Updated August 2022
Tucked high into the northeast corner of Costa Rica, is a rare jewel in a country that’s packed full of delightful jewels. This tiny corner is where you’ll find Tortuguero, and Tortuguero National Park: a turtle lover’s paradise, a nature buff’s dream retreat.
Located in Limón Province on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, this off-the-beaten-path locale is the perfect nesting site for green turtles, so it is well-protected and regulated. The Sea Turtle Conservancy runs a research station here, and visitors are encouraged. To be sure, Tortuguero is the perfect choice for turtle enthusiasts, but it isn’t only about the turtles. Tortuguero’s freshwater canals, wetlands, and forests are home to an array of wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, and manatees. So it’s a great choice for anyone seeking to get in touch with nature on a deeper level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortuguero National Park
But it’s important to understand that Tortuguero National Park is remote, and because of that, it presents unique challenges. How do you buy a ticket for Tortuguero National park? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just walking up to a window or tapping a park ranger on the shoulder. Will your luggage be too heavy to get there? It’s possible, but never fear… you’re in the right place! We’re walking you through it step by step: what to do in Tortuguero, how to do it, and a whole lot more.
Q: What is the weather like in Tortuguero?
A: The year-round temperature in Tortuguero is in the consistently comfortable upper 70s to mid-80s range. However, this is the jungle, so expect it to be HUMID!! The rainfall averages about 200 inches per year with July and August being the wettest months. Be prepared for sudden (but quick) showers at any time of the day. The driest months of the year are April and May as well as September and October.
Q: What are the best months to visit Tortuguero?
A: As you might expect from the name Tortuguero, the main attraction is sea turtle nesting season in Costa Rica, when hundreds of Green and Leatherback Sea Turtles come to the shores of the beach every evening to lay their eggs.
Sea turtle nesting season in Tortuguero can last from June to October, but to ensure the best odds of catching this incredible natural phenomenon, we recommend visiting between July and September.
Known as an arribada, this incredible phenomenon happens approximately every 28 days throughout the season, in conjunction with the lunar cycle. Turtles gather offshore in the days leading up to the arribada, and make landfall all at once, sometimes laying millions of eggs when they do. This synchronized nesting practice happens in spectacular numbers at Costa Rica’s Ostional Wildlife Reserve, on the Pacific coast. If you have a turtle lover in your life, it’s worth checking out. While being respectful of the turtles, of course.
With that said, any time of the year is a perfect time to see hundreds of water birds, trogons, toucans, colorful frogs and butterflies, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and a menagerie of a thousand more critters thriving in this unique protected rainforest. That makes Tortuguero an exceptional destination for nature lovers no matter what time of the year you are visiting Costa Rica.
Want to learn more about Tortuguero turtle conservation? Check out this blog, and even keep tabs on all your favorite turtle friends with the Sea Turtle Conservancy turtle tracker!
Q: How much does it cost to go to Tortuguero National Park?
A: Costa Rica’s government manages Tortuguero National Park. The entrance fee is $15 per person, and it’s open daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, with a ranger station with public bathrooms in the town. But this is crucial: the ranger station is not where you purchase tickets. Tickets must be purchased online prior to your arrival. Check out this step-by-step video that provides excellent guidance on the ticket purchasing process.
Go here to buy a pass for Tortuguero National Park. This is a platform where you can purchase tickets to all national parks in Costa Rica, so make sure you are choosing Tortuguero! And if you want to check out some of Costa Rica’s other national parks, you’re already in the right place.
Q: How to get to Tortuguero Costa Rica? Can I drive my car?
A: It is not possible to drive to Tortuguero as it is only accessible by boat. If you are renting a car in Costa Rica, we recommend you book your trip to Tortuguero at either the end or beginning of your vacation. This way you do not have to pay to park the car at Caño Blanco or La Pavona water taxi terminals. This saves a bit of money on daily car rental fees and parking fees.
However, if you book your overnight tour with us, you rental car can be stored securely with your luggage at the Exploration Center in Siquirres. If you have already booked your hotel in Tortuguer, you can use the Tortuguero shuttle services provided to or from San Jose, Arenal, or Puerto Viejo.
Q: How do I sign up for the Tortuguero overnight tour?
A: If you’re looking to really explore the park, the Tortuguero Costa Rica 2-Day Expedition is hands-down the best deal around. There are not many operations that include transportation in their offerings, and none that offer transportation from one destination to another. You can pick up this tour from San Jose, Puerto Viejo, & La Fortuna / Arenal, and put your 2 or 3-day adventure in Tortuguero in between destinations, then head somewhere new after Tortuguero. Best of all they will help you arrange all the activities so you do not need to hassle with the online booking system for the National Park. It’s a lot of flexibility for a really reasonable price.
