Tortuguero National Park

Explore the Canals & View Nesting Sea Turtles

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Visiting Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is an ecotourist’s dream located on the northeast Caribbean coast. The stunning National Park protects one of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. The park offers vast, protected beaches from which you can enjoy endless vistas of the stunning Caribbean Sea. The most popular activities in Tortuguero include visiting Tortuguero village and taking a boat ride through the Tortuguero canals.

Totuguero’s name originates from the Spanish word Tortuga (turtle) and it is one of the best places in the world to see Giant Green Sea Turtle lay their eggs and then watch as the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. From June to October every year, hoards of Green Turtles come to the beaches to nest. The Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) has studied and protected these animals for the last forty years. Female Green Sea Turtles weigh up to 300 pounds, and each will lay about 80-100 eggs each time they nest.

Highlights

Turtle Watching

Tortuguero Costa RicaThe best reason to visit Tortuguero National Park is to see nesting turtles. Turtles nest from June-October. The tours are scheduled at night and you must be accompanied by a guide. Watching the majestic turtles emerge from the sea is truly unforgettable. If you get lucky you might even get to see the baby turtles hatch and race back into the ocean.

Boat Tour

Tortuguero Boat TourBy far the best way to see the extensive wildlife living in Tortuguero is by boat. Ride in silence with a guide and you’re guaranteed to see many of the birds, monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas native to Tortuguero!

Tips

Visit June-October: Turtles nest primarily between June through October. Plan your trip accordingly and you won’t be disappointed! 

Stop by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s Visitors’ Center: Pay only 550 colones to enter and learn more about the history of turtles in the region. All proceeds go to turtle conservation. 

Pack for heat and rain: Tortuguero is one of the hottest and rainiest places in Costa Rica so pack appropriately with  cooler clothes for the day time and rain gear for the afternoon/evening.

Bring colones: There is only one ATM in Tortuguero and the dollar is not as widely accepted. Come prepared with colones. 

Getting There

Closest Internatioanl Airport: Juan Santamaria (SJO)

sansa airline airportDomestic Flight: Flying to Tortuguero is the fastest and most convenient way to get to there. Fly from San Jose and arrive in about 25 minutes for only $80-100. 

You also have the option to take shuttles or drive yourself in a rental car. Just note that you must drive to La Pavona and from there you will take a short boat ride to Tortuguero. 

Dining in Tortuguero

Caribbean FoodTortuguero is a small village but you can still find something appetizing to eat! Try Miss Junie’s for authentic Caribbean food, Tutti’s for Italian or Soda Doña Maria for traditional Costa Rican casados. 

Tortuguero National Park - Get Info

Tortuguero National Park Map

Tortuguero National Park is located on the northeast Caribbean coast. Take a domestic flight or a shuttle and short boat ride to arrive.

Click to Enlarge Tortuguero National Park Map

Tortuguero National Park Vacation Packages

Get the best of what Tortuguero National Park has to offer with any of our vacation packages. 

Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour

Caribbean Lowlands Birding Tour

11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Exploration Tour

Caribbean Exploration Tour

SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream

Caribbean Dream

SJO
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio

12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

Caribbean Dream Extended Stay

16
SJO
Coast to Coast

Coast to Coast

SJO
Extended Stay

Extended Stay

13
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo

12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Jungle Jaunt – Costa Rica Jungle Vacation

Jungle Jaunt – Costa Rica Jungle Vacation

8
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Extended Coast to Coast

Extended Coast to Coast

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Best of Birding in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots

Costa Rica’s Top Birding Spots

11
SJO
Full Board Birding Trip!

Full Board Birding Trip!

8
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Two Oceans & A Volcano

Two Oceans & A Volcano

$1000-$1500 p.p.
Caribbean Jungle Exploration

Caribbean Jungle Exploration

7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean

Tarpon Fishing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean

6
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.

Tortuguero National Park Hotels

Enjoy great, eco-friendly hotels immersed in the lush rainforest of Tortuguero. 

Evergreen Lodge

Evergreen Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Turtle Beach Lodge

Turtle Beach Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Mawamba Lodge

Mawamba Lodge

3
From: $125 - $200
Aninga Lodge

Aninga Lodge

4
From: Under $125
Manatus Hotel

Manatus Hotel

5
From: Over $300
Pachira Lodge

Pachira Lodge

3
From: Under $125
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

3
From: $125 - $200
Laguna Lodge

Laguna Lodge

3
From: $200 - $300
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