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Explore the dense rainforests and winding waterways of Tortuguero National Park through guided canoe trips, night walks, and wildlife excursions. Choose from a variety of tours to observe sea turtles, monkeys, and tropical birds in their natural habitat.
Free Cancellation Explore Costa Rica's tropical rainforest in a traditional canoe while a guide handles the navigation.
Free Cancellation Explore the winding canals of Tortuguero on a 2.5-hour boat trip to spot monkeys, reptiles, and tropical birds.
Free Cancellation Explore the tropical forest after dark on a two-hour guided walk to encounter Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife.
Free Cancellation Explore the wildlife of Cahuita National Park and the Tortuguero Canals on a guided nature tour from Puerto Limón.
Free Cancellation A quiet, 3-hour guided canoe trip through Tortuguero’s canals to observe local wildlife and lush tropical flora.
Free Cancellation Explore Tortuguero's remote canals to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and macaws in a world-class sea turtle nesting site.
Free Cancellation Witness the natural nesting ritual of sea turtles in Tortuguero through a respectful, guided observation.
Free Cancellation Explore Tortuguero’s quiet canals by canoe with a local guide to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Free Cancellation Paddle through Tortuguero National Park by canoe to spot diverse wildlife and learn about local culture and traditions.
Free Cancellation Explore Costa Rica's largest wetland by canoe while searching for monkeys, caimans, and exotic birds.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Tortuguero National Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Tortuguero National Park is like stepping into another world, one where roads are replaced by winding freshwater canals and the dense rainforest canopy teems with life. Often called Costa Rica's Little Amazon, this remote wilderness offers an immersive, boat-based safari experience where you can spot incredible wildlife and witness endangered sea turtles nesting on untouched beaches.
Board a traditional or electric canoe at dawn to glide silently through the park's intricate network of waterways. As the morning mist lifts, you'll have the best chance of spotting howler monkeys, sloths, and colorful toucans.
Between July and October, join a certified guide for a nocturnal walk along the beach to watch giant green sea turtles lay their eggs. This is a strictly regulated, magical experience.
Walk this flat, 2.5-kilometer trail that runs parallel to the rugged Caribbean coastline. Surrounded by dense coastal rainforest, it offers beach access points and a chance to spot diverse flora and fauna.
Paddle through restricted, quiet canal sections where motorized boats are banned. Gliding silently under hanging vines allows for the closest and most intimate wildlife encounters.
Stroll down the car-free, 400-meter main strip of the village to experience vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Browse local shops and try traditional coconut-infused dishes.
Take a short boat ride to this nearby volcanic hill and hike the raised boardwalk trail. The lookout point at the top provides spectacular bird's-eye views of the canals and the sea.
Planning a trip to Tortuguero requires a bit more preparation than other Costa Rican destinations due to its remote location and strict conservation rules. Here is what you need to know before securing your tours.
Most tours do not include the national park entrance fee. Non-resident adults must pay $17 USD (plus tax), and tickets must be purchased in advance online via the official SINAC portal. They are not sold at the park gates.
You can choose from traditional hand-paddled canoes, eco-friendly electric canoes, guided night walks, and comprehensive full-day trips departing from San José. Small-group and private options are widely available.
If you book a night turtle nesting tour, you are strictly required to wear dark-colored clothing to avoid disturbing the animals. Cameras, cell phones, and flashlights are completely banned on the beaches after dark.
Tortuguero receives up to 250 inches of rain annually. Even in the drier months, sudden torrential downpours are common. Always pack high-quality waterproof bags for your gear, heavy-duty rainwear, and strong insect repellent.
While land trails like the Jaguar Trail get muddy and are not wheelchair-friendly, the main waterways can be navigated via wheelchair-accessible boat and canoe tours. Tour operators are generally happy to assist with boarding.
There is only one ATM in Tortuguero Village, and it is notoriously unreliable. Bring plenty of Costa Rican colones to tip guides, pay for small items, and get better local exchange rates.