And if you are a bit more adventurous, add a day of rafting the Pacuare River to your package. There are discounted rates available for combos, why not keep saving even more?
Q: What should I pack if staying overnight in Tortuguero?
A: Keeping in mind it is important to travel light, our suggested staples include:
- Lightweight clothing (2 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of socks)
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Camera
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops
- Eco friendly insect repellent
- Binoculars (there is so much wildlife in the rainforest, you won’t be sorry you brought these, trust us.)
- Raincoat or travel poncho
If you plan to do the optional tour to see the turtles laying their eggs at night, please bring dark clothing. And most important when traveling in a foreign country, you should always have your passport and visa on you.
Q: How much luggage am I allowed to bring with me to Tortuguero?
A: Tortuguero is a remote destination, accessible only by boat or a small passenger plane. So, it makes sense that you are limited on the amount of luggage you can bring with you.
Tortuguero Overnight Tours, no matter where you’re departing (San Jose, La Fortuna, or Puerto Viejo) have a 25lb limit per person for baggage. If necessary, you’ll need to leave any large or heavy suitcases at the Exploration Center and take only the essentials with you in your carry-on.
It’s important that the size of your bag be no larger than the carry-on luggage accepted on most international flights. The volume is more important than the weight. Although your luggage will be kept in our secure storage, for your peace of mind we recommend that you take all of your valuables with you such as credit cards, cash and any electronics.
If you are booking your own trip to Tortuguero, you will need to check directly with the lodging or the transportation provider taking you there. There is no weight limit on our Tortuguero shuttles. However, keep in mind you will need to lug your own luggage in and out of a boat and through unpaved paths in many cases. So, packing light is your best option regardless.
Q: What is there to do in Tortuguero?
A: There are so many things to do in Tortuguero! Rent a kayak, go canoeing, take a motor boat tour, explore Tortuguero at night, check out the town, and of course, epic nature trails are everywhere to be found. What’s your passion?
Costa Rica ecotourism is second to none, and Tortuguero is high on the list of legendary traveler favorites. If you love nature and wildlife, one day in Tortuguero is just not enough, and that’s where our 2 and 3-day adventure comes in. With 11 different habitats, you’ll experience rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons all in one day. The park is so much more than the turtles and freshwater canals it’s famous for. You’ll see howler monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, toucans, water birds, colorful frogs, butterflies… the list goes on and on. Learn more about this incredible destination and ways to get there here!
If you are arriving in Puerto Limon on a cruise ship, you may want to know that Tortuguero is at the top of the list of things to do from Puerto Viejo! Definitely consider one of many shore excursions in Limon that include a boat trip up the Tortuguero canals… it’s a world away from cruise ship life, and definitely one for the bucket list!
Q: Are there banks or ATMs where I can take out cash in Tortuguero? How much money will I need?
A: Tortuguero is a very small town and you will not have access to any banks or ATM machines once you depart Siquirres!
Be sure to bring plenty of cash with you for the daily park entrance fees ($17 per day per adult, $2 per child 6-12), for souvenirs, incidentals, the optional Sea Turtle nesting tours ($35), and any additional food and beverages not included in your lodging package.
Q: Since Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean, is there a nice beach area and maybe snorkeling?
A: Though located on the Caribbean coast with miles of beachfront, Tortuguero is not much of a beach destination. It’s directly on the open ocean and the currents are strong, so we do not recommend going swimming at all. Tortuguero National Park is focused on the wildlife it is designated to protect. Most likely you will be too busy checking out all the amazing creatures to even care about the beach. There are much better beaches to visit on either coast of Costa Rica.
Q: Is Tortuguero safe? Is it a good place for families with young children?
A: Yes! Tortuguero is a wonderfully safe place! Children of all ages love the up-close and personal experience of communing with nature in this way. You’ll find that most activities are 100% family friendly.
One thing to be considerate of is the height of any young ones. You may want to bring along a booster seat for better visibility on the boat tours. Also, as the climate is hot and humid in Tortuguero. Consider packing extra water or Pedialyte to ensure your little adventurers stay well-hydrated.
Q: Can you accommodate someone with disabilities?
A: Tortuguero is a remote location accessed only by boat. So, it can be difficult for people with limited mobility. We do our best to accommodate everyone we can, so if you have doubts, contact us directly and we are happy to look into the best options for you.
We want everyone who possibly can to experience Tortuguero Costa Rica. It’s such a remarkable place, it’s easy to see why many consider it the “Amazon” of Costa Rica. With 11 different habitats and thousands of species of animals, from bugs and frogs to jaguars and crocs, it’s the once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll want to make time for.
Book your Tortuguero Expedition here and get ready for an unforgettable lifetime experience in Costa Rica!