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Private Catamaran Boat Tours

These are fun, exclusive Catamaran tours for groups to the Tortuga Island and other beautiful beaches and Tropical Islands around Montezuma and Tambor bay, in the Nicoya Peninsula. These are all inclusive tours. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, relaxing, enjoying a cocktail, fishing and more.

ATV Guided Tours

This is a fun guided tour that takes visitors through trails in the forest, right through rivers, over cow pastures, swimming in two waterfalls, and covers the beautiful beaches near Montezuma and Tambor, or Cabuya, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. They have ATV Honda, 420cc and 500cc, semi automatic, 5 speeds, strong and speedy machines in good condition. The machines can be used for a maximum of two people.

Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour

The canopy consists of a series of nine cables, and thirteen platforms that are dangled from the elevated forest floor. While on the canopy tour, visitors will see a number of indigenous plants and animals such as howler and white-faced monkeys, parrots, iguanas and many more. During the tour visitors stop at the famous Montezuma Waterfalls where they can take pictures and go for a swim in the pools created by the cascading waters.

Sport Fishing Tours

Zuma offers fishing trips for fishermen of all levels. Once in the deep sea water anglers catch Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo. Inshore fishing is carried out around rocks, reefs, river mouths and estuaries and anglers catch Roosterfish, Tuna, Snapper, Jacks, Mackerel, Snook and more. Once in the deep sea water anglers catch Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo. All the inshore fishing is done around rocks, reefs, river mouths and estuaries and anglers catch Roosterfish, Tuna, Snapper, Jacks, Mackerel, Snook and more. The tour departs from Tambor, Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

Tours are available everyday by reservation and the start times are 8:30am for the mountains rides, and the beach ride in Cabuya depends on sea tides, which is generally anytime between 8am and 2pm. Through the dry season (Nov- Apr) Zuma also offers moonlight tours on appropriate days. Visitors can visit Mal Pais on certain days to watch the sunset and come back at night, with tours starting as early as 3pm.

Tortuga Island Snorkeling/Scuba Diving Tour

Visitors will start the day by taking a 50 minutes boat ride along the coast with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean on the right and the a stunning landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula on the left. During the boat ride, most of the time, visitors will be able to see frolicking dolphins, jumping manta rays, primitive turtles or if one is lucky even humpback and pilot whales.

Once visitors reach the paradisiacal Tortuga Island the boat is anchored near the best snorkeling spots. The volcanic rock reef is surrounded by cerulean waters and is the home of the Angelfish, Porcupine fish, Morays, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays and many more tropical species that will make it an unforgettable experience for snorkelers.

After the invigorating snorkeling experience the captain will take visitors to the beautiful white sand beach of Tortuga Island where drinks and fruits will be served while a delectable lunch gets ready. For lunch Zuma’s chef serves fresh BBQ fish, chicken or veggies with scrumptious grilled potatoes and homemade bread.

After lunch the afternoon will be yours to enjoy. You can go for a hike, a swim, rent a kayak, a banana boat, take a little “siesta”, or just chill at the beach. And then as the day comes to an end, we will get back on the boat for a beautiful ride back to Montezuma town.

For Scuba Diving, as soon visitors arrive to the Island the diving boat comes to pick them up, for the two immersions in two different spots, the visibility average is between 7 and 15 meters. What divers can expect in these waters is nice volcanic rock formations, big school of fish, rays, morays, white tip sharks. They offer all the scuba equipment, and a dive master or an instructor as a guide.

The rest of the afternoon is for visitors to enjoy whatever they like. You can take part in a volleyball game or rent a kayak to discover the other isolated beaches of the island. The more adventure struck tourists can take a hike up to the top of the island for some striking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the surrounding islands, or take a nap under the lush, swaying coco palms on the island. You get back on the boat at the end of the day for the scenic ride to Montezuma.

Water Taxi and Shuttle Service

Using Zuma’s water taxis and shuttles, guests can take in the striking picturesque ways as they would take them from the shores of Montezuma to Jaco Beach on their water taxi boats, crossing the Gulf of Nicoya. The boat ride takes only an hour and is the speediest way to get from Montezuma to Jaco or vice versa. Guests can also see the Nicoya Peninsula and its breathtaking natural treasures like the beaches, waterfalls, good waves and much more. This is also one of the most economical and convenient way to get to Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Manzanillo, Playa Hermosa, Tambor and Cabuya Towns.

The boat moves daily from Montezuma at 9:30 am, and again from Herradura beach, just a bit north from Jaco beach, at 11:00 am for the return to Montezuma. Visitors will probably have the chance to view marine wildlife, like dolphins, manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales. Zuma arranges land transportation from Jacó to Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita or San José (Airport) or from Montezuma to Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Cabuya, Tambor, or where visitors need to go in Costa Rica in comfortable AC Shuttle Vans.

