How to Get to Tortuguero National Park: A Complete Travel Guide

Tucked away on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is a dream destination for nature lovers, teeming with wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

But getting to this remote paradise is part of the adventure! Whether you're traveling by land, water, or air, this guide will take you step by step to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks.

Getting to Tortuguero: The Basics

Tortuguero is unique in that there are no roads leading directly into the park. To access it, you'll need to combine land, water, and sometimes air travel. The journey may sound complex, but trust us—it’s well worth it.

Travel Options to Tortuguero

1. By Car and Boat: The Most Popular Route

Driving is a common choice for visitors starting from Costa Rica’s capital, San José.

Step 1: Drive to La Pavona. This dock is a gateway to Tortuguero. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours from San José. Once you arrive at La Pavona, you can leave your car every day you are in Tortuguero in one of the parking lots available (6000 colones/night).
Step 2: From the dock, take a boat ride through the winding canals that lead to Tortuguero Village. These boat rides are scenic, offering your first glimpse of the region’s stunning waterways. (Prices and schedules are shown below)

For a smoother trip, consider booking a shuttle service, which often includes the boat transfer.

2. By Air: The Fastest Way

If time is of the essence, flying is your best option. Sansa Airlines operates flights from San José’s domestic airport to the small airstrip near Tortuguero.

Flight Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
From the Airstrip: A short boat ride will take you to Tortuguero Village.

This option is pricier but offers stunning aerial views of Costa Rica's lush landscapes and waterways.

3. By Public Transportation and Boat: The Budget-Friendly Choice

For travelers on a budget, public transportation is a great alternative.

Step 1: Go to the Caribe Terminal in San José (Los Caribeños) and take a bus to Cariari with a cost of 1740 colones.
Step 2: From Cariari, transfer to a second bus heading to La Pavona dock, with a cost of 2000 colones.
Step 3: Board a public boat to Tortuguero.

While this route takes longer, it’s an affordable way to reach the park and experience local life along the way.

Prices and schedules to get to Tortuguero National Park by boat

The boat from La Pavona to Tortuguero takes approximately 1 hour to make the journey. Please note that this may be slightly longer as it makes several stops once in Tortuguero. Although it is not essential to book with time, it is advisable to do so to ensure a place on the boat for both the outbound and return journeys. You can do so via WhatsApp (7107-88-76).

Boat schedules from La Pavona to Tortuguero

Monday to Friday

06:00 a.m.
09:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
02:00 p.m.
04:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

06:00 a.m.
09:00 a.m.
01:00 p.m.
04:00 p.m.

Boat schedules from Tortuguero to La Pavona

Monday to Friday

05:00 a.m.
07:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
02:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

05:00 a.m.
07:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
02:00 p.m.

These schedules are maintained throughout the year, regardless of holidays and festivities. In addition to these schedules, there are some hotels that offer private boat service for their guests.

Prices

The price of the public boat is 3000 colones per person/trip and in case you want the boat to drop you off at the hotel, you must notify the captain and pay about 3000 colones more. In case you also want the boat to pick you up at the hotel on the way back, you must confirm it via WhatsApp.

When to Visit and Plan Your Trip

The best time to visit Tortuguero depends on what you want to see. Sea turtle nesting season, from July to October, is a magical time to visit, but the park is lush and vibrant year-round. Learn more about seasonal highlights in our article: Best Time to Visit Tortuguero National Park.

Pro Tip: Book your accommodation and boat transfers in advance, especially during the peak season, as they can fill up quickly.

Why the Journey is Worth It

The trip to Tortuguero is unlike any other. As you glide along the canals, surrounded by dense jungle and the calls of exotic birds, you'll realize that the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.

Start Your Adventure Now

Reaching Tortuguero National Park might take some planning, but it’s a journey you'll never forget. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take public transportation, every path leads to the untouched beauty and incredible biodiversity of this Caribbean treasure.

Ready to start planning your trip? Dive into our ultimate guide to Tortuguero National Park to discover everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure!