Tortuguero Tours & Transport

It's Costa Rica's village without roads. You arrive by boat on a jungle river, and wildlife lives right in the village.

• No cars: nature stays in the village
• Monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans all around
• Sea turtles nest on the beach (July–October)
• A local village, like going back in time

At least 2 nights. Getting here takes most of a day each way, and the best moments are at dawn (canal tour) and after dark (night or turtle tour). Stay 3 nights if you want it relaxed.

There is no road. Drive or take a bus to La Pavona dock, then ride 1 to 1½ hours by boat. Or fly about 30 minutes by small plane from San José.

No cars, no motorbikes, no roads. People walk, bike and take boats. That quiet is why animals live right in the village.

Many of them right from your hotel:

• Howler, spider and white-faced monkeys
• Sloths, caimans, river otters and frogs
• Toucans, herons, kingfishers and the great green macaw
• Green sea turtles nesting July–October

The favorites:

• Dawn canal boat tour in the national park
• Night jungle walk
• Turtle nesting tour (July–October)
• Cerro Tortuguero hike
• Canoe or kayak in the canals
• The village and the wild Caribbean beach

Any time of year. It's a rainforest, so expect some rain. The driest months are usually February, March, September and October. Green turtles nest July–October.

Yes for turtle tours (required by law), and the national park canals are visited by boat with a guide, who spots far more than you would. The village and the beach you can explore on your own.

Your seat on the boat (₡6,000 one way) and our luggage service: our team carries your suitcases from your car or bus to the boat. No dragging bags over a muddy riverbank in the rain. At La Pavona, ask for Osni.

Shared boats leave about every hour, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A private boat leaves whenever you want.

At the guarded parking next to La Pavona dock, ₡10,000 per night, paid there.

Tours, private boats and private cars: by card when you book, with instant confirmation. The shared boat: in cash on the day, no prepayment.

Bring colones for tips, small shops, parking and the shared boat. ATMs in Tortuguero are few and unreliable, so bring cash with you.

Yes. It's a small, quiet, car-free village. Usual care: don't leave valuables on the beach, and don't swim in the sea (strong currents, no lifeguards).

Very. No traffic, animals everywhere and short boat tours. The turtle tour is for ages 8 and up.

Caribbean Costa Rican: rice and beans in coconut milk, fresh fish, plantains and tropical fruit. Hotels offer meals, and the village has small local restaurants (sodas).

Most hotels have Wi-Fi. Phone signal works in the village (Kölbi and Claro work best) but is weak in the park. A good place to disconnect.

Not in the sea: strong currents and no lifeguards. Many hotels have a pool.

Yes, free up to 48 hours before your tour or transport. Cancel in My reservations or message us on WhatsApp; card payments are refunded.