Canals and rainforest
Boat or canoe trips on the canals at dawn are the best way to see wildlife. The park entrance for the canals sector is at Cuatro Esquinas.
Tortuguero · Limón · Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park
Canals, rainforest and a long turtle-nesting beach on the Caribbean coast, reached only by boat or small plane.
- Created in 1975
- About 26,000 ha of land
- Boat or plane only
- Green turtle nesting July–October
- Night walks only with local guides
About the park
Tortuguero National Park protects a network of natural canals, lagoons and rainforest on the northern Caribbean coast, and a 35 km beach where sea turtles nest. There are no roads: the village and the lodges are reached by boat through the canals, or by a short flight.
The canals are among the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife from a boat: monkeys, sloths, caimans and a great number of birds. Between July and October green turtles come ashore to nest at night, followed by the hatching season, and the village guides lead walks to see them.
- Boat trips through quiet jungle canals
- Green turtle nesting, July to October
- Monkeys, sloths, caimans and over 400 bird species
- Cerro Tortuguero viewpoint
Wildlife
Green turtleLeatherback and hawksbill turtlesHowler and spider monkeysThree-toed and two-toed slothsCaimans and basilisksToucans, herons and kingfishersManatee and jaguar, rarely seen
Sectors and what to do
Beach and turtle nesting
The beach in front of the village is a nesting site. Turtle walks are only allowed with certified local guides, in the dark and without flash photography or lights.
Cerro Tortuguero
A short climb to a viewpoint over the canals, the sea and the village.
Tortuguero village
A small village between the canal and the sea, with a turtle museum, shops and restaurants.
Plan your visit
- Entrance
- Foreign visitors pay $16.95 per person for the canals sector and $2.26 for the Cerro sector, according to the published SINAC fees. They can change, and our packages state whether they are included.
- Reservation
- Entrance and turtle walks are booked in advance. We handle it with your tour.
- Turtle season
- Green turtles nest from July to October, followed by hatching. Other species nest at other times. Turtle walks are only held in season.
- Guide
- Walks on the beach at night, and the canal tours, are led by certified local guides.
- Best time
- February to April is drier; September and October are the least rainy months on the coast. The park is wet and hot all year.
- What to bring
- A rain jacket, rubber boots (usually provided), insect repellent, binoculars, dark clothes for the turtle walk and a dry bag.
Rules
- No flash photography or lights at the turtle beach
- Keep your distance from the turtles
- Do not leave the marked paths
- No plastics or litter
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By boat
Most guests go by road from San José to the boat dock at La Pavona or Caño Blanco and then by boat along the canals for about an hour. We arrange the transfer, the boat and the lodge.
By air
Domestic flights land at the Tortuguero airstrip. Ask us for a quote.
Tours in Tortuguero
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
When do the turtles nest?
Green turtles nest from July to October. Hatchlings can be seen afterwards. Turtle walks are only offered in season.
How do I get to Tortuguero?
By boat from La Pavona or Caño Blanco after a road transfer, or by a short domestic flight. There is no road.
How many nights should I stay?
Two nights give time for the canals, the village, a walk in the park and a turtle walk in season.
Can I visit the park on my own?
You can enter with a ticket, but the canal trips and the turtle walks are organised with local guides, and we arrange them with your lodge.
Is the park entrance included?
It depends on the package; we state it in your quote. At Laguna Lodge it is not included.