A day on Tortuga Island can combine time on the water, beach relaxation, snorkeling, and plenty of Costa Rican scenery. But before planning the day, it helps to understand the different ways you can travel to the island and how your departure choice affects the experience.
We offer different Tortuga Island experiences, including a public catamaran trip and a smaller-boat Subwing tour. Choosing between them comes down to the type of day you have in mind, your group size, and the activities you want to prioritize.
The Public Catamaran Experience
For travelers looking for a traditional tortuga island tour, AXR Jaco offers a nine-hour public catamaran experience. The trip takes guests to Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya, approximately one hour by catamaran from Jaco.
This option is built around a full beach day. Activities include snorkeling, and the tour includes food and beverages, a bilingual guide, and local hotel pickup. Snorkeling equipment is also provided for guests who want to spend part of their day exploring the water.
An isla tortuga catamaran trip can be a good fit when your main goal is to enjoy the island at an easy pace rather than make one specific activity the focus of the outing.
Consider the Subwing Tour for a Smaller Group Experience
AXR Jaco also offers a Tortuga Island Subwing experience aboard a smaller boat with a maximum capacity of eight guests, plus the captain. The eight-hour tour includes snorkeling, the Subwing activity, time on the island, lunch, fruit, and beverages. Private tours are also available.
The key difference is the activity itself. During the Subwing portion, guests hold onto a wing-shaped device while being pulled through the water, creating an underwater “flying” experience.
For travelers specifically interested in adding a more activity-focused element to their Tortuga Island day, this smaller vessel option offers a different format from the larger public catamaran.
Which Departure Option Works for Your Plans?
Your accommodation and transportation plans can also help determine the easiest departure setup.
For the public tortuga island tour, transportation from local hotels in Jaco and Herradura is included. Guests who prefer to travel directly can check in at Los Sueños Marina, where parking is available. Travelers staying in Playa Hermosa should note that we have an additional transportation charge.
The Subwing tour follows a slightly different schedule. Local hotel transportation from Jaco and Herradura is included, with pickup around 7:20–7:30 a.m. Guests driving themselves can meet the tour at Herradura Beach before departure.
Match the Tour to the Day You Want
When comparing Tortuga Island options, think about what you want most from the trip:
- Choose the public catamaran if you want a longer island day centered on beach time, snorkeling, food, drinks, and relaxation.
- Consider the smaller Subwing boat if underwater activity is one of your main priorities.
- Use hotel pickup if you prefer to leave the transportation logistics to the tour.
- Choose direct arrival when having your own transportation better fits your schedule.
Plan Your Tortuga Island Day with AXR Jaco
The right choice is less about finding one universal vessel and more about matching the experience to your plans. Whether you prefer an isla tortuga catamaran experience with a relaxed full-day format or a smaller boat with an added underwater activity, reviewing the departure point, timing, and included activities beforehand can help you choose a tortuga island tour that fits the way you want to spend your day.