Zuma Tours (506) 2642-0024 / 2642-0516 (506) 8873-4692 / 8832-5447 [email protected] [email protected] www.zumatours.net

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Montezuma · Southern Nicoya · Surf Camps

April 23, 2014 by anushay

Zuma Tours’ Services and Activities

Zume Tours features a plethora of adventurous activities to choose from. You can enjoy private boat trips with your family and friends tailored to your preferences on a catamaran boat, explore Montezuma and its lovely beaches and waterfall, travel from Montezuma to Jaco on a Taxi Boat and witness picturesque landscapes, go out to Tortuga Island through a boat ride and try out snorkeling, scuba diving and marine wildlife watching, have a thrilling time while zip lining over the breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls of Montezuma, explore the hidden jewels of the Nicoya Peninsula on a ATV Tour, go out on sportfishing trips and try deep sea and inshore fishing, visit Curu Wildlife Refuge and experience delightful nature walks with a guide and enjoy horseback riding and surf lessons in Montezuma and Cabuya with experienced instructors. Zuma Tours offers shuttle services for moving between destinations.

Surf Lessons with Zuma Tours

The company holds surf classes in the remote beaches of Montezuma, Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa, Cabuya and other good breaks nearby the towns. They boasts a wide range surf breaks suitable for all skills of surfers. The classes are are conducted by local surf instructors who are ISA certified, bilingual and experienced. The classes take place daily and are 2 to 3 hours long. Students are provided with surfboards and other necessary equipment.

Contact Zuma Tours

Location : Main Street, Montezuma, Costa Rica Website : http://www.zumatours.net/ Phone Number: (506) 2642-0024 / 2642-0516 and (506) 8873-4692 / 8832-5447 Email : [email protected] and [email protected] Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/Zumatours

Adventures in Montezuma with Zuma Tours

For more information on Zuma Tours, visit:

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Home » Destinations » Nicoya Peninsula » Montezuma » 20 BEST Things to do in Montezuma, Costa Rica

20 BEST Things to do in Montezuma, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Many people find that some of the most popular destinations don’t live up to their reputation when traveling Costa Rica. That’s why I love Montezuma. 

Montezuma is a small town yet to break onto the busy tourist trail in Costa Rica. Although it still receives a healthy dose of tourism, Montezuma has held onto much of its authentic laidback Costa Rican vibe when compared to Santa Teresa , Samara , or even Nosara . This makes it a great place to visit (but don’t shout that too loud!) 

Despite being such a small village, Montezuma offers some great things to do. These include tours to spectacular islands, beautiful waterfalls, and even two nature reserves nearby! Honestly, the secret of Montezuma won’t last forever.

For those lucky enough to visit, here are the 20 best things to do in Montezuma! Note, I’ve also included some important general info for visiting like where to stay and getting there, so you can plan your entire trip easily right here.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our list of absolute favorite things to do in Montezuma:

• Spend the day on Tortuga Island.
• Hang out in the sun on Montezuma Beach.
• Swim in the natural pool at Montezuma Waterfall.
• Learn to surf at Playa Grande.
• Brush up on your Spanish skills with a 2-hour Spanish class .

Things to do in Montezuma, Costa Rica

1. visit tortuga island.

The small island of Tortuga is the ideal beach getaway from Montezuma. Together with Alcatraz Island, the area makes up the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve . It’s home to fantastic places to snorkel , white sand beaches, and lots of coconuts!

Tours to Tortuga Island are very popular from Jaco and San Jose. However, both destinations above involve a long trip out to the island – especially the day trips from San Jose . So for that reason, Montezuma is the best place to join a tour because of its close proximity to Tortuga Island. 

On tours to Tortuga from Montezuma, you’ll take a 45-minute boat ride out to the islands and take in the fantastic views along the way (you’ll also get to see Cocalito Falls!) Then it’s off to two snorkeling spots to swim with turtles, sharks, and lots of fish. The snorkeling here is the best I have seen in Costa Rica – even better than Caño Island! 

Afterward, the boat drops you on Tortuga Island for a delicious lunch and plenty of drinks (beers, juice, and pop.) You’ll have a few hours to relax, play volleyball, kayak , or drink lots of coco locos. Overall, it’s really an enjoyable day out!

From Montezuma, tours to Tortuga Island cost only $80 USD and include lunch, snacks, drinks, and your snorkeling equipment. We went with  Zuma Tours  and can highly recommend them. Although you don’t need to book online in advance, I would book sooner rather than later as spots do fill up. Costa Rica’s tourism grows every year, and those traveling over Christmas and New Year or Spring Break should consider booking at least a week out. 

Related Read: If you’re headed to Jaco, check out our blog about where to stay in Jaco , it explains all the different areas and the best hotels to choose from!

2. Visit Montezuma Waterfalls

You’ll likely visit a lot of waterfalls in Costa Rica, and one thing they all share is an entrance fee! From La Fortuna Waterfall to Nauyaca Falls , you’ll need to bring your wallet. 

However,  Montezuma Waterfalls  is one of the few free waterfalls you can visit in Costa Rica. The best part is, that a day exploring the three waterfalls is epic and one of the best things to do in Montezuma! 

