Isla Tortuga and Bioluminescence in One Day
The island by day, the glowing sea by night — one boat from the Tambor dock. What you get, what you give up, and how the moon decides.
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Costa Rica · Español · Adventures
Learn Spanish.
Explore Costa Rica.
Private Spanish classes tailored to you + unforgettable tours with a local guide who truly loves this land.
★★★★★
5.0
· 47 Google reviews
📚 Trial class $12 · 20–30 min
Scroll to discover
9+
Years Teaching
Your Guide & Teacher
Hi! I'm José Cardoza
I'm a young, hardworking, always-smiling guy living in Santa Teresa, Península de Nicoya — always passionate about what I do. With 9+ years teaching Spanish and more than 2,000 students from around the world, I know how to make you progress fast. If you're visiting the Nicoya Peninsula, I'll show you its most magical corners. If you want to learn Spanish or English, I can teach you from anywhere — online.
5-star reviews from students and travelers worldwide
Certified teacher — with university training in teaching
Native Spanish speaker — fluent in English too
Local expertise — hidden gems & best spots in Costa Rica
Personalized experience — every session is tailored to you
What People Say
Stories from Real Travelers & Students
★★★★★
"I have been learning Spanish online with José for about 1-2 months and I do feel that I have made progress. When I started, I could not speak at all, but now I definitely can speak a little and understand a lot more than when I began."
★★★★★
"I want to wholeheartedly recommend José, my English teacher. I started from zero, literally unable to say 'hi, how are you?', and today I can hold conversations with much more confidence."
★★★★★
"Me and my friend took Spanish classes with Jose for several months. I also did private classes with him and I loved it. Jose is a teacher who is very passionate about his work and professional. He is always prepared for the class and have new tasks every class. He makes the class fun and creative. He also explains the grammatical parts very good. I learned a lot with Jose and I can highly recommend him!"
★★★★★
"I learned just a little Spanish before my trip and was so happy to find José's classes. They helped me more than any classes back home! José is a very patient, encouraging, and understanding teacher who meets you exactly where you are with the language. Every lesson was very effective as well as fun! I learned so much in a short time."
★★★★★
"Jose created a very chill atmosphere where I felt like I could make mistakes and ask questions, and there was no judgment. I would recommend taking Spanish lessons with Jose for everyone — in all levels of Spanish — who wants a kind and helpful teacher!"
★★★★★
"I was a complete beginner and Jose had me listening and speaking from day 1. After two weeks, I was having conversations in the street and making new friends in Spanish."
★★★★★
"We spent 5 weeks in Santa Teresa and explored many things — this is the one we still talk about. We had 9 of us on a boat to Isla Tortuga, the kids jumped off the boat at least a million times, we snorkeled, had an amazing lunch on the island, and stopped at a private beach on the way home. Totally worth it!"
★★★★★
"José Cardoza has been teaching Spanish to our son, and in just a few months we’ve seen remarkable progress. … We’ll soon return to Belgium, but we’re happy to continue the lessons online. José is also a highly knowledgeable guide in Costa Rica, which adds even more depth and context to his teaching."
Adventures Await
Unforgettable Costa Rica Tours
Based in Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, José leads every tour personally across the region — Montezuma, Tambor, Paquera, Isla Tortuga, Cabuya and beyond. Small groups, authentic local experiences, and memories for a lifetime.
Night Tour
Bioluminescence Tour
Witness one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles — the ocean glowing with living light. Paddle through waters that sparkle with every movement in a magical nighttime kayak or boat tour.
$30–$50
USD / person
90–100
minutes
Night adventure
Kayak/boat
Small groups
Photo stops
Tour details
✅ Included: Local guide, kayak or boat, life jacket and photos.
📍 Meeting point: In Paquera — I'll send you the exact location pin on WhatsApp.
🌙 Good to know: We coordinate your exact departure time by WhatsApp — and the darker the sky (less moon), the more magical the glow.
