will offers full service and an incomparable hospitality. The Manta Ray sails through seven islands such as the Lucas, Gypsy, Sugar Loaf, Guayabo, Jesusita, Cedros and Negritos and finally the breathtaking Tortuga Island. The cruise features live music, fresh drinks, scenic views and a multi-lingual guide all accessible to the guests and all working fastidiously to keep them entertained.

The Tortuga Island Cruise guarantees an unforgettable day long adventure. Some of the beach essentials to carry on this cruise include sun block lotion, light natural fiber clothing, swim suits, towels and a hat. Calypso’s Captain escort’s his passengers on a discovery of the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, significant not only foreign travelers to learn more about Costa Rica’s fascinating history but also for national tourism and those who want to witness closely the beautiful and preserved uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Nicoya which are accessible only by water.

More Information

http://www.montezumabeach.com/area-info/tortuga-island/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortuga

http://www.costaricajourneys.com/tortuga-island-cruise/

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