You can easily walk to Montezuma Waterfalls from town and hike the somewhat confusing trail (read carefully below) to explore the waterfall. The lower falls are the easiest to get to and involve walking along the right-hand side of the river for 20 minutes until you reach the waterfall. Although easy to get to, the lower falls are not the best place to enjoy a swim. 

Instead, walk back the way you came from the base of the lower falls around 100 feet (30 meters) and cross the river (you can do so over some rocks.) On the other side, you’ll see some ropes and eventually some steps. Walk up these steps, always keeping right whenever two directions appear. This brings you to the upper waterfalls and it’s a great place to enjoy a swim. But this still isn’t the best place to swim! 

From the top, you want to climb down to the middle waterfall, which is to the right. If you walk to the far side of the river, you’ll see ropes that help guide you down. It’s not a hard climb, but those with mobility issues should not attempt it. Once down the bottom, you’ll be in a gorgeous infinity pool above the lower falls! It’s so beautiful! 

Although visiting Montezuma Waterfall is free, there is a 1,000 colones ($1.90 USD) fee (cash only) to use the trail up to the upper waterfalls. Be sure to bring suitable footwear and be prepared to get them wet. 

Please Note:  There is a free trail from the lower falls to the upper falls too. But it is dangerous to climb, and 1,000 Colones ($1.90) is not worth your life, so please take care! 

Related Read : If you love waterfalls as much as we do then check out our guide on the best waterfalls in Costa Rica .

3. Hang out at Montezuma Beach

Montezuma Beach is the main beach in Montezuma and a great place to relax and hang out. During the day, it’s filled with beachgoers. At sunset, it feels like the entire town is on the beach. And at night, people party around bonfires until the early hours. There’s always something happening at Montezuma Beach! 

There are two areas of the beach which are separated by some rocks.  The small beach area on the right  (if you’re facing the ocean) is the calmest area to swim in and where I spent most of my time. There are no big waves or currents here, and it’s a safe place to swim. 

The beach area on the left  is much larger, but there can be big swells here are strong currents, so it’s best to stay out of the water unless you’re a strong swimmer.  

Please note:  Montezuma Beach is not a surf beach like you may have read in other travel blogs. There are lots of rocks around, and the waves are not ideal for surfing – there are many other better places for surfing in Costa Rica . People surf further north at  Playa Grande  or to the south at  Playa Cabuya .

4. Watch the daily turtle release

One of the things I love about Montezuma is how much conservation there is in the area. For visitors, this means you can enjoy much more wildlife than in other beach towns around Costa Rica . One of the coolest experiences is the daily turtle release on Montezuma Beach. 

Every day at 4 pm (providing turtles hatched that day), the conservation project releases baby turtles into the ocean. You can then watch them walk to the ocean – which can take a while. 

The release happens on the northern side of  Montezuma Beach at ASVO Sea Turtle Hatchery  and is easy to find. From town, walk towards Playa Grande along Montezuma Beach until you reach the rocks at the very end of the beach. The turtle nesting area is inland from here (you’ll see a small hut.) At 4 pm, there is usually a crowd of people at the hut. 

Please Note:  The time of the turtle release can change. So, ask your hotel for an updated time. For example, it was 4 pm in December.

5. Party at Chico’s Bar or the plaza

Despite being a small town, Montezuma has a very young population, and on weekends, it’s a great place to party. 

The number one party place in Montezuma is  Chico’s Bar . Located right in the center of town, Chico’s Bar becomes the busiest place on weekends and has the best dance party in town. If you go out in Montezuma, you’ll likely end up at Chico’s at least once in the night! 

If you’re turned off by the price of drinks at Chico’s, fear not, you can always party in the plaza (out the front of Chico’s). In fact, the plaza often has more of the atmosphere I prefer on a night out. More laid back with lots of conversation and cheap beers that you can buy from the supermarket just up the road. 

There is a misconception that Montezuma isn’t a party place. Although that might be true during the week, some say that the party is better on weekends than in Santa Teresa! 

6. Visit the local craft brewery Butterfly Brewing Co.

Montezuma has its very own brewery! That was music to my ears when I first arrived, and I immediately went to check it out. 

Located not far from town,  Butterfly Brewing Co.  is surrounded by nature with a beautiful outdoor balcony overlooking lush forest. They had four beers on tap during my visit, and I loved them all. The IPA and Pale Ale are especially good. The brewery also serves food; however, Bailey and I only stopped in for a few beers. 

There used to be a butterfly garden connected to the brewery. However, it was closed on our last visit. It looked like it required some major repairs before it opens again. Please let us know if it’s open during your visit! 

Butterfly Brewing Co. is a short drive , or walk, out of town. However, if you walk, be prepared for a climb up the hillside and a well-deserved beer once you arrive. Also, be sure to bring cash as they do not accept credit or debit cards.

Related Read: For all of the beer lovers out there you can uncover our favorite breweries in Costa Rica here !

7. Enjoy live music 

Montezuma is a hippie beach town filled with talented musicians. So, it’s no wonder that one of the best activities in Montezuma is to enjoy live music from local artists. 

