One Day Tortuga Island Cruise

Whether you're 2 or 92 no visit to Costa Rica is complete without a trip on board Calypso's world class yacht Manta Raya and a chance to experience the Tortuga Island Cruise Calypso originated and made famous since her first cruise in 1975.

Boarding and unboarding safely- Calypso's private dock.

Other boats try to copy and fail to achieve Calypso's first class service. We are the originals and the premium choice. CHOOSE WISELY - don't settle for less.

The day begins at your hotel where you will be greeted by a bilingual guide and seated on an air-conditioned bus. The bus ride takes you to the pacific port of Puntarenas - the oldest port city in Costa Rica. This is an excellent opportunity to view the coffee plantations, volcanic mountains and the unique Brahman cattle that form an ever-changing panorama.

The ride from Jaco is a scenic drive through the Transitional Forest, past Carrara National Park (home to the endangered Scarlet McCaws), past Caldera, the new port where giant freighters can be see unloading their goods and also Tall Ships/sailing vessels at anchor en route to Puntarenas, the oldest port in Central America, that has a unique geographic formation with the estuary on one side and the Gulf of Nicoya on the other. Puntarenas is home to Costa Rica's fishing fleet of shrimp and sardine boats as well as small artesian boats that bring fresh seafood to restaurants and Costa Rican dinner tables every day.

Upon arrival at Casa Calypso and her seafood restaurant El Shrimp Shack, you will be escorted to the main salon where Calypso has displayed a $100,000.00 - 8 meter by 6 meter stained glassed ceiling made by world renowned stained glass artist and prize winner Silvia Laks, that the owners saved from destruction and have remounted in Casa Calypso now visible for the enjoyment of her guests to see. Breakfast is a hot buffet. Private bathrooms and souvenir shop and snacks available.

After a delicious hot breakfast you will board Calypso's super catamaran Manta Raya. She was designed and constructed with space age materials by world renowned marine architect Paul Lindenburg who also designs and builds world class racing catamarans that voyage around the world. Manta Raya has a full bar featuring delicious Piña Coladas made with fresh pineapple and other tropical drink favorites The spacious main salon combines with an expansive deck area which includes giant nets for sunbathing and 2 fresh water deck pools, offering a level of cruising luxury and comfort in 100% Calypso style.

Once underway the Manta Raya makes her way through the calm waters in the Gulf of Nicoya. Her white clad crew pampers guests with complimentary fresh tropical fruits and drinks.

Particularly enchanting for it's beauty, Tortuga Island, Calypso's port-of-call is known for its immaculate white sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop for safe swimming, snorkeling and Calypso's famous lunch.
No one gets sea sick.

For passenger safety and convenience Manta Raya has a bow ramp which allows her passengers to disembark directly onto the beach for a dry landing.

Sip cold wine in the shade of giant parachutes and white umbrellas; each table covered in white linen for an elegant dining experience in a relaxing atmosphere in Calypso's private dining area at Tortuga Island. A sumptuous delight, featured in Gourmet Magazine, starts with a ceviche appetizer, winner of an international recipe contest and followed by a medley of salads.

The main dish is a delightful BBQ breast of chicken covered in a mouthwatering tropical sauce and fresh toasted coconut served with julienned vegetables and freshly baked rolls all cooked fresh on the grill by Calypso's expert crew and served at your table accompanied by live music.

In the afternoon, your Captain will take a different route back to Puntarenas passing close to the prison island of San Lucas and also the bird sanctuary island of Guyabo, home of the Brown Pelican and Frigate as well as other islands ONLY visible in the inner Gulf of Nicoya en route to Puntarenas. Calypso is the ONLY company to treat her guests to a real island cruise.

The Captain and his crew are the masters of this seascape. They are seasoned mariners who will convey their love of Costa Rica to you. Sightseeing, snorkeling, sunbathing, banana boat ride, exploring, swimming, eating, drinking, and relaxing.