Tortuguero National Park: Day Trips and Tours from San José

Experience an ecological wonderland with a day trip from San José to Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero translates to Land of Turtles, which is fitting, as the park is an important nesting site for four marine turtle species.

The park is a conservation area and has no roads, so visitors travel on a boat through the canals. Beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife make this spectacular rainforest a nature lovers' dream.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Tortuguero National Park, an unforgettable destination for a day trip from San José.

How to get to Tortuguero National Park from San José

Tortuguero National Park is on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, roughly 120 kilometers from San José by road and water. When visiting from San José you will need to drive to the town of La Pavona to the Embarcadero a Tortuguero and take a boat to Tortuguero.

From San José to Tortuguero National Park by car

Driving takes about 2.5 hours to get from San José to La Pavona. You’ll have to park at a secured, paid parking lot in La Pavona and take a water taxi into Tortuguero. Boats leave four times per day.

From San José to Tortuguero National Park by public transport

There is a bus shuttle service that offers daily transfers from San José to Tortuguero National Park and takes around 5.5 hours or a standard bus service that is not as frequent but is a shorter 3-hour trip. At Tortuguero village, you can board a small boat that will take you straight to the park.

A minivan or private car service to La Pavona’s Embarcadero a Tortuguero is much quicker as it takes about 2.5 hours. The minivan operator also handles the boat arrangements. Boat rides vary from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the river’s water level but it has amazing views with plentiful wildlife-watching opportunities.

From San José to Tortuguero National Park by plane

A flight is the most direct route to Tortuguero at 30 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll miss out on the boat ride, but flying in allows you a bird’s eye view of the stunning vistas.

Guided tour to Tortuguero National Park from San José

Guided tours are one of the best ways to discover Tortuguero National Park’s natural wonders. It offers the convenience of round trips starting from your hotel or a central meeting point, and a professional guide.

Given the distance and varying transport modes, day trips from San José to Tortuguero National Park last between 10 to 15 hours.

Note that not all tours are wheelchair accessible and some are not suitable for pregnant women. Some tours require a minimum number of participants and can be canceled if the weather conditions are not suitable.

How much does the entrance ticket to Tortuguero National Park cost?

Tortuguero National Park is managed by the Costa Rica government and visitors will have to pay an entrance fee.

• National and residents (adults): CRC1000 (US$2)
• National and residents (children): CRC500 (US$1)
• International visitors (adults): US$15
• International visitors (children): US$5

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips from San José to Tortuguero National Park include roundtrip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guided boat tour. The drive to Tortuguero goes through beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park which has abundant birds, wildlife and waterfalls. You will pass the impressive Barva Volcano as well, which reaches over 3,000 meters high.

Some tours include stops at a coffee or banana plantation, or a hike to Tortuguero Hill, which is the highest point on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and boasts some spectacular panoramic views.

You'll also get a chance to visit the quaint little Tortuguero village, which does not allow cars as there are no roads, only cycling and walking are permitted. Here you can stretch your legs, ride a bike, do a spot of shopping and indulge in a delicious lunch.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Tortuguero National Park?

Guided tour to Tortuguero National Park from San José

During this guided tour, you’ll enjoy a drive through the scenic Braulio Carrillo National Park, try a typical Costa Rican breakfast and visit a local banana plantation. Then, discover the paradise that's Tortuguero National Park. Tour the park from the water canals and feast on a delectable lunch at Tortuguero village.

This 12-hour tour is in English and is wheelchair accessible.

Private tour to Tortuguero National Park from San José

Group travelers wanting a private experience at Tortuguero National will love this semi-private option. This 10-hour-long tour can take a maximum of eight passengers. It includes a private boat tour on the canals led by a professional naturalist guide, a hike to Tortuguero Hill for some swoon-worthy views and lunch at the village.

Round-trip shuttle transfer without guide to Tortuguero from San José

This private transfer from San José also offers 1 free hour of time so you could add on an extra stop for pictures, stop to enjoy lunch or even just go exploring. However, if you go over this hour you will be charged an extra fee. This option allows you to customize your journey by adding on more stops or even a hike. It’s also a great group travel option and takes 3 to 4 hours.

Three-day tour to Tortuguero National Park from San José

A multi-day tour from San José to Tortuguero National Park promises a slow-paced and more in-depth experience. This 3-day trip allows you to stop and really smell the rainforest. You can also enjoy some free time exploring the area and visiting Tortuguero village.