Most local operators and boat tours offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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| Traditional Canoe Tour | Night Turtle / Jungle Walk | Electric Canoe Tour | Full-Day Trip from San José | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 - 3 hours | 2 hours | 3 hours | 12.5 hours |
| Best for | Quiet, eco-friendly wildlife viewing | Witnessing nocturnal wildlife and nesting turtles | Silent exploration without manual paddling | Travelers short on time wanting an all-inclusive trip |
| Includes | Guide, life jackets, dry-bags, snacks | Certified naturalist guide, conservation decal | Guide, ponchos, binoculars | Transport, breakfast, lunch, park fees, guide |
| Price from | $25 - $35 | $28 - $34 | $35 | $230 |
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Tortuguero National Park operates on a split schedule to accommodate wildlife activity and park maintenance.
The park is open seven days a week, including all national holidays. If you are joining a night turtle nesting tour, these operate outside normal park hours (typically after 6:00 PM) and require you to be accompanied by a certified, licensed naturalist guide. Unaccompanied access to the beaches after 6:00 PM is strictly illegal.
Because Tortuguero is completely inaccessible by car, the journey is part of the adventure. You have three main options:
The ideal time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience:
Giant leatherback turtles can also be spotted from mid-February to July, while hawksbills nest from July to October.
Despite its remote jungle location, Tortuguero offers some accessible options for visitors with mobility challenges.
Boat Tours: The main waterways can be navigated via wheelchair-accessible boat and canoe tours. Many local operators are trained to assist wheelchair users into the boats, and they can store wheelchairs safely at their offices during the tour.
Land Trails: The terrestrial trails, such as the Jaguar Trail and El Gavilán Trail, are unpaved, frequently muddy, and generally not suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant walking difficulties. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues are highly encouraged to book motorized boat or electric canoe tours to comfortably enjoy the wildlife.
Facilities within the national park boundaries are limited to preserve the natural environment.
Tortuguero enforces strict conservation rules to protect its fragile ecosystem and endangered species:
Generally, no. Most local canoe and walking tours require you to purchase your Tortuguero National Park entrance ticket separately. You must buy this online via the SINAC portal for $17 USD (plus tax) prior to your tour.
No, swimming in the ocean is highly dangerous and strictly prohibited. The beaches have extreme rip currents and rough surf, and there are no lifeguards. Swimming in the canals is also banned due to caimans and sharks.
You are strictly required to wear dark-colored clothing. Bright colors and white clothing can scare away the nesting sea turtles. You must also leave your cameras and flashlights behind, as they are banned on the beach at night.
The peak nesting season for green sea turtles runs from July through October. To witness them coming ashore to lay their eggs, you must book a guided night tour, as unaccompanied beach access is illegal after 6:00 PM.
You can take a 25-minute domestic flight directly to the Tortuguero airstrip. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus to the La Pavona dock, then board a public water taxi for a 1 to 1.5-hour scenic boat ride.
There is only one ATM in the village, and it is known to be highly unreliable and frequently out of cash. It is strongly recommended to bring plenty of Costa Rican colones with you before arriving.
You can hike day trails like the Jaguar Trail independently, but a certified guide is legally required for night turtle tours. Guides are also highly recommended for canal tours, as it is very difficult for untrained eyes to spot camouflaged wildlife.
The climate is highly humid and tropical, receiving up to 250 inches of rain annually. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F). Expect sudden, torrential downpours even during the drier months of February and April, so always pack rain gear.
No. Photography and video recording of any kind, including the use of cell phones, are strictly prohibited on the beaches during night turtle nesting tours to protect the endangered animals.
Yes, many of the canoe and motorized boat tours are wheelchair accessible, and operators are happy to assist with boarding. However, the land trails in the park are unpaved and muddy, making them unsuitable for wheelchairs.