The best place to go is easily Chicos Bar. In the afternoons, you can sit in the outdoor area on the beach and listen to live music with great food and drinks. Every day we were in town, they had new artists on, and they were all awesome! 

On weekends, another place that often has live music is  Organico .

8. Visit Cabuya

To the south of Montezuma sits a small coastal town yet to be discovered by many. However, a visit to Cabuya is a very popular thing to do in Montezuma for a few reasons. 

Not only does Cabuya sit on the doorstep of Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco, but it’s also home to a few good surf breaks and the Cabuya Island Cemetary. You can walk out to the island at low tide and enjoy the spectacular views. Although not worth the trip alone, it’s a unique activity. 

Afterward, take a walk through the town. A visit to  Panaderia Cabuya Cafeteria  is a must for a coffee and treat. If you surf, be sure to bring a surfboard with you. There are a few spots near the town that are suitable for all skill levels. 

Of course, a trip to Cabuya needs to be paired with a visit to Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco. So read below for more on that! 

Getting there:  A direct bus from Montezuma to Cabuya leaves several times a day. Ask your hotel for up-to-date times as they change. You can also take a taxi, but that will likely cost you around 10,000 colones ($19 USD) each way.

9. Hike in Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco

Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco  is a very special place in Costa Rica. The reserve was started by Nicolas Wessberg (from Sweden) and Karen Mogensen (from Denmark) and was the first-ever protected area in Costa Rica.

Within the reserve, you can enjoy one of two hiking trails. The first is called the Danes Trail and leads through the forest in a loop not far from the ranger station. The trail is only 1.2 miles long (2 kilometers) and is a popular side trip for visitors. 

The second is the more popular Sueco Trail . The Sueco Trail is the main reason to visit the park, and it’s a 3.1 mile (5 kilometers) walk from the ranger station to Playa Cabo Blanco (10 kilometers return). The trail takes just over an hour each way. 

Along both trails, you can see a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, bats, butterflies, birds , ants, and lizards. It’s also home to lots of wildflowers and beautiful trees. Wildlife lovers will be in paradise at Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve! 

It costs $12 USD to visit the park, and it’s open from 8 am to 2 pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays.) To get there via public transport, catch the bus from Montezuma to Cabuya. 

More on Nicolas and Karen:  Nicolas and Karen were responsible for the huge shift from farming and mining to conservation – saving some of the most important natural areas in Costa Rica. In fact, Nicolas lost his life to local farmers and gold miners while surveying the Osa Peninsula to campaign for its protection. The Osa Peninsula is now home to Corcovado National Park , a park with a whopping 3% of the world’s biodiversity and the most important national park in Costa Rica. Their story is truly amazing!  

10. Go to the Saturday Organic Market

Every Saturday in Montezuma, a small organic market comes to life near the beach. The market is  located across from the Plaza de Fútbol de Montezuma  and is on in the mornings until lunchtime. 

Come here to pick up some fresh organic fruits and vegetables, healthy treats, fresh coconuts, and even jewelry and clothing. The market is a vibrant show of local works and is very popular. 

11. Visit Cocalito Falls and Cocalito Beach 

Montezuma is home to another well-known waterfall; however, very few get to visit.  Cocalito Falls  is a unique waterfall because it drains into the ocean over a cliff. The waterfall is located on the north end of Cocalito Beach – a secluded, empty, and stunning beach. 

If you have an ATV or rental car, then you should definitely visit! It’s around a 30-minute drive from Montezuma, and you can park in a parking lot only a short 5-minute walk above the falls. You can then climb down some of the rocks to get a better view of the waterfall and even relax at the beach. 

Unfortunately, those without a car need to walk. This is what we did and although a beautiful walk along the beach, it takes 2 hours each way! The trail travels along the ocean, and you’ll pass lots of amazing beaches along the way as well as local villages. It’s a great experience for the more adventurous. 

If you plan on walking, it’s best to leave at least 6 hours before or 2 hours after high tide. This gives you more room to walk along the beach. Also, bring 1.5 liters of water per person, snacks, and appropriate footwear (I would wear shoes but also bring flip flops.) To begin the trail, start walking north along Montezuma Beach. The trail is easy to spot from there. 

12. Go surfing

As with just about every coastal town in Costa Rica, you can surf in Montezuma. Unfortunately, Montezuma Beach is not a great beach for surfing. However, if you grab your board and hike to Playa Grande, you can enjoy uncrowded waves. 

The waves at Playa Grande are mainly suited to beginners, and there are actually surf schools in the area that offer lessons.  This specific surf lesson  lasts for three hours and begins in Montezuma. They’ll guide you along the trail to Playa Grande before teaching you the basics. You get a two-hour lesson in the water, including fruit snacks. There is also  this one-week surf school  that includes accommodation, some meals, and surf lessons for $900.  

The more experienced surfers should either head to Cabuya or Santa Teresa , where the surf is bigger and more consistent. In Cabuya, there are uncrowded point breaks that are considered local secrets. 

