In short
- There is no direct road access to Tortuguero village.
- Most visitors drive to La Pavona dock and take a 1 to 1.5-hour boat ride.
- Domestic flights from San Jose take 25 minutes.
In this article
Because it is located on a remote network of canals on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is boat-access-only. You cannot drive a rental car directly to your hotel. Instead, you will need to plan a transfer via riverboat or domestic flight.
Where do you park if you rent a car?
You park at the La Pavona dock, which offers secure long-term parking for rental cars.
You can drive most of the way to Tortuguero. The road ends at the La Pavona dock, located on the La Suerte river. You will leave your car in the secure parking lot here and board a public or private boat for the rest of the trip.
How to get to Tortuguero Costa Rica by boat
You can take a boat from either La Pavona or Moin.
The standard route is from La Pavona. This boat ride takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs from $8 USD for a one-way public ticket. Alternatively, you can take a longer 3.5 to 4-hour boat ride from the Moin dock near Limon. This route costs from $35 to $50 USD.
| Departure Dock | Travel Time | One-Way Cost |
|---|---|---|
| La Pavona | 1 to 1.5 hours | From $8 USD |
| Moin (Limon) | 3.5 to 4 hours | From $35 to $50 USD |
Can you fly to Tortuguero?
Yes, domestic airlines operate flights from San Jose directly to the Tortuguero airstrip.
Flying is the fastest option. A flight from San Jose takes 25 minutes and costs from $120 USD one-way. Be aware that small planes strictly enforce luggage weight limits.
How do you get there by public bus?
Take a bus from San Jose to Cariari, transfer to La Pavona, and then catch the boat.
The public bus route is the cheapest option, costing from $15 USD total. The journey takes 5 to 6 hours. You must arrive in Cariari by 3:00 PM to catch the last bus and boat connection of the day.
Are there guided tours with transport included?
Yes, all-inclusive day trips and multi-day packages depart from San Jose.
These packages cost from $300 USD and take 4 to 5 hours of total travel time. They include shuttle transport, the boat transfer, lodging, and meals. This is the most popular way to visit without managing logistics.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the boat ride from La Pavona to Tortuguero?
The boat ride from La Pavona down the La Suerte river takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on water levels.
Is there a road to Tortuguero National Park?
No. There are no roads into the park or village. Access is strictly by boat or small aircraft.
Can I drive a rental car to Tortuguero?
You can drive as far as the La Pavona dock. You must park your car there and take a boat to the park.