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This tour takes you deep into the humid tropical forest of Costa Rica using traditional canoes. These small boats hold a maximum of eight people and are moved by hand paddles. You do not need to row if you prefer not to, as your guide will handle the navigation so you can focus entirely on the surroundings. We offer three different departure times throughout the day. However, we highly recommend the 6:00 am tour, as the cooler morning temperatures make the local wildlife much more active and easier to spot. Please be aware that rainforest weather is unpredictable and rain can occur at any time. If you plan to bring a camera, ensure you have a waterproof bag or cover to protect your equipment from sudden downpours.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This 2.5-hour tour begins at the lagoon located in front of the Tortuguero National Park offices. From the lagoon, you will travel along the Tortuguero River before navigating into the narrow, hidden canals that branch off the main waterway. These smaller channels provide a closer look at the dense rainforest and the quietest corners of the park. As you move through the water, you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. The route is designed to maximize sightings of mammals, reptiles, and birds in their natural habitat. This journey through the canal system is the primary way to experience the unique landscape and biodiversity that Tortuguero is known for.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-hour guided walk takes you into the humid tropical forest of Costa Rica after sunset. Led by a guide experienced in nocturnal tours, you will explore the trails to observe the forest as its nighttime inhabitants become active. You will have the opportunity to see various species of insects, amphibians, and mammals that are typically hidden during the day. Your guide will help you spot these animals and explain how they navigate and survive in the dark.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour begins with a guided walk through Cahuita National Park, where jungle trails run alongside the Caribbean coastline. While walking the paths, you can expect to see white-faced monkeys, sloths, and iguanas in the forest canopy. Following the park visit, you will board a boat for a trip through the Tortuguero Canals. This wetland ecosystem provides opportunities to spot crocodiles, manatees, and various tropical birds from the water. The itinerary also includes a drive through local banana plantations, where your guide will explain the industry's impact on the Costa Rican economy during a brief stop. You will have time to visit an artisan market for regional snacks and handmade crafts before finishing with a drive through Puerto Limón. This final leg of the trip covers the city's main landmarks and offers a look at the local Caribbean culture and history.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Spend three hours exploring the winding water canals of Tortuguero National Park in a traditional canoe. This eco-friendly approach allows for a quiet trip through the rainforest, offering a close-up look at the local plants and animals without the noise of a motor. Your guide handles the paddling, so you can spend the entire time observing the wildlife and scenery. Our team consists of professional guides certified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). They provide detailed information about the park’s biodiversity and history as you navigate the channels. Tortuguero Adventures is committed to sustainable tourism, using low-impact methods to help protect the delicate environment of the National Park for future visitors.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour navigates the secluded canals and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, offering a close look at the region's diverse wildlife. From the water, you can observe species such as crocodiles, toucans, monkeys, sloths, and macaws living among the dense, vine-covered trees. The park's unique ecosystem provides a rare opportunity to see these animals in their natural environment. Tortuguero is also home to the most important nesting site for the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Hemisphere. The park features 21 miles of protected beach where these turtles arrive to nest between July and October each year. While the area is famous for this seasonal event, please note that nesting occurs only at night and is not part of this one-day daytime itinerary.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Visit the beaches of Tortuguero to see sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand. This guided experience allows you to witness a vital part of the turtle's life cycle in one of the world's most important nesting sites. To protect the wildlife, we follow strict conservation protocols. This means we maintain a respectful distance from the turtles and do not touch or interfere with them in any way. Our goal is to provide a quiet environment that allows the animals to complete their nesting process undisturbed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This canoe tour through Tortuguero National Park offers a quiet, low-impact way to explore the region’s dense network of waterways. Your local guide paddles the boat manually, which keeps the experience peaceful and ensures that the wildlife remains undisturbed. This method allows you to navigate the narrower secondary canals where motorized boats are typically not permitted. As you travel through the rainforest, your guide will share the history of the national park and help you spot local wildlife along the banks. By moving slowly and silently, you can get a closer look at the animals and better appreciate the natural sounds of the jungle environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided canoe tour takes you through the calm waterways of Tortuguero National Park. By using a traditional paddle instead of a motor, you can quietly approach the riverbanks to better observe the area's monkeys, birds, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Throughout the trip, your guide will explain the ecological importance of the flora and fauna you encounter. You will also learn about the local history and cultural traditions that define the Tortuguero community, providing a well-rounded perspective on this unique coastal region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you through the winding water channels of Tortuguero National Park, the largest wetland system in Costa Rica. By using a canoe instead of a motorized boat, we can navigate the narrow passages quietly, which increases the chances of observing wildlife without disturbing them. As we paddle, we will look for monkeys, iguanas, and a wide variety of tropical birds in the canopy. Along the water’s edge, we frequently spot caimans and basilisks resting on branches or logs. It is a practical way to see the park’s biodiversity while experiencing the natural environment at a slower pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish