Costa Rica Days 23–24: Montezuma, Tortuga Island, and the Long Road Home
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Leaving Sámara felt like closing a chapter we’d grown very comfortable in. Warm ocean swims at sunset, an easygoing town, and a relaxed beach rhythm made it one of the most restorative parts of the trip.
From there, we headed to our final stop: Montezuma.
Hotel Nya: Beautiful Setting, Mixed Reality
Hotel Nya is undeniably well set. Lush, green, and tucked into a natural setting just outside town, it feels calm and removed from the bustle. On arrival, we were greeted by a troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys, which immediately set the tone — this is still very much Costa Rica, wildlife included.
The rooms were well appointed and comfortable, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and quiet. However, the on-site restaurant didn’t live up to expectations. It was hugely overpriced, with a menu and food quality that simply didn’t justify the cost.
Where the hotel did shine was its staff. Evaluna and Arturo were genuinely excellent — friendly, attentive, and a pleasure to deal with. Their warmth made a noticeable difference to the stay.
One evening, we skipped the hotel restaurant and ate at a local soda, which turned out to be a far better call. I had the whole snapper, Colleen chose the prawns, and the food was honest, generous, and reasonably priced — exactly what Montezuma does well when you step outside the resort bubble.
Day 24: Tortuga Island by Sea
The highlight of our time in Montezuma was a day trip to Tortuga Island.
The outing began with a 45-minute high-speed jet boat ride along the Nicoya coast. Right away, the ocean delivered — dolphins surfaced alongside the boat, and flying fish skipped across the water ahead of us.
We stopped at two snorkeling sites near the island. This time, everything came together. Keeping my life jacket on and using flippers made the experience far more enjoyable. We saw around ten different fish species, including some beautiful angelfish, and spent real time in the water rather than fighting technique.
Lunch was served on the beach. I had barbecued fish, Colleen opted for chicken, both served with rice, broccoli, and fresh fruit for dessert. Beer and soft drinks were available both on the boat and at lunch.
One practical detail stood out: everything on Tortuga Island is brought in from Montezuma, including water for the toilets. That explains the $1 charge to use the restroom. With an estimated 500 people on the island that day, I suspect many simply chose the ocean instead.
The water was warm, clear, and inviting. We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, floating, and letting the day stretch out naturally.
A Quiet Final Morning
The following day was intentionally low-key.
I went beach fishing at sunrise and fished for about two hours. Conditions looked promising, but the fish didn’t cooperate. Still, the light alone made it worthwhile.
Colleen came down with a mild flu, and we were able to pick up flu tablets at the supermarket and an albuterol inhaler from the local pharmacy — another reminder of how accessible everyday healthcare can be in Costa Rica.
The Long Journey Home
Leaving Montezuma meant retracing our steps: taxi, minivan, ferry, and minivan again — back to San José in roughly six hours.
We stayed near the airport, were collected at 5:30 a.m., and finally headed home.
Final Thoughts on Montezuma — and Costa Rica
Montezuma felt like the right place to finish.
It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t perfect. But it offered wildlife at eye level, warm water, good food when you knew where to look, and a sense of quiet closure.
Costa Rica never tried to be easy. Travel was long, weather unpredictable, and comfort something you earned rather than expected. But the rewards were constant — rivers, forests, wildlife, coastlines, and moments that felt completely unstaged.
From whitewater rafting to cloud forests, from Pacific sunsets to jungle mornings, this was a trip that demanded attention — and gave back generously.
A fitting end.
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