There’s also the possibility of joining a night tour to see the sea turtle lay their eggs, but this is only available from July to September.

Four-day tour to Tortuguero National Park plus Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio from San José

Go on the eco-adventure of a lifetime to Tortuguero National Park and its surrounding sights on this 4-day trip from San José. This tour includes a hike in the active Arenal Volcano and a visit to the beautiful Butterfly Garden at Selvatura Park.

You can unwind at the Manuel Antonio National Park which offers a superb combination of nature wildlife, and pristine beaches. Get a new perspective with a visit to the amazing Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where the Monteverde Hanging Bridges are located, set 1,500 meters above sea level, boasting a dazzling array of flora and fauna.

How much does a day trip to Tortuguero National Park from San José cost?

A day trip to Tortuguero National Park from San José will vary in price depending on the inclusions and length.

A guided tour of Tortuguero National Park starts from US$195 per person, with some tours including the park fees and meals for the day.

Private tours are generally more expensive as they allow the opportunity to share the experience with just your group and customize the itinerary. Private tours from San José to Tortuguero National Park start from US$295 per person.

A transport-only option – that does not include a tour guide – in a private vehicle for up to six people costs a flat fee of US$400. This includes the trip back to San José.

A 3-day trip to Tortuguero National Park from San José starts from US$475 per person. This includes two-night accommodation, your breakfasts, lunches and two dinners.

For a chance to further explore the region, a 4-day trip from San José that includes other popular destinations, starts from US$800 per person with a minimum booking of two. This option will take you to the best sights without you having to do any of the planning.

What will you see and do?

A day trip to Tortuguero National Park from San José is the ideal way to get out of the city and explore a slice of paradise. Tortuguero National Park is the perfect destination to relax and get close to nature, with 442 bird species, 138 different mammals, and 118 reptile species – many of which are endangered.

If you're lucky you'll spot a jaguar or puma, and there are also turtles, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, river otters, manatees, crocodiles and an abundance of vegetation to explore. The biodiversity is amazing with 11 different habitats, including mangroves, swamps, lagoons and beaches.

Given this water-heavy adventure, a dry bag for your camera, phone and other possessions is essential.

Experience the quiet life

Discover a whole new way of life at the amazing Tortuguero village where the only modes of transport are boats and bicycles. This bustling little village with its unique culture, ecosystems and wildlife has set a blueprint for ecotourism across the country and beyond.

Go on a hiking trail

Even non-hikers will love the opportunity to walk in Tortuguero National Park as there are plenty of hiking trails and awe-inspiring photo opportunities. Hike to Tortuguero Hill, known for its marvelous panoramic views. You’ll make some incredible memories and get your steps in.

Hit the beach

Relax and revel in the scenery as you soak up some rays at the beautiful beaches. If you're up for an adventure, rent a kayak and explore the beach or canals. No trip to Tortuguero is complete without a visit to the turtle nesting sites.

Four different species nest in Tortuguero, laying their eggs from March to October. See leatherback turtles from February to April, loggerhead turtles from July to October, and hawksbill turtles from March to October. The green sea turtles arrive in large numbers from July and October.

What are the opening times?

Tortuguero National Park is open every day including holidays. It is accessible from 6 AM to 12 PM, but the park closes for an hour during lunch and opens again from 1 PM to 4 PM.

When is the best time to visit Tortuguero National Park?

The best time to visit Tortuguero National Park is during September and October, when you’ll experience the ideal weather. If you're going for the turtles, visit from July to October as you're more likely see the green sea turtles in action. The busiest times are December, July and August.

Travel tips

• You'll be taking boats to get around in Tortuguero, so it's best to travel light.
• Waterproof bags or covers are recommended to keep your belongings dry.
• Tortuguero National Park has a humid and rainy climate, especially from May to November. Pack a waterproof jacket, poncho, and suitable footwear.
• To fully experience Tortuguero National Park's magic, plan to spend at least one night. This will give you the opportunity to take nighttime turtle tours during the nesting season.
• Always maintain a safe distance from the wildlife, avoid flash photography, and never touch or harass the animals.
• Use eco-friendly insect repellent to protect yourself, the humid environment is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Bring cash for your trip, there are limited ATMs in Tortuguero National Park, and not all places accept credit cards.
• Drink plenty of water, and protect your skin with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
• While many people in the tourism industry will speak English, knowing basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interaction with locals.