🎒 What to bring: Swimwear, towel, water, insect repellent and a dry bag.
Day Trip
Isla Tortuga
A paradise island with crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and incredible marine life. Snorkel, swim, and relax in one of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural treasures.
$60–$90
USD / person
7–8
hours
Snorkeling
White sand beach
Boat trip
Lunch included
Tour details
✅ Included: Round-trip boat, lunch (chicken or fish), drinks, fresh fruit (watermelon & pineapple), snorkeling gear and your guide.
💵 Payment: Cash only.
📍 Meeting point: The bridge at the Tambor dock (muelle de Tambor). We depart at 9:00 AM.
🎒 What to bring: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, hat and some cash.
Two in One
Island & Bioluminescence Experience
Isla Tortuga by day, the glowing sea by night — both in one trip. We leave Tambor pier at noon, spend the afternoon snorkelling, eating and swimming on the island, and sail home through water that lights up with every stroke.
$99
USD / person
7
hours (12 pm – 7 pm)
Snorkeling
Lunch included
~1 h of glow
Boat from Tambor
Tour details
✅ Included: Round-trip boat, lunch, drinks, fresh fruit, snorkelling gear, life jackets and your guide.
💵 Payment: Cash only.
📍 Meeting point: The bridge at the Tambor dock (muelle de Tambor). We depart at 12:00 noon and are back around 7:00 PM.
🌊 Bioluminescence: about an hour. It only shows once it is properly dark, after six — less than on the standalone night tour, and that is the trade: this trip swaps some of the glow for a whole afternoon on the island.
🎒 What to bring: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, a light jacket for the way back, insect repellent and cash.
Ocean Wildlife
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Humpback whales visit the Gulf of Nicoya from July to November and again from December to April, and spotted and bottlenose dolphins live here all year round. We head out from Bahía de Tambor with a local captain who knows where they gather.
3–4
hours on the water
Jul–Nov · Dec–Apr
whale season
Dolphins year-round
From Bahía de Tambor
Small groups
Family friendly
Tour details
✅ Included: Local captain, boat, life jackets and your guide.
💵 Price and payment: I confirm the price on WhatsApp once I know your dates and group size. Cash only.
📍 Meeting point: Bahía de Tambor — I'll send you the exact location pin on WhatsApp. Calm mornings usually give the best sightings and the smoothest ride.
🐋 Good to know: These are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed — but the Gulf rarely disappoints. In May and June the whales are away; the dolphins are not.
🎒 What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, water and a camera.
And More!
And Many More Adventures!
José offers a variety of additional experiences across Costa Rica. Ask him directly about sport fishing, custom tours, private excursions, and hidden local gems tailored just for you.
Sport fishing
Custom tours
Hidden spots
Private groups
Ask about more tours
Staying a few days? Pair any tour with Spanish classes and pay less than booking them apart.
See the packages →Teaching Approach
A method for every
stage of your learning
Every student starts from a different place. That's why the lessons are tailored to your level and your goals — structured learning where you need solid ground under your feet, and speaking practice from the very first class.
Beginners
Translation Method
We build a solid foundation through translation between your language and Spanish. Key tourism vocabulary and phrases from day one — clear, safe, and effective.
Intermediate · Advanced
Natural Method
We leave translation behind and start thinking in Spanish. Fluent conversation, listening comprehension, and spontaneous expression in real tourism and hospitality contexts.
All levels
Personalized Plan
Every student gets a plan adapted to their goals: tour guides, customer service, hotels, restaurants, or personal use when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.
Language Programs
Learn a Language with Purpose
José's classes are conversational, fun, and practical — no boring textbooks. Whether you're a complete beginner or polishing your fluency, every lesson is designed around YOU.
Spanish for Beginners
Start from zero and build a solid foundation. Learn greetings, everyday phrases, and how to navigate real Costa Rican life from day one.
