Tortuguero tours and packages
Tortuguero Tours: Wildlife, Canals & Caribbean Rainforest
Discover the best Tortuguero tours and packages with flexible options for every type of traveler. Choose from guided canoe tours, Jaguar Trail hikes, night walks, seasonal turtle nesting tours, multi-day packages, and self-drive options that include round-trip boat transfers and La Pavona parking. Whether you are arriving by car, traveling from San José, or planning a complete Tortuguero wildlife experience, we help you organize a smooth and memorable visit to Costa Rica’s Amazon of the Caribbean.
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Arriving by car to La Pavona | 3-in-1 Combo with Boat Transfers & Parking |
| Visiting during July–October | Turtle Nesting Tour or Turtle Nesting Package |
| Short stay in Tortuguero | Canoe Tour + Jaguar Trail Hike |
| Wildlife photographers | Early Morning Canoe Tour |
| Families | Canoe Tour, Night Walk, or 3-Day Package |
| Travelers without transportation | Complete Package with Land & Boat Transfers |
Why Choose Tortuguero
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Winding rainforest canals teeming with wildlife
Tortuguero’s labyrinth of peaceful canals is alive with wildlife at every turn. Glide through the waterways with a local guide, spotting hidden creatures like frogs, iguanas, and birds while surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
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High chance to spot monkeys, caimans, exotic birds, and turtles
The park is home to a remarkable variety of animals. Keep your eyes peeled for howler and capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees, caimans basking along the riverbanks, colorful tropical birds, and, during nesting season, sea turtles coming ashore.
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Lush jungle scenery and serene waterways accessible by boat
Experience the beauty of Tortuguero’s jungle without strenuous hiking. The calm canals make it easy to enjoy the vibrant rainforest scenery from the water, offering peaceful, intimate views of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Top Highlights of Tortuguero Tours
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Guided boat and walking tour through Tortuguero canals and trails
Navigate the serene canals and explore rainforest trails with a certified local guide. Learn to spot hidden wildlife like howler monkeys, caimans, and tropical birds while enjoying the peaceful beauty of Tortuguero’s waterways.
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Learn about rainforest plants, animals, and local conservation efforts
Discover the secrets of the rainforest as your guide explains the roles of native plants, identifies fascinating wildlife, and shares insights into Tortuguero’s conservation initiatives, helping you understand how humans and nature coexist in this unique ecosystem.
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Optional sea turtle nesting experience (seasonal)
During the nesting season, experience the magic of watching sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs or hatchlings make their first journey to the sea. This unforgettable activity highlights the importance of protecting these endangered species.
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Small group, personal attention for a relaxed, immersive experience
Our tours are limited to small groups, allowing for a personalized experience. Your guide can answer all questions, help with photography, and ensure everyone enjoys an intimate, in-depth encounter with Tortuguero’s wildlife.
Why Book With Costa Rica Wildlife Tours?
- Certified local naturalist guides
- Small-group wildlife experiences
- Help with Tortuguero logistics, boats, parking, and transfers
- Local partners in Tortuguero
- Options for self-drive travelers and travelers needing full transportation
- WhatsApp support before and during your trip
Tortuguero Day Tours / Individual Activities
$30 to $40
/ Per Person
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Location: Tortuguero Village and protected beach area
Availability: Seasonal – July 1st to October 31st only
Start Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $40 per person
4–6 Pax: $35 per person
7–9 Pax: $32 per person
10+ Pax: $30 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
$25 to $35
/ Per Person
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy — calm canals, suitable for beginners
Recommended Time: Early morning is best for wildlife observation
Start Time: Available between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $35 per person
4–6 Pax: $32 per person
7–9 Pax: $30 per person
10+ Pax: $25 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
$20 to $30
/ Per Person
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Location: Tortuguero National Park — Jaguar Trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best For: Wildlife observation, rainforest scenery, birds, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $30 per person
4–6 Pax: $28 per person
7–9 Pax: $25 per person
10+ Pax: $20 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
$65 to $85
/ Per Person
–Canoe Tour through the Tortuguero canals
–Jaguar Trail Hike in Tortuguero National Park
–Night Walk or Turtle Nesting Tour during turtle season
Duration: Full experience divided into separate tour times
Location: Tortuguero canals, Jaguar Trail, Tortuguero Village, and protected beach area
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best For: Wildlife lovers, families, couples, photographers, and first-time visitors
Seasonal Note:
During turtle nesting season, the Night Walk may be replaced by the Turtle Nesting Tour, depending on availability and conditions.
