La Tortuga Island: Breathtaking Beauty in Venezuela

Destinations, Venezuela / / 2 Comments

La Tortuga Island, located in the Caribbean Sea, is a wonderful destination with its magnificent beaches, turquoise waters and delightful days. It is not possible to say that a trip to Venezuela is complete without visiting this island. Therefore, add La Tortuga Island to your list of must-see places in Venezuela, where Angela Falls is located. (click to read the article about Angela Falls)

The Starting Point of the Journey: Higuerote

My journey started in Higuerote, a coastal city in Venezuela. After staying here for one night, I set off towards the port in the early hours of the morning (05:30). The streets were empty and dark. The sounds of music from some houses made the atmosphere even more unsettling. As a “gringo” as they call it, it was quite a brave move for me to be on the road at this hour with bags on my back.

Street scene in Higuerote, Venezuela, showing people walking, a motorbike passing, and cars under a clear blue sky.
Daily life in Higuerote, Venezuela.
Selfie in front of La Posada de Dorita Hotel courtyard in Higuerote, Venezuela, with hanging plants and two-story rooms.
La Posada de Dorita Hotel, Higuerote.
Street scene in Higuerote, Venezuela, showing people walking, a motorbike passing, and cars under a clear blue sky.
Selfie in front of La Posada de Dorita Hotel courtyard in Higuerote, Venezuela, with hanging plants and two-story rooms.

I arrived at the port in about 10 minutes. When I arrived at the port, they checked my name on the list. Once they found my name on the list, they asked me for a 200 Bs fee for landing. After giving the money and taking the paper with 200 Bs written on it, I walked towards the boats. While I thought there would be no one at this hour of the morning, I was relieved to see a large group. I mingled with the crowd and started waiting for the tour boat that would take us to La Tortuga Island.

Shocking but Enjoyable Boat Trip

Transportation from Higuorete to La Tortuga Island is provided by boats and the journey takes about 3 hours. The journey in the open sea with these 10-person boats is quite difficult, sometimes bumpy, and sometimes scary. If you have a fear of water or are prone to seasickness, this journey might be challenging for you. However, despite these difficulties, the experience of spotting flying fish and, if you’re fortunate, encountering dolphins, will make the trip worthwhile.

Passengers wearing life jackets on a small boat ride from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with ocean waves in the background.
Boat ride from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island.
View from a speeding boat from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, showing ocean waves splashing, a woman seated in front, and the bow lifted by the waves.
Riding the waves on the way to La Tortuga Island.
View of La Tortuga Island in the distance from a boat with turquoise calm waters, a couple seated at the front, and a clear blue sky.
Heading to the island over calm turquoise waters.
Passengers wearing life jackets on a small boat ride from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with ocean waves in the background.
Boat ride from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island.
View from a speeding boat from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, showing ocean waves splashing, a woman seated in front, and the bow lifted by the waves.
Riding the waves on the way to La Tortuga Island.
View of La Tortuga Island in the distance from a boat with turquoise calm waters, a couple seated at the front, and a clear blue sky.
Heading to the island over calm turquoise waters.
Passengers wearing life jackets on a small boat ride from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with ocean waves in the background.
View from a speeding boat from Higuerote to La Tortuga Island, showing ocean waves splashing, a woman seated in front, and the bow lifted by the waves.
View of La Tortuga Island in the distance from a boat with turquoise calm waters, a couple seated at the front, and a clear blue sky.
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Finally on La Tortuga Island

The color of the water changing from gray to dark navy and then to turquoise blue is a sign that you are approaching the island. The whiteness that appears in the distance is the first image of the island’s white sand beach. The first thing you should do as soon as you get off the boat and set foot on the island is to find your tent and get rid of your belongings. In this way, you can swim in the sea to relieve the fatigue of the sea voyage.

A man takes a selfie on a white-sand beach with colorful tents, people relaxing, and a clear blue sky at La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Camping area on the island.
Beach tents and palm trees along the shore of La Tortuga Island, with people swimming and boats anchored in turquoise waters.
La Tortuga Island’s shoreline.
A man takes a selfie among rows of colorful camping tents on the beach at La Tortuga Island under a clear blue sky.
Drying wet jeans in paradise.
People enjoying a sunny day on the white sandy beach of La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with turquoise waters and umbrellas.
A lively beach scene.
A man takes a selfie on a white-sand beach with colorful tents, people relaxing, and a clear blue sky at La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Camping area on the island.
Beach tents and palm trees along the shore of La Tortuga Island, with people swimming and boats anchored in turquoise waters.
La Tortuga Island’s shoreline.
A man takes a selfie among rows of colorful camping tents on the beach at La Tortuga Island under a clear blue sky.
Drying wet jeans in paradise.
People enjoying a sunny day on the white sandy beach of La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with turquoise waters and umbrellas.
A lively beach scene.
A man takes a selfie on a white-sand beach with colorful tents, people relaxing, and a clear blue sky at La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Beach tents and palm trees along the shore of La Tortuga Island, with people swimming and boats anchored in turquoise waters.
A man takes a selfie among rows of colorful camping tents on the beach at La Tortuga Island under a clear blue sky.
People enjoying a sunny day on the white sandy beach of La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, with turquoise waters and umbrellas.
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I took these shots at Cayo Herradura on La Tortuga Island, where travelers camp just steps from the sea. With no hotels or infrastructure, it’s all about nature: the soft white sand, turquoise Caribbean waters, and swaying palm trees. Boats line the horizon, and beachgoers enjoy the calm surf. The handmade sign welcoming visitors to “Campamento Tortuga Xtremo” says it all — this is adventure and tranquility rolled into one unforgettable destination.