Conversational Spanish
For intermediate learners who want to actually speak. Dive into real conversations, local slang, and cultural nuances that textbooks never teach.
Travel Spanish
Everything you need for your Costa Rica trip — ordering food, navigating, bargaining at markets, and connecting with locals authentically.
English for Everyday Life
Practical English classes for Costa Ricans who want to communicate better at work, with tourists, or for personal growth. Real situations, real results.
Advanced / Fluency Spanish
Polish your accent, master complex grammar, and gain true fluency. Includes debates, storytelling, and cultural immersion exercises.
Spanish + Tour Combo
The ultimate immersive experience — learn Spanish in the morning, then practice it on a real tour in the afternoon. Language learning meets adventure!
Competitive & Accessible Prices
$25 USD
per private class · 60–70 min
$80 USD
monthly · 4 classes of 60–70 min
$40 USD
class for two · 60–70 min
Online, or in person at your accommodation — or a café nearby — in Santa Teresa, San Isidro, Mal País & Cóbano · Flexible scheduling · Free rescheduling with more than 12 hours' notice
Book a class nowWho it works for
Start here. Keep going from home.
Most people find me because they're coming to Costa Rica — and some start online a few weeks before they land, so the classes here go further. What surprises them is what happens afterwards: several of my students started with a couple of weeks of in-person lessons here and then carried on online from home — from Switzerland, from Germany, from Paris, and one of them even from Australia. The trip ends. The Spanish doesn't have to.
Best Value · Save More
Packages & Offers
Combine Spanish classes with an unforgettable tour — or a massage — and save. Tour packages include ebooks for our classes and self-study.
Bioluminescence Package
$75 USD
- ✓2 Spanish classes in 1 week
- ✓Bioluminescence night tour
- ✓Ebooks for class & self-study
Most Popular
Isla Tortuga Package
$99 USD
- ✓2 Spanish classes in 1 week
- ✓Full-day Isla Tortuga tour (lunch & snorkeling)
- ✓Ebooks for class & self-study
Spanish + Massage
$89 USD
- ✓1 private Spanish class (60 min)
- ✓1 massage (60 min)
- ✓Day, time and place arranged on WhatsApp
Bonus: Book any other tour over $100 and get 1 FREE private Spanish class!
Simple & Easy
How It Works
Getting started is easy — you can be learning Spanish this week.
1
Message me
Say hello on WhatsApp — tell me your goals. No commitment.
2
Free level test
Take the quick quiz (or a short chat) so we know your exact level.
3
Your personal plan
I design a plan around your goals, schedule and budget.
4
Start speaking!
Online or in person — fun, practical lessons from day one.
Free Level Assessment
What's Your Spanish Level?
Answer this quiz (levels A1 to B2) to discover your level and get a personalized class recommendation from José.
¿Cómo se dice 'Buenos días' en español?
(Nivel: Principiante)
1 / 8
Isla Tortuga & Nicoya Peninsula
Real Photos of the Area
White sand, turquoise water, colorful fish, and pure Caribbean-Pacific magic — this is what awaits you.
See it For Yourself
Costa Rica in Motion
Nothing speaks louder than real footage. Watch the bioluminescence glow, the turquoise waters of Isla Tortuga, and the vibrant rainforest come alive.
Why learn Spanish?
4 Reasons You'll Feel in Costa Rica
These are the four you notice within a week of arriving. Spanish pays off long after the trip too — I wrote about that separately.
Experience Costa Rica like a local — Pura Vida from within.
Travel deeper — connect with locals, not just tourists.
Order food, shop & get around with confidence.
Open doors to remote work & the digital-nomad life.Self-Study Ebooks
Learn Spanish on Your Own
Prefer to study on your own? My ebooks take you from your very first "¡Hola!" to real, confident Spanish — real conversations, clear grammar, and the living culture of Costa Rica & Nicaragua. Request yours on WhatsApp (₡1,500 each, pay by SINPE).
