Tortuguero National Park is a must do if you come to Costa Rica, this National Park is considered the most spectacular ecotourism destination, you can experience the canals, rivers around, beaches and lagoons. The Tortuguero National Park is a perfect place to research about the rainforest and marine biology.
Where is the Tortuguero National Park?
The Tortuguero National Park is located at the small town of Tortuguero .
How to visit the Tortuguero National Park?
The Tortuguero Town can be visited by boat or domestic flight from San José.
Tortuguero has its own domestic airstrip in town, you can find local flights from San José with different schedules during the day and get this destination after 30’ (direct) 60’ minutes flight, (1 stop) besides saving lots of time, you’ll get great views from above.
Important Notes:
- Sometimes during the low season (May through November), only morning flights are available to Tortuguero. The costs from $80 -130 USD one way per person depending on the season.
- SANSA (flights operated on Cessna Grand Caravan): 1 piece with maximum weight of 30 lbs. /14 kgs and up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width). Overweight and additional baggage is transported subject to available space on the plane. Additional charge applies per pound: $1.50 USD.
By Land Transfer and Boat
This is the popular way to travel to Tortuguero. Land transportation is available from San José, Caribbean Coast and Arenal (private transportation and shuttles).
If you take an all-inclusive package with the main lodges at Tortuguero, it includes the transportation from San Jose (downtown) is necessary to stay the night before at the Capital and next day between 5:45 and 7:30 the lodge staff will pick you up to take you to the Pavona dock, don’t worry about breakfast, you will stop on your way to have a typical one. Once at La Pavona, board the lodge boat and navigate through the Tortuguero canals for one hour and a half approximately.
If you prefer to create your own package with a smaller or economic hotel at Tortuguero. There are daily shuttles from San José and Puerto Viejo. When you get to Tortuguero town you just walk to your hotel.
By Land Car rental and Boat
Arriving to La Pavona by car is a good option if you’d like to keep your rental car for the rest of your Vacation. It’s an easy drive from San José, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí or from the Caribbean Coast.
There’s also a big secure parking ($10 per night) a restaurant, clean bathrooms, a bar, small cafeteria, and gift shop.
Picking up your car rental after Tortuguero
- If you left your car parked at La Pavona, just take a public boat to the dock and take your car rental again.
- If you are visiting Tortuguero on an all-inclusive package we can delivery your car rental at Guápiles after your lunch stop, our representative will bring all the documentation directly to you and you can continue from there to your next destination. No extra cost for delivery and discount on the total rate for our Tortuguero travelers.
- If you don’t have an all-inclusive package and need the car to be delivery to La Pavona dock. This has a delivery fee of around $75.
Boats to Tortuguero
All-inclusive package:
The main lodges at Tortuguero offer the boat transportation so you don’t have to worry about taking a public boat at the dock.
Public Boats Schedule:
Boats depart from La Pavona dock 4 times a day (7:30, 11:00, 1:00, and 4:30). Please arrive early to ensure you don’t miss the boat.
Both boats go through the river and the Tortuguero Canals, offering picturesque views and wildlife watching opportunities during the trip.