In short
- Adult non-resident tickets cost $15 USD plus 13% tax.
- Child tickets (ages 2-12) cost $5 USD.
- All tickets are sold exclusively on the official SINAC website.
In this article
Entering Tortuguero National Park requires a bit of pre-planning. You cannot walk up to the gate with cash. You need to secure your digital ticket ahead of time to access the main land trails and the famous water canals.
What is the Tortuguero National Park entrance fee?
The official entrance fee is $15 USD plus 13% tax for non-resident adults.
Children between the ages of 2 and 12 pay a reduced rate of $5 USD. You will also need to pay for any guided tours on top of this basic entry fee. Many boat and canoe tours do not include the park ticket in their base price.
How do you buy tickets for Tortuguero National Park?
You must buy your tickets online through the official SINAC website in advance.
Create an account on the SINAC portal, select Tortuguero National Park, and choose your entry date. The park ranger station at Sector Cuatro Esquinas will scan your digital ticket. There are no ticket sales at the physical gate.
Do guided tours include the park entrance fee?
Most guided canoe, kayak, and turtle tours do not include the park entrance fee.
You usually pay your guide for their service and pay the government separately for park entry. Always check your tour description. For example, popular daytime electric canoe tours explicitly exclude the $15 USD park fee.
Where do you show your park tickets?
Show your pre-purchased tickets at the Sector Cuatro Esquinas ranger station.
This main entrance point is located right at the edge of Tortuguero village. Staff will check your online ticket before allowing you onto the official land trails or authorizing your boat to enter the restricted water canals.
Do you need a separate ticket for night turtle tours?
Yes, night access for turtle nesting requires booking an official guided tour.
General park visiting hours are 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Night turtle tours operate in strictly controlled time slots between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM. You cannot enter the beach independently at night during nesting season.
How much should I budget for park entry and tours?
Expect to pay the $15 USD entry fee plus the cost of your chosen activity.
Here is a breakdown of common costs related to park entry and popular activities.
Questions travellers ask
Can I buy Tortuguero tickets with cash at the gate?
No. Tickets must be purchased online in advance via the official SINAC website. The village also has very few ATMs, so plan accordingly for other expenses.
Does the park entry ticket cover Cerro Tortuguero?
No. Cerro Tortuguero is located in the adjacent Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. It requires a separate entrance ticket.
Do I need a ticket for a night turtle tour?
You cannot enter the beach at night with a standard day ticket. You must join an authorized local guide for night nesting tours, which run in strict slots between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