Your very first steps in Spanish: greet people, introduce yourself, order food at a Costa Rican soda, and talk about your hobbies. Fully bilingual (English explanations throughout), with real dialogues, clear grammar, vocabulary tables, culture from Costa Rica & Nicaragua, and exercises with a full answer key. 3 units · ~52 pages.
Travel the Spanish-speaking world with confidence: the airport, hotel check-in, transport, asking for directions, and shopping & bargaining at the market. Mostly in Spanish, with English support for new vocabulary and key grammar (ESTAR, ir a + infinitive, past tense, comparisons). Dialogues, culture & exercises with answer key. 4 units · ~60 pages.
Spanish from the inside — written entirely in Spanish (immersive, no translations) for learners ready to think in the language. Master the many uses of SER / ESTAR / TENER / HABER / HACER, reflexive verbs and the RID pronoun rule, plus markets, fairs and iconic dishes (casado, gallo pinto). Rich Costa Rica & Nicaragua culture, with exercises and answer key.
Enjoy my work? Support me!
Your support helps me keep creating Spanish lessons, tours and free resources. Every little bit means the world — muchas gracias!
☕ A coffee ≈ ₡1,000 — or whatever you like ❤️
Free ways to help: share the website · review me on Tripadvisor or Google · follow me on Instagram
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Both. Online, I teach students anywhere in the world. In person, I come to you: my first choice is your own accommodation — your hotel, your Airbnb, the terrace where you're already staying — and if you'd rather not, we meet at a café near you. I cover Santa Teresa, San Isidro, Mal País and Cóbano, on the Nicoya Peninsula. You don't have to find a classroom or take a taxi anywhere.
All of them — from complete beginner (A1) to advanced fluency (C2). I also teach English to Costa Ricans. Every plan is built around your level and goals.
Private classes (60–70 min) are $25 USD each, or $80 for a monthly pack of 4 classes. Online or in person, with flexible scheduling. Your first trial class (20–30 min) is $12, and my self-study ebooks are just ₡1,500 each.
No problem: let me know more than 12 hours ahead and we move the class to another day at no cost. Cancelling with less than 12 hours' notice costs $13. If you cancel 4 hours or less before the class, or don't show up without letting me know, the full class is charged. This applies to single classes and to the 4-class pack.
Just message me on WhatsApp and we'll arrange it easily. Within Costa Rica I accept SINPE Móvil; for other options, ask me and we'll find what works for you.
No — I provide everything you need for your lessons. My ebooks are optional, for extra practice on your own between classes.
Absolutely! My Spanish + Tour combo lets you learn in the morning and practice on a real tour (Isla Tortuga, bioluminescence and more) in the afternoon. Learning meets adventure.
It is worth asking. If you work with Spanish-speaking colleagues, clients or suppliers, better Spanish helps your work too, and some companies have a budget for training. Two coworkers can share a class for $40. In my article Spanish for work you'll find a short message you can send to your boss.
Thank you for asking! Most of what helps costs nothing: share this website with a friend who is learning Spanish or coming to Costa Rica; if you took a class or a tour with me, leave a review on Tripadvisor or Google; follow me on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok and share a video you liked; or give Spanish classes as a present. And if you feel like it, you can also buy me a coffee. For a small local teacher, every one of these makes a real difference.
From the blog
Tips, Guides & Stories
Stories and practical guides about learning Spanish and exploring Costa Rica — written by José.
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Costa Rica's Nicoya Gulf
Humpback whales and playful dolphins on a small-group boat tour from Bahía de Tambor. Whale season July–November & December–April.
Read more →
Bioluminescence Tour in Santa Teresa — Night Kayak Magic
Everything you need to know about paddling through glowing waters on a magical night tour on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Read more →More to read
Ready to Start?
Let's Make it Happen!
Whether you want to book a tour, start Spanish classes, or just have a question — José responds quickly. Don't hesitate!
José Cardoza