two people in a boat on a river wearing life jackets

Explore

Canals and Water Trails

Explore the freshwater rivers and streams of Tortuguero by boat or canoe.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

There are no roads to or inside Tortuguero National Park. You must navigate the waterways to spot the area's wildlife.

Visiting hours for the canals are generally 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Book an early morning tour to see the most animals before temperatures rise. You need to pay the $15 USD park entrance fee to enter these routes.

small yellow snake coiled on a thin branch

Caño Harold

3.5 km route1-2 hours

This is a 3.5 km narrow, calm water trail. It cuts through secondary forest and makes wildlife observation easy. Take a quiet canoe tour here to hear the animals without motor noise.

white-faced capuchin monkey lying on a branch in the forest

Tortuguero River Water Trail

4.2 km route1-2 hours

This 4.2 km route is the main entrance point to the water trails. The banks are flanked by large Poponjoche trees. Keep an eye on logs in the water for basking caimans and river turtles.

Northern Jacana bird with wings raised in a wetland

Mora-Chiquero Water Trail

2.3 km route1 hour

This 2.3 km route passes through dense, tall forest. The landscape here is dominated by oil bean trees. Look up into the high canopy to spot spider monkeys and sloths.