Related Read: Surfing is also one of the best things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica as well as Santa Teresa, Costa Rica .

13. Walk along the beach to Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg 

Although walking all the way to Coicalito Falls won’t be on everyone’s Montezuma bucket list, taking the short but peaceful stroll to  Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg  is a must. From Montezuma, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the reserve, and along the way, there are plenty of places to stop. 

A special stop is Piedra Colorada. This is where the river meets the sea, and there are some small pools people swim in as well as an inukshuk garden. As you walk here, keep an eye out for wildlife, and be sure to stop and read the information boards. 

These explain the park’s history, and the last one, located on the border of Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg, talks about the life of Nicolas and Karen. This is actually their land and was donated to the government of Costa Rica. 

Although you can see turtles hatch on the reserve, you are not allowed on the beach there between 6 pm and 6 am. This is to ensure we don’t disturb the turtles. There are large turtle nests that volunteers protect all along the beach at night. 

If you want to walk further, you can also visit  Romelia Wildlife Refuge . But if you go that far, you may as well keep going to Cocalito Falls. 

14. Rent and explore on an ATV

A popular way to get around Montezuma is on an ATV. Not only can you drive out to Cacalito Falls, Santa Teresa, and Cabuya, but it’s also helpful to visit the brewery and other restaurants further away from town. 

An ATV rental in Montezuma costs $85 USD for 24 hours. It’s best to book your rental in town to get a cheaper deal, but getting a rental in advance is a good idea over the Christmas period! 

15. Go ziplining 

In the hills of Montezuma lies a nine-wire ziplining course operated by  Sun Trails . You’ll travel above the treetops with magnificent views and the chance to see wildlife such as monkeys. 

Their tour also includes a stop at Montezuma Waterfall (upper falls) to cool down for 30 minutes. The tour is top-rated and easily one of the best things to do in Montezuma. 

Sun Trails also offers other tours such as a bioluminescent tour, a waterfall hike, a cable park for kids, and more! 

They are open daily from 8 am to 5:30 pm except on Sundays when they close at 5 pm.

16. Visit Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a busier, more touristic town located around 40 minutes from Montezuma. Although it’s popular to stay in Santa Teresa, accommodation in the town is often fully booked or out of a traveler’s price range. So, why not explore Santa Teresa for the day from Montezuma! 

You can drive to Santa Teresa in around 40 minutes if you have a vehicle. Be sure to use  Waze  (not Google Maps), so you take the right way and take your time, the road is bumpy, and a 4WD is required!  

You can also take the bus to Santa Teresa, and this costs around $1,350 Colones ($2.50 USD.)  From the bus stop in Montezuma , get the bus going to Cóbano.  The bus stops in Cóbano  and is timed to meet with the bus that travels from Cóbano to Santa Teresa. It’s super easy! 

17. Learn Spanish 

Learning Spanish is an awesome way to get more out of your trip to Costa Rica or other Spanish-speaking countries. It takes you from tourist to traveler and opens up so many opportunities during your trip – trust me! I learned Spanish in Bolivia, and although I am not fluent, I can get to know people and navigate Costa Rica with ease.

You can join this 2-hour Spanish class for only $49 USD  in Montezuma and begin learning or fine-tuning your skills. It includes coffee, tea, and all your worksheets. Although you won’t be fluent after a lesson, you’ll have a lot more travel Spanish up your sleeve!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

• Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
• Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
• Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
• Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
• Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here ! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here .

18. Eat at a local soda

Montezuma is a great place to try local Costa Rican food. We ate at three excellent sodas in Montezuma with meals that cost less than $4 USD. 

My favorite of the three was  Soda Tipica Las Palmeras . Located a short walk out of town, the restaurant sits on a hill with amazing views. You’ll also have a good chance of seeing monkeys swing from the trees around you. I loved everything I had there, including the seafood pasta and chicken curry. 

My second favorite was  Balcon Del Mar . Their casados are terrific – especially the chicken in sauce! Last but certainly not least was  Soda la Naranja . I often came here for breakfast because of their central location. 

19. Go scuba diving (an add-on for Tortuga Island)

If you’re a keen diver, don’t just snorkel on your Tortuga Island tour. Although the snorkeling spots are good, the dive spots are even better. Expect to see a ton of marine life and explore areas much deeper than the snorkel sites. It’s truly one of the best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica !

Zuma Tours  includes everything the typical trip does and one dive for $150 USD. 

20. Enjoy authentic Italian at Pizzeria CHELLO

By a mile, my favorite of all of the restaurants in Montezuma was  Pizzeria CHELLO . This authentic Italian restaurant serves up delicious food in the center of town at affordable prices. 

Their specialty is wood-fired pizza. All of them are good, but the Suprema was my favorite. If you love pasta, try the ravioli. It’s delicious and freshly made by a local guy in Montezuma. 

Bookings are not required at Pizzeria CHELLO, but the restaurant does get busy around 7 pm, so you may have to wait for a table. 

