No roads lead to Tortuguero, so the last stretch is by boat: one to two hours from the La Pavona dock along rivers lined with rainforest. You spend the night at a lodge by the water, near a village that sits on a thin strip of land between the canals and the Caribbean Sea.
The best time is early morning, when a boat takes you into the canals of the national park. Caimans, sloths, howler and spider monkeys, kingfishers and herons are often seen. From July to mid-October, green turtles come ashore at night to nest, and a certified local guide can take you to watch.
Highlights
- A boat ride along rainforest rivers to a village with no roads
- A sunrise canal tour in Tortuguero National Park
- Caimans, sloths, howler and spider monkeys, kingfishers and herons
- Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center
- In season, green turtles nesting on the beach at night
Know before you go
- Green turtles nest from July to mid-October, most of all in August and September. Leatherbacks nest from February to June.
- Night turtle walks go out only with a certified local guide. Wear dark clothes; cameras, phones and flashlights are not allowed on the beach.
- The national park is open from 6 am to noon and from 1 to 4 pm.
- Wildlife is wild, turtles included: no sighting is guaranteed.
- No roads reach the village, so you get around on foot and by boat.
How the day goes
-
Day 1: Pickup in San José
Pickup from your hotel between 6 and 6:30 am, then the drive to the La Pavona dock.
-
Day 1: Boat to Tortuguero
One to two hours by boat along the river, watching for wildlife on the way. Lunch at the lodge.
-
Day 1: Village and turtle center
A walk through Tortuguero village and a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center. Dinner at the lodge.
-
Day 1: Night turtle walk (optional)
In nesting season, a certified local guide takes you to the beach at about 8 pm or 10 pm. Booked locally and paid separately.
-
Day 2: Sunrise canal tour
Out on the water at 6 am, when the national park opens, looking for caimans, sloths, monkeys and water birds.
-
Day 2: Back to San José
Breakfast at the lodge, then the boat and the road back. Drop-off at your hotel in San José in the afternoon.
Included
- Round trip from San José by road and boat
- One night at a lodge by the canals, with meals
- Guided canal tour by boat at sunrise
- Visit to Tortuguero village
Not included
- National park entry fee, paid separately
- Night turtle walk, booked locally in nesting season
- Tips
What to bring
- A small overnight bag
- Dark clothes for the night turtle walk
- Rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars, if you have them