Limon Province, northern Caribbean coast · Costa Rica
Jungle canals and a nesting beach for sea turtles, reached only by boat or plane.
Photo: S. Rae from Scotland, UK · CC BY 2.0
Tortuguero National Park is a network of natural canals winding through lowland rainforest on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast. There are no roads, so everything arrives by boat or small plane, and the sense of remoteness is part of the appeal.
The park is best known for the turtles that nest on the beach: green turtles from July to October, leatherbacks from March to June, and hawksbills and loggerheads in smaller numbers. Guided night tours are strictly regulated. Day trips by boat reveal caimans, river otters, monkeys, sloths and a huge variety of birds.
The village of Tortuguero is small and relaxed, with a handful of restaurants and guesthouses. Rain is possible at any time, so bring a poncho. Most visitors come on a two- or three-day package that includes transport, lodging and guided activities.
Why visit
Tortuguero is a remote and rewarding wildlife destination.
One of the best sites in the Caribbean.
Quiet canals and wildlife.
Dense lowland jungle.
Hundreds of species.
No roads.
Main attractions
Almost everything happens on the water or the beach.
Narrow jungle waterways by boat.
Tip Go at dawn.
Night tours with guides.
Tip No lights or flash.
Small waterfront village.
Tip Visit in the afternoon.
A volcanic hill with views.
Tip Climb early.
Learn about the conservation.
Tip Short visit.
A quiet fishing village nearby.
Tip Boat trip.
Things to do
Activities are guided and often early.
Seasonal.
Tip Book ahead.
Best for wildlife.
Tip Wear a poncho.
Quiet exploring.
Tip Go with a guide.
Views of the coast.
Tip Start early.
Local food and crafts.
Tip Walk around.
From a boat.
Tip Bring binoculars.
Local food
Caribbean flavours.
Cooked in coconut milk.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Caribbean seafood stew.
Where to try it Village eateries.
Fried plantain.
Where to try it Snack stalls.
Local catch.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Sweet local bread.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Lodges often offer packages.
Transport
Tortuguero is reached by boat or plane.
Boats and walking.
When to go
Drier months give easier travel; turtles nest from March to October.
Drier, leatherbacks start nesting.
Green turtle nesting.
Wet but alive.
Rain and fewer turtles.
Worth planning around: Rains can be heavy in November and December.
Itinerary
Canals and turtles.
Boat
Dawn
Travel tips
Tips for the canals.
FAQ
March to October.
Moderate to high.
No, guides are required for turtles.
By boat or plane.
Yes, often.
Two to three days.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Tortuguero, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Limon Province, Caribbean coast, Costa Rica
A relaxed stretch of coast with Cahuita National Park, Punta Uva, surf at Salsa Brava, chocolate tours and Afro-Caribbean food.
Don't miss Cycling along the coast to a black-sand beach with howler monkeys overhead.
Explore Destination — Puerto Viejo and CahuitaPuntarenas Province, southern Pacific coast, Costa Rica
A remote peninsula holding Corcovado National Park, one of the last large tracts of Pacific lowland rainforest, with Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez as bases.
Don't miss Walking at dawn on a remote beach with scarlet macaws overhead.
Explore Destination — Corcovado and the Osa PeninsulaAlajuela Province, northern Costa Rica, Costa Rica
An adventure hub at the foot of Arenal Volcano, with La Fortuna Waterfall, natural hot springs, hanging bridges, Lake Arenal and wildlife.
Don't miss Soaking in a warm river as the Arenal volcano towers overhead.
Explore Destination — Arenal and La FortunaRead next
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