Kayaking

Calypso Cruises Island Tours. This company pioneered excursions in the Gulf of Nicoya in 1975 with tours aboard a luxury catamaran yacht to Isla Tortuga. You can depart from San José, Manuel Antonio, or anywhere in between. A typical itinerary includes a tico breakfast en route to the port, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and five hours on the island, with a first-class lunch served with chilled white wine—all for about $150. If you’re in Puntarenas, the Calypso Cruises dock has an air-conditioned, elegant restaurant, the Shrimp Shack, serving excellent lunches. Isla Tortuga, Puntarenas. 2256–2727; 855/855–1975; www.calypsocruises.com. From $150.

Turismo Curú. This tour operator arranges motorboat tours to the island, leaving from Curú Wildlife Refuge at 9 am and spending one hour on a less-frequented beach on one of the Morteros Islands, and two hours on the beach at Tortuga, plus snorkeling ($55 per person, including snorkeling gear, lunch, and entrance fee to Curú). Tortuga Island is only 3 km (2 miles) off the beach of Curú, so experienced kayakers can paddle there ($65 per person). You can also take a boat tour to Tortuga and spend an hour kayaking around the island ($55). Main road, across from Esso station, Paquera, Puntarenas, 60105. 2641–0004; www.turismocuru.com. From $55.