Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Organize your transport to the La Pavona dock, book your SINAC entry tickets, and prepare for high humidity and heavy rainfall.
Getting there
Getting to the park
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat: Take a public collective boat or private water taxi from the La Pavona dock down the La Suerte river. | 1 to 1.5 hours | ~$8 USD (one-way public boat) | La Pavona is the most common departure point and has secure long-term parking for rental cars. |
| Tour: All-inclusive tour packages from San Jose that include shuttle transport, boat transfer, lodging, and meals. | 4-5 hours total from San Jose | $300+ USD | The most stress-free and popular way for tourists to visit the area without worrying about logistics. |
| Plane: Take a domestic flight (e.g., Sansa Airlines) from San Jose (SJO) to the small Tortuguero airstrip. | 25 minutes | ~$120 USD one-way | Fastest option, but luggage weight limits are strictly enforced on small planes. |
| Boat: Take a scenic boat ride from the Moin dock near Limon city on the southern Caribbean coast. | 3.5 to 4 hours | $35-$50 USD | A longer, very scenic route passing through untouched jungle canals. |
| Bus: Public bus from San Jose (Terminal del Caribe) to Cariari, transfer to a bus to La Pavona, then board the public boat. | 5-6 hours | ~$15 USD total | Cheapest option; you must arrive in Cariari by 3:00 PM to catch the last bus and boat connection of the day. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round, but wildlife viewing changes by season. The primary green turtle nesting season runs from July through mid-October. Leatherback turtles nest from March to May.
Expect rain at any time. The area receives an average of 6,000 mm (236 inches) of rain annually. The driest months are March, April, and September.
What to bring
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Dark clothing is mandatory for night turtle tours.
No white or light colors are allowed on the beach at night.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
A complete day combining quiet morning canals and night turtle watching.
- Morning Canoe Tour
Take an early canoe tour to spot active wildlife.
- El Jaguar Trail
Hike the muddy linear land trail parallel to the beach.
- San Francisco Community
Take a water taxi to the village at the base of Cerro Tortuguero.
- Night Turtle Tour
Join an authorized guide for a regulated turtle nesting walk.
A brief overview if you are short on time.
- Tortuguero River Water Trail
Take a motorized boat tour through the main entrance point.
- Sector Cuatro Esquinas
Visit the main ranger station and walk the local beach.
- Depart via La Pavona
Catch the public boat back to the mainland.
Packing for the rainforest
Bring a dark-colored rain jacket or poncho. You will need dark pants and long-sleeve shirts for night tours. Closed-toe shoes or rubber boots are essential because the trails get very muddy.
Pack high-quality insect repellent and a dry bag for your electronics. ATMs are extremely rare in the village, so bring cash in Costa Rican Colones or US Dollars.
Easiest way to do it
Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park
3 h 4.9 (398)
- Refreshment before the tour (coffee, juice and fruit)
From$28per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you drive a rental car to Tortuguero?
No. There are no roads to Tortuguero. You can drive to La Pavona dock, which offers secure long-term parking, and take a 1 to 1.5 hour boat ride from there.
Are there ATMs in Tortuguero village?
ATMs are extremely rare in the village. You should bring enough cash in Costa Rican Colones or US Dollars to cover meals, small purchases, and public boat fees.
Can you swim at the beach in Tortuguero?
Swimming in the ocean is strictly prohibited. The beaches have dangerous rip currents and sharks.