Time to Enjoy the La Tortuga Island

You’ll be staying in a tent on the island, as no buildings or facilities are permitted to help preserve its natural beauty. Since you’re part of a tour package, lunch and dinner are included. However, there’s an optional afternoon tour not covered by the package that I decided to join. For around 3,000 Bs, this tour takes you to a nearby island after a 30-minute boat ride, where you can swim, walk on the beach, and soak up the sun. The tour lasts about three hours, and I highly recommend it for a fun and enjoyable experience.”

Two fishing boats anchored near the shore of La Tortuga Island with beach tents and clear blue skies in the background.
Fishing boats anchored by the beach.
Selfie of a male traveler smiling on a white-sand beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Island vibes and endless skies.
A person in a bright orange shirt holding a large Blue Parrotfish under a shaded beach hut on La Tortuga Island. White sand, palm trees, and colorful tents are visible in the background.
Blue Parrotfish: Sorry to see such a vital reef guardian caught.
A red plate with grilled fish, salad, rice, potatoes, and lime slices, with a red drink in a plastic cup behind it. Photo taken on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Beachside lunch done right: Fish, rice, potato, salad and lime.
Two fishing boats anchored near the shore of La Tortuga Island with beach tents and clear blue skies in the background.
Fishing boats anchored by the beach.
Selfie of a male traveler smiling on a white-sand beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Island vibes and endless skies.
A person in a bright orange shirt holding a large Blue Parrotfish under a shaded beach hut on La Tortuga Island. White sand, palm trees, and colorful tents are visible in the background.
Blue Parrotfish: Sorry to see such a vital reef guardian caught.
A red plate with grilled fish, salad, rice, potatoes, and lime slices, with a red drink in a plastic cup behind it. Photo taken on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
Beachside lunch done right: Fish, rice, potato, salad and lime.
Two fishing boats anchored near the shore of La Tortuga Island with beach tents and clear blue skies in the background.
Selfie of a male traveler smiling on a white-sand beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
A person in a bright orange shirt holding a large Blue Parrotfish under a shaded beach hut on La Tortuga Island. White sand, palm trees, and colorful tents are visible in the background.
A red plate with grilled fish, salad, rice, potatoes, and lime slices, with a red drink in a plastic cup behind it. Photo taken on La Tortuga Island, Venezuela.
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I recommend that you make yourself a drink and watch the sunset after returning to the island. This is a time when you are away from all the problems on a completely different planet.

A person sits on a chair at the edge of the sea in La Tortuga Island, Venezuela, watching the calm ocean during sunset.
Sunset reflections at La Tortuga Island.

Time to Head Back

The next morning, you wake up early, take a final stroll along the beach, and enjoy one last swim in the sea before starting to prepare for your return after breakfast. I had planned a one-night stay, but if you have the time, I recommend staying for two nights, as one night doesn’t quite do justice to the island.

Recommendations

Here are a few suggestions that may be useful for your trip to La Tortuga Island.

  • Don’t forget your sunscreen, swimsuit, flip-flops, sunglasses and hat.
  • If you can, bring your drinks/beverages in a portable cooler bag.
  • If you can, bring your drinks/beverages in a portable cooler bag.
  • Try to sit on the left side of the boat when you come to the island by boat and on the right side when you return. This way, you can protect yourself against the sun.
  • Always use your sunscreen during the day.
  • Since toilet needs are met in the forest, have your hygiene supplies with you.
  • Since there is no electricity at night, have a flashlight with you.
  • Always keep your tent closed.
  • You may encounter dolphins during your boat trip, so always have your camera ready.
  • Do not go on boat trips with alcohol and a full stomach.

2 thoughts on “La Tortuga Island: Breathtaking Beauty in Venezuela”

  1. Pingback: Galapagos Islands Travel Notes 3 – Tortuga Bay - culinistanbul.com

  2. Pingback: Miracles of Venezuela: Canaima and Angel Falls

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