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $85 per person
4–6 Pax: $80 per person
7–9 Pax: $75 per person
10+ Pax: $65 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
$30 to $45
/ Per Person
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
Location: Cerro Tortuguero sector
Difficulty: Moderate — includes stairs and uphill sections
Best For: Scenic views, rainforest, wildlife observation, birds, monkeys, and photography
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $45 per person
4–6 Pax: $40 per person
7–9 Pax: $36 per person
10+ Pax: $30 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
$25 to $35
/ Per Person
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Location: Tortuguero Village / nearby rainforest trail area
Difficulty: Easy — suitable for most travelers
Best For: Frogs, insects, reptiles, nocturnal wildlife, photography, and families
PRICE PER PERSON
1–3 Pax: $35 per person
4–6 Pax: $32 per person
7–9 Pax: $30 per person
10+ Pax: $25 per person
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
Tortuguero Combo Tours
Tortuguero 3-in-1 Combo with Boat Transfers & La Pavona Parking
$85 to $180
/ Per Person
Focus: Canoe tour, rainforest canals, Jaguar Trail, monkeys, sloths, caimans, tropical birds, night walk or turtle nesting tour, boat transfers, and La Pavona parking.
Duration: Flexible package for travelers staying 1 to 3 nights in Tortuguero.
Season: Available year-round. Turtle Nesting Tour available mainly from July to October.
Arrival Point: La Pavona Dock
Package Style: Self-drive Tortuguero experience — land transportation is not included.
With Round-Trip Boat Transfer + Uncovered Covered parking is available for an additional $5 per night.
Important: Tortuguero National Park entrance tickets are not included in this package. They are required for the Canoe Tour and Jaguar Trail Hike and must be purchased online in advance through the official SINAC website.
| Group Size | 1 Night Parking | 2 Nights Parking | 3 Nights Parking | 4 Nights Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax | $111 pp | $121 pp | $131 pp | $141 pp |
| 3 Pax | $108 pp | $114 pp | $121 pp | $128 pp |
| 4 Pax | $101 pp | $106 pp | $111 pp | $116 pp |
| 5 Pax | $100 pp | $104 pp | $108 pp | $112 pp |
| 6 Pax | $99 pp | $103 pp | $106 pp | $109 pp |
| 7 Pax | $94 pp | $97 pp | $100 pp | $102 pp |
| 8 Pax | $94 pp | $96 pp | $99 pp | $101 pp |
| 9 Pax | $93 pp | $95 pp | $98 pp | $100 pp |
| 10+ Pax | From $83 pp | From $85 pp | From $87 pp | From $89 pp |
Tortuguero Turtle Nesting 2-day Package
$235 to $280
/ Per Person
2 Days / 1 Night | Seasonal: July–October
Experience Tortuguero’s famous sea turtle nesting season with a well-organized overnight package that includes shared land and boat transportation, lodging with A/C, breakfast, a guided canoe tour, national park entrance fee, and a responsible turtle nesting tour with authorized local guides.
This package is ideal for travelers who want a shorter Tortuguero experience without the stress of arranging transportation, parking, boat transfers, lodging, and activities separately.
From $235 per person
Available Versions
Standard Shared: Shared A/C van transfers, boat transfers, standard accommodation with A/C, canoe tour, turtle nesting tour, and park entrance fee. Best value.
Comfort Shared: Same transportation and activities as Standard Shared, with upgraded accommodation with A/C.
Private Guided: Private A/C transportation with bilingual guide/driver, boat transfers, selected accommodation with A/C, canoe tour, turtle nesting tour, and flexible logistics.
Best for: turtle nesting season, wildlife lovers, families, couples, and travelers looking for a short but complete Tortuguero experience.
Departure Options: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, La Fortuna, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Manzanillo.
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
Tortuguero Turtle Nesting 3-day Package
$275 to $330
/ Per Person
3 Days / 2 Nights | Seasonal: July–October
Experience Tortuguero’s famous sea turtle nesting season with a complete rainforest and wildlife package that includes shared land and boat transportation, lodging with A/C, breakfast, guided activities, and a responsible turtle nesting tour with authorized local guides.
This package is ideal for travelers who want a deeper Tortuguero experience, with more time to enjoy the rainforest canals, Tortuguero Village, conservation history, tropical wildlife, and the magic of sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast.
From $295 per person
Available Versions
Standard Shared: Shared A/C van transfers, boat transfers, standard accommodation with A/C, guided canoe tour, Tortuguero Village visit, turtle nesting tour, and organized shared logistics. Best value.