Where to Stay in Montezuma, Costa Rica

Montezuma has a lot of ideal places to stay including a lot of destination hotels. What I mean by that is hotels with a destination that alone makes them worth staying. Of course, those without a vehicle will need something in town, but there are plenty of those too. 

Luminosa Montezuma Hostel – $

For budget travelers,  Luminosa Montezuma Hostel  is the top choice in town. Although located a short walk from town, the hostel is right on the beach in a beautiful area on Montezuma. You’ll get direct access to Palmeras Beach.

All the rooms are basic but tidy and neat. A one-night stay in a shared dorm is around $15 USD. You can book the hostel on Hosteworld or Booking.com .

Hotel Cabinas Mar Y Cielo – $$

Another great place to stay is  Hotel Cabinas Mar Y Cielo  which falls into the low to the medium budget category. Again this hotel is located right on the beach, and their rooms come with sea views which I love. There are plenty of restaurants and bars located within walking distance as well.

All the rooms and apartments come with fans and refrigerators. Plus, you can also enjoy views of the ocean from your balcony in most rooms. Prices typically start at $90 USD per night. You can check availability for Hotel Cabinas Mar Y Cielo on Booking.com here .

Casitas Sollevante – $$$

If you’re a luxury traveler, I would suggest Casitas Sollevante . The hotel has a beautiful pool with an incredible view and is located in a mountain setting a little out of town.

All of the rooms have views of the garden and the sea. Each room is well-equipped with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and outdoor furniture, which is perfect for enjoying all the amazing scenery. A double room for two people begins at $123 USD per night. You can book a room at Casitas Sollevante  on Booking.com here ,  on Hotels.com here , and  on Expedia here

Getting to Montezuma, Costa Rica

First, getting to Montezuma can take a while, but you will not regret going. 

You can take a direct bus from San José that will drop you in Montezuma downtown, near the football field (a 5-hour journey approximately). You can also get to Jaco and then take a taxi-boat directly to Montezuma from there. Public buses also run regularly from Santa Teresa (but you will have to change buses in Cobano.)

Shared shuttles are also available to Montezuma from other popular destinations including San Jose , Santa Teresa,  Samara ,  Nosara , and more.

By car, the ride will take around 4.5 hours from San Jose. First, 2 hours to get to Puntarenas where you will take a ferry for 2 additional hours. This ferry will drop you in Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula , just 1 hour away from Montezuma.  

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Pura Vida! 

As you can see from the list above, Montezuma has no shortage of amazing things to see and do. This sleepy beach town is actually a vibrant place filled with unique activities and attractions that make it worth visiting. 

Thanks so much for reading! I sincerely hope you found this blog helpful. If you did, then check out more of Costa Rica Travel Life. We have so much more content for you to check out including some related reads below:

BEST restaurants in Montezuma

Fun things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica

 Where to stay in Santa Teresa

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Hi! Thanks so much for this information. What month did you visit Montezuma, and is November a busy enough month to experience the lovely vibe you describe?

Costa Rica Travel Life

Saturday 25th of November 2023

November is still rather quiet and a great time to visit!

Thanks Bailey

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Tortuga Island Boat Ride and Snorkeling - Zuma Tours

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This full day excursion to Tortuga Island includes snorkeling a volcanic reef in pristine offshore waters, full lunch, and an afternoon on the beach exploring the action on the island, or taking a siesta before heading back to the mainland.

The tour begins when you are picked up from your hotel and driven to a marina near Montezuma Beach. You’ll meet the rest of your group and hop on board your ocean chariot before it whisks you away to paradise. It’s about a 50 minute boat cruise towards Isla Tortuga or “Turtle Island”.

Depending on the time of year, you may see dolphins swimming along side of the boat, leaping manta rays or even humpback whales as they migrate north and south during mating season.

Upon first sight, the green palm trees of Isla Tortuga may be dancing in the gentle wind, while crystal clear turquoise waters beckon, and pristine white sand beaches may convince you that you have truly found paradise.

When you arrive, the boat will anchor and you will get ready to go exploring underwater. Your guide will hand out high-quality and clean snorkeling equipment before you jump into the refreshing ocean water to join the life swirling underneath the surface.

You’ll be surrounded by colorful schools of tropical fish and likely see moray eels, porcupine fish, angelfish and spotted eagle rays. These are just some of the sea life you may encounter while gliding in and around the beautiful volcanic reef that these creatures call home.

Your may choose to snorkel in a group with your guide who will show you places to look and help identify what you see. Or you can choose to go off and snorkel on your own within a certain safe distance.

After snorkeling, your guide will crack open the cooler on the boat and offer cold beverages plus freshly cut tropical fruit. The boat will take you over to the beach where you can sink your feet into the white sand.

Lunch will be provided in an island restaurant and will typically consist of fresh ocean fish, sauteed vegetables, roasted potatoes and refreshing beverages.

After lunch you will have free time in the afternoon to explore the island. This is a popular tourist destination with a lot of concessions on the island and many different types of activities available. You can choose to rent kayaks at an extra charge, or walk the beach, or go out snorkeling again. You may want to just relax, sunbathe and take a little “siesta”. If you would like to purchase snacks or alcoholic beverages you will need to bring along some extra spending money to do so.

