Tortuga Island cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Expect a small-boat transfer to the island beach, not an alongside cruise terminal. Star Clippers' excursion material describes a tender transfer to Tortuga's beach and onward return to the ship. Use the crew's designated landing and briefing to establish where you will board again.

Curú is a different landing on the Nicoya mainland. The cruise line explicitly requires a wet landing there, including transfer from tender to Zodiac and wading ashore. Do not assume that a ticket labelled Tortuga means every part of the outing takes place on the island. If boarding small boats or walking through water is difficult, discuss the entire excursion with the crew before booking.

About this port

Tortuga Island is a beach landing off the Nicoya Peninsula, within Costa Rica's Gulf of Nicoya. Star Clippers uses the itinerary name Islas Tortugas. The tourism board explains that the island group comprises Alcatraz and Tolinga; its visitor appeal centres on sand, sea and day excursions rather than a town to explore.

This is an actual stop on ocean-cruise itineraries, as well as a destination for mainland day boats. The easiest cruise day is time on the beach, with a water activity or a separately organised Curú wildlife visit if offered on your sailing.

Getting Around

Your transport here is by boat, followed by movement around the beach or the area included in your activity. There is no mainland road connection: a taxi booking on the Nicoya Peninsula cannot collect you on Tortuga. Keep independent plans within the shore time and landing arrangements authorised by your ship.

The tourism board describes mainland day trips from Puntarenas and other departure points, but their published return times do not govern your cruise tender. Likewise, a Curú admission or tour bought independently does not include a connection back to your ship unless that has been explicitly arranged.

Things to Do

Spend the call on the beach. White sand and coastal scenery are the main attraction. Settle within reach of your return boarding point rather than filling the day with transfers. Beach chairs and activities may be provided by different businesses, so establish what your cruise arrangement includes before taking equipment or a seat.

Add a water activity. The tourism board lists snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding among the island's choices. Choose an activity that fits your ability and the sea conditions. Agree when hired equipment must be returned, and keep the small-boat approach clear when swimming near the landing.

Take the organised Curú option. Star Clippers' winter 2026/27 excursion involves approximately 2 km of walking on uneven, sandy and rocky ground, then a roughly 30-minute boat transfer from Curú to Tortuga's beach. These programme estimates were checked 2 October 2026; the boat time is not the distance from your anchored ship. The reserve itself protects forest, mangroves and beaches. A guided visit offers a chance to look for wildlife, with sightings dependent on the day.

Getting back to your ship

Use your ship's own final tender time and boarding location. Mainland excursion boats may be leaving for Puntarenas or the Nicoya Peninsula rather than your vessel. If your programme combines Curú and Tortuga, stay with the arranged transfer sequence and tell the guide before changing plans. Leave time to return equipment, gather belongings and join the boarding queue; being on the beach is not the same as being back aboard.

Practical Information

Carry drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent and a waterproof pouch for valuables. Bring walking shoes as well as wet-landing footwear if visiting Curú. Pack a towel and any medication you will need during the shore period; returning aboard just to retrieve something uses part of the boat schedule.

Tortuga is a day-visit destination without hotel accommodation, according to the tourism board. Carry your rubbish back and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife. Small cash amounts are useful for optional purchases; establish the price and currency before agreeing an activity.