Comfort Shared: Same transportation and activities as Standard Shared, with upgraded accommodation with A/C.
Private Guided: Private A/C transportation with bilingual guide/driver, boat transfers, selected accommodation with A/C, guided activities, turtle nesting tour, and flexible logistics.
Best for: sea turtle nesting season, wildlife lovers, families, couples, nature travelers, rainforest canals, monkeys, sloths, caimans, tropical birds, Tortuguero Village, and conservation.
Departure Options: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, La Fortuna, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Manzanillo.
Have a group?
Contact us for a special group discount or a customized quote.
WhatsApp: +506 8862-4218
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wildlife tours in Tortuguero?
The most popular Tortuguero wildlife tours include the canoe tour through the national park canals, the Jaguar Trail hike, the night walk, the Cerro Tortuguero hike, and the seasonal turtle nesting tour from July to October.
What is the best time of day for the Tortuguero canoe tour?
Early morning is usually the best time for wildlife observation, especially for birds, monkeys, caimans, iguanas, and other animals that are more active during cooler hours.
Is the Tortuguero turtle nesting tour available year-round?
No. Turtle nesting tours are seasonal and are mainly available from July to October. Outside of turtle season, travelers can choose a night walk or another wildlife activity.
Do I need to buy the Tortuguero National Park entrance ticket?
For tours inside Tortuguero National Park, such as the canoe tour and Jaguar Trail hike, the national park entrance ticket is required and should be purchased online through the official SINAC website when it is not included in the package.
Can I book Tortuguero tours if I arrive by car?
Yes. Self-drive travelers can book options that include boat transfers from La Pavona, parking, and guided activities in Tortuguero without land transportation from San José or other destinations.
Are Tortuguero tours suitable for families?
Yes. Many Tortuguero tours are suitable for families, especially the canoe tour, village visit, turtle nesting tour during season, and easy wildlife walks. Some activities, such as Cerro Tortuguero, require more walking and stairs.
Can I book only boat transfers, parking, and guided tours if I arrive with my own car?
Yes. Our Tortuguero 3-in-1 Combo with Boat Transfers & La Pavona Parking is designed for self-drive travelers who arrive by car and do not need land transportation. It includes guided activities, round-trip boat transfers, and La Pavona parking options.
Discover Tortuguero with Costa Rica Wildlife Tours
Join Costa Rica Wildlife Tours for unforgettable Tortuguero Tours and personalized journeys through Costa Rica’s South Caribbean, volcanoes, cloud forests, and Pacific coast. Explore wildlife-rich canals, rainforest trails, and authentic local culture with tours crafted by experienced local experts.
Authentic Wildlife & Nature Adventures in Costa Rica
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
Follow Park Rules: In the park, keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Never feed or attempt to touch animals. During turtle tours, only your guide should shine red lights; no flash photography is allowed on the beach. Stick to marked trails or your boat’s path to avoid trampling vegetation.
Pack Green: Bring reusable water bottles (park water is filtered but plastic is scarce), reef-safe sunscreen (to protect aquatic ecosystems), and biodegradable insect repellent. There are often few trash bins, so carry out anything you bring in.
Getting Around: Within Tortuguero Village there are no cars. Everything is a short walk, bike ride or lancha boat ride. Lodges usually meet guests by boat at the dock.
Best Time to Visit: Leatherback turtles nest from about February through June (peak March–April), while green and hawksbill turtles nest from June through October (peak August–September). Wildlife viewing by boat is good year-round, but the three wettest months are typically June, July and December. February–April and September tend to be relatively drier.
Support the Local Economy: Hire local guides and boat operators, dine at village restaurants, and consider purchasing crafts or produce from residents. This ensures tourism directly benefits the Caribbean communities.
Respect the Rainforest: Expect rain any day of the year – pack a poncho and quick-dry clothing. Stay on boardwalks or paths to avoid damaging undergrowth. If you go on night walks, use flashlights sparingly and stay quiet to enjoy nocturnal wildlife without disturbance.
Tortuguero National Park tickets are required for activities inside the park, including the Canoe Tour and Jaguar Trail Hike. Tickets must be purchased online through the official SINAC platform. As a reference, SINAC lists the foreign adult entrance fee at $15 and foreign children at $5, but visitors should always confirm the latest price before booking.
Visitor Tips: Plan on staying at least 2–3 nights. Bring cash for souvenirs and tips. Use insect repellent. A flashlight is essential for night walks. The Caribbean sun can be strong, so pack a hat and biodegradable sunscreen.