In the late afternoon, it will be time to head back to the mainland. You will meet at the boat and go for another 50 minute cruise back to shore, giving you a second chance to look for playful marine life and enjoy being out on the ocean before heading back to your hotel.

This full day excursion includes guide, snorkeling equipment, drinks, fruit snack, lunch and transportation from Montezuma, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. One way transport from your hotel to the marina at Montezuma Beach can take between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on your pick-up location. Combined time of boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, island visit, and round trip transportation to your hotel can take between 8 and 9.5 hours.

Please bring swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and extra spending money if you would like to rent kayaks or buy things from the vendors on the island, including alcoholic beverages. You may also want to bring a cover up or other sun protective clothing.

Note: this tour is subject to cancellation if not enough people sign up on the particular day you plan to go.

What to Bring

• Sun Protective Clothing
• Extra Spending Money If Shopping On The Island

Location and Availability

The Tortuga Island Boat Ride and Snorkeling - Zuma Tours is available from Mal Pais, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa

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Tortuga Island Boat Ride and Snorkeling - Zuma Tours: Cancellation Policy

Latitude: N 9° 50' 50.77" Longitude: W 84° 52' 3.6"

• Overall 97.3% (11 Guest Ratings)
• Experience: 98.2%
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Another great experience. Everything was top notch. The meal provided by our chef was absolutely amazing. This was a little touristy for me but allowed our whole group to find something to do. Our tour guide was able to locate sharks for us. None of us could dive that far so he took our go pro down with him and was able to get us some great photos.

It was a wonderful day - the boat ride, the snorkeling, a chance to see hatching baby turtles, and pilot whales. The lunch on the beach was plentiful, and they also provided drinks and pineapple on the boat ride.

Hello! I'm Jane.

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Americas , Central America , Family Travel , North America · January 15, 2024

Tortuga Island Tour Costa Rica – Our Day Trip with Zuma Tours

Last updated on April 14th, 2024 at 07:06 pm

Discovering Paradise: A Day on Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

Tortuga Island in Costa Rica, also known as Isla Tortuga, is situated in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific Coast. Its name comes not from the fact that it has turtles on there (sadly it doesn’t) but due to its shape. Hard to see from the ground or the water, but apparently from above it looks like a giant turtle!

The Tortuga Island tour is a popular one and there are a number of tour operators who will take you there. We chose to go with a company local to where we were staying in Montezuma called Zuma Tours . Here you can read all about our Tortuga Island Tour in Costa Rica.

Getting To Tortuga Island

You don’t have to be based in Montezuma to take a day trip to Tortuga Island. You can book an Isla Tortuga tour from Jacó, Puntarenas, Manual Antonio and even San Jose.

Zuma Tours will pick you up if you’re staying in one of the beach towns nearby, such as Santa Teresa. If you have a rental car or are staying nearby, you can head straight to their office at 8.30 am and park your car outside (they have CCTV, so your car can be safely left there all day if it’s close to the office). You’ll be sent round to the back of the office to wait on the beach.

When we went, the group was quite large so our names were called out and we went into one of two groups. One group went on a small boat, and the other (which included us) went on the larger one.

The boat trip takes around 45 minutes from Montezuma to Tortuga Island. The boat is pretty fast and it can be a little choppy at times, but it’s good fun and our kids enjoyed it. You’ll all be given lifevests which are compulsory to wear when the boat is moving, but optional when you’re snorkelling.

Along the way, the guides stopped to look at a couple of the sights, including El Chorro Waterfall. El Chorro is one of only seven waterfalls in the world that fall directly into the sea. If you want to visit it on foot, head to Playa Cocalitos, part of Romelia Refuge, five miles (8 km) north of town. 

You might also stop if the boat guides spot dolphins or whales in the waters. Sadly, we didn’t get to see any on our Tortuga Island tour. Whale season in Costa Rica is January and February, and August and September so keep that in mind.

Tortuga Island Costa Rica Snorkelling

You’ll have two snorkelling stops on your Isla Tortuga tour with Zuma Tours. Our boat dropped the chef and food for lunch off at the island, then went on to two spots not too far away. If you don’t want to snorkel, you have the option to leave the boat and wait on the island when they drop the chef and food off.

Zuma Tours has enough snorkels and fins for everyone. They have smaller snorkels, fins and life vests for children. They also have water aids (noodles) for children or less confident swimmers to use in the water.

We were a little disappointed by the snorkelling, particularly at the first spot as the water wasn’t very clear. We were told that, because it had been a bit windier than usual over the past few days, this had led to the water being cloudier and the marine life not so visible.

I did see angel fish and parrot fish, alongside other fish I wouldn’t be able to name. Someone in our group also spotted a very small shark. I believe you may also be able to spot porcupinefish, moray eels, needlefish and Spotted Eagle Rays. The reef here is volcanic rock – so if you’re expecting anything overly colourful or pretty, you might be disappointed.

Despite it not being as clear as I would have liked, or the reef as colourful, I have to say we did see plenty of fish which was great.

I was keen for the kids to enjoy the snorkelling and see as many fish as they could. However, my daughter was wary as some of the fish were quite large, and my son experienced a (short-lived and not too bad) jellyfish sting soon after he got in the water. A shame.

Time on Tortuga Island Costa Rica

As you sail nearer Tortuga Island, you’re bound to let out a couple of internal ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as you see its perfect white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and lush jungle beyond.

Your boat will typically stop on the island for around two hours and the majority of this time will be for you to enjoy as you see fit. First, though, is lunch. You’ll be directed to an area with a canopy covering and plenty of seating not far from where you’ll disembark.

When you book your Tortuga Island tour, you’ll be asked to choose one of three options for lunch: chicken, fish or vegetables. We didn’t go for the veggie option, but it looked like it was aubergine and courgette. It’s served with rice and plantain and you’ll get pineapple and watermelon for dessert, plus drinks.

Adults might want to try Coco Loco – a yummy rum, coconut water and coconut cream cocktail served in a coconut.

Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll be free to spend the remainder of your time as you’d like. Sunbathing and swimming are obviously options but there are also several activities on offer on Tortuga Island (see below).

Our boat left Tortuga Island around 3 pm (we were asked to be ready and waiting 10 minutes beforehand) and we were back in Montezuma by 4 pm. This is perfect timing if you’re interested in walking along Playa Grande beach in Montezuma to see turtle conservation in action.

Read more about this in my From Montezuma to Santa Teresa: Two of the Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica post.

Activities on Tortuga Island

Snorkelling and scuba diving:.

If you want to, you can carry on snorkelling closer to the shore on Isla Tortuga. Just ask your tour guide if you can borrow a snorkel from the boat. Zuma Tours also offers a scuba diving option, so if you prefer diving to snorkelling then you can go for that instead.

There are three shipwrecks nearby which are popular with divers: the 30-meter Caroline Star, the 25-meter Coronel Alfonso Monge, and the 28-meter Coast Guard ship, Franklin Chang Diaz.

Beach Volleyball:

If you love sport and want a more active pursuit than sunbathing on the beach, beach volleyball on Tortuga Island might be the way to go. We saw two different games going on. Nets are already in the sand and playing is at no extra cost.

You can rent a kayak while you’re on Tortuga Island, which is a really fun way of spending your free time there. If you are in Costa Rica with kids, the double kayaks available might be your best bet. Banana Boats and jet skis are also available.

Tortuga Island is small, but there is a bit more to it than just the beach and the water. You can pay extra to do an accompanied nature and wildlife hike into the interior of the island. Tickets can be booked once you’re on the island. There are 17 trails to hike and the longest one takes around 45 minutes.

Wildlife Encounters on Tortuga Island: The Pigs

Other than the dolphins, whales and fish you might see while on the boat and in the water, the most likely wildlife encounters you’ll have when on Tortuga Island are with the wild pigs (peccaries) there.

A word of caution: don’t go too near them as they can often react when they feel threatened. We were warned about the wild pigs by our tour guides as well. One member of our tour group did actually get bitten by one of the wild pigs when she tried to push it away when it came for her food. Be careful.

Tips for Visitors When Booking a Tortuga Island Costa Rica Tour

• Bring reef-friendly suncream, a hat and a rash vest for kids (your back can get surprisingly sunburnt when you’re snorkelling.
• Take some cash with you. You need to pay to use the toilets on Tortuga Island and you’ll need to exchange cash (around $1) for a token in the souvenir shop. Plus it’s always good to have cash on you for tips.
• Take a go-pro if you think you might want to try and take some pics underwater. Binoculars if you’re going on the nature walk are also a great idea.
• Don’t expect peace and quiet. An Isla Tortuga tour can be quite busy and there are usually a number of boats which stop at the same points for snorkelling and at the island.
• Visit during the dry season (between December and May). Not only will the weather be better, but so will the snorkelling.

So What Did We Think of our Tortuga Island Costa Rica Tour?

Tortuga Island is a fantastic day trip from many departure points in Costa Rica and I would definitely consider adding it to your Costa Rica bucket list! I would recommend bearing in mind that boats and the island can be busy.

This is not a deserted island where there’ll be just you, the wildlife and the palms swaying. However, I thought our Zuma Tours Isla Tortuga tour was very well organised and a lot of fun.

We didn’t have the best of luck with snorkelling on the day we went, due to the cloudy water, but we still saw plenty of fish. Lunch (and the coco locos) were really good, and there are lots of options for things to do on Tortuga Island. You can be as active or as sedentary as you like.

For our full 3 week family itinerary, take a look at : The Ultimate 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary for Families

For the review of our Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour, head to: Bioluminescence Costa Rica Kayaking Tour

And for advice on getting the Puntarenas Ferry, check out: The Costa Rica Ferry: Paquera to Puntarenas

✅ Book your Tortuga Island Tour Costa Rica HERE

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