National Parks Atlas
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01 · Costa Rica · Limón, Caribbean coast

Tortuguero National Park

Canals instead of roads: the largest green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere.

Photo: Lars0001 ↗ · Public domain ↗

Tortuguero at a glance · PDF, 2 pages

Tortuguero National Park: landscape and origins

The green turtle comes ashore from July to October – at night, and in larger numbers than anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.

After dark the females crawl out of the sea, dig a hollow in the dark sand, lay their eggs and cover them again. The tours go in small groups with a guide and begin with a short introduction to conservation and the rules.

Later in the year the young hatch. Nature guides then lead you in the early morning or just before sunset to nests from which the little turtles make their way to the water.

Torches are allowed only with red light, and keeping your distance is mandatory. If you visit in the season from July to October, your chances are best.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

The park in numbers

Main season
July to October
Leatherback
March to June
Hawksbill
April to October
Loggerhead
April and May
Tours
at night, small groups with a guide
Light
red light only
Park fee, international
US$15 a day

Visiting Tortuguero National Park: canals, rainforest and the turtle beach

Field book 03 · TicketsCanal and turtle tours usually charge the entrance fee separately.Field book 01 · WhenFour species nest here, each in its own season – and it rains almost all year.Field book 02 · Getting thereNo road leads to Tortuguero – the last stretch is always water or air.

02 · Places

Map: Tortuguero village, the canals and the route from La Pavona

Landings, park stations and canals, every point referenced in OpenStreetMap.

Photo: S. Rae from Scotland, UK ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Map

11 places on the map

Landings, park stations and canals, every point referenced in OpenStreetMap.

Open map3D terrain · details and photos for every place
  • Arrival2
  • History1
  • Nature3
  • Surroundings5

03 · Out and about

Tours & day trips: canoe tours, turtles at night and trails

In a canoe you get closest to the animals on the banks.

Photo: KTWL ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

“Here you swap the car for a boat – and stay in it.”

Tortuguero National Park · palm swamps and river

Tours & day trips: canoe tours, turtles at night and trails

Offer photo: Tortuguero: canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park

Jacob's tours · Canoe in the national park · 2.5 hours

Tortuguero: canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park

Two and a half hours in a paddle canoe through the park's canals, the way locals travel: quietly, close to the banks, with a guide – caimans, sloths, monkeys, herons and, with luck, manatees.

4.5 out of 5 stars424 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €18.18as of 4 Oct

  • 2.5 hours
  • Canoe, paddles, life jackets
  • Guide in English or Spanish
  • Park entrance extra

Departure Restaurant Miss Miriam #1 opposite the football pitch in Tortuguero village.

According to the list of inclusions, the tour covers the canoe, paddles, life jackets and a guide; the park entrance and the boat permit of US$2 per person are not included. Feeding animals and flash photography are not allowed. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Offer photo: Tortuguero: turtle nesting night tour

Jacob's tours · Evening on the beach · 2.5 hours

Tortuguero: turtle nesting night tour

With local guides to the beach at dusk, after a short introduction to conservation and the rules: green turtles and leatherbacks coming out of the sea to lay their eggs – at a distance and only with red light.

4.3 out of 5 stars340 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €26.12as of 4 Oct

  • 2.5 hours
  • Evenings from dusk
  • Small groups with a guide
  • Park entrance extra

Departure Miss Miriam Restaurant opposite the football pitch in Tortuguero village.

According to the list of inclusions, the tour covers the guided walk with local experts, the observation and an introduction to turtle conservation; travel to Tortuguero, food and drinks and the entrance sticker are not included. Cameras, drones and bright clothing are not allowed, torches only with red light. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 4 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

Nature in Tortuguero: sea turtles, caimans and manatees

Field book 04 · Where to stayIf you want to see the turtles, stay at least one night.Field book 05 · RulesOn the beach at night: little light, plenty of distance.

04 · Before you go

Places nearby

Photo: Lars0001 ↗ · Public domain ↗

Field book 07 · Sources6 sources, checked 4 Oct 2026

Field book · Tortuguero National Park

checked 4 Oct 2026

Tortuguero at a glance · PDF, 2 pages ↓

00My visit

Nothing saved yet. Every place card has a pin, and so does every place on the Map. What you save collects here, with days, notes and a preview you can share.

01Best time to visit: July to October for green turtles

Four species nest here, each in its own season – and it rains almost all year.

Green turtle: July to October

That is when they are most numerous on the beaches, according to the ICT. The night tours to the nests run in this period.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Leatherback: March to June

The largest sea turtle nests from March to June, according to the ICT, the hawksbill from April to October and the loggerhead in April and May.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Rain almost always

Tortuguero is on the rainy Caribbean side. Between December and April it gets drier, according to the ICT, but it still rains then too.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Daily 6:00 to 16:00

Both sectors are open seven days a week. The evening turtle tours take place on the beach with a guide.

ICT: Admission fees and hours of Costa Rica's national parks (Cuatro Esquinas and Jalova sectors) ↗

Climate through the year

Weather and climate in Tortuguero National Park

Best months by the climate data: February. Average daytime highs of around 27 °C, lows of around 22 °C, around 75 mm of precipitation a month. The wettest month is October (380 mm), the driest March (73 mm).

Climate chart in Tortuguero National ParkAverage daily highs from 26 °C to 30 °C, lows from 22 °C to 24 °C; monthly precipitation from 73 mm to 380 mm.
All monthly values as a table
Monthly averages 2001–2020, NASA POWER model
MonthHigh °CLow °CPrecipitation mm
January26.421.8139
February27.221.575
March28.621.873
April29.822.7109
May29.023.5279
June27.623.7303
July27.123.4312
August27.323.3266
September27.523.2294
October27.123.2380
November26.822.8314
December26.622.3183
Year2,727

Modelled values, not a weather station: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for a grid cell of about 55 × 70 km around the map point Caño Chiquero (10.54° N, 83.52° W), with an average cell elevation of about 210 m. Averages for 2001–2020. Higher ground and valleys can differ markedly.

Source: NASA POWER, climatology 2001–2020 ↗ · retrieved 4 Oct 2026

02How to get there: by boat from La Pavona, from Caño Blanco or by air

No road leads to Tortuguero – the last stretch is always water or air.

Via Cariari to La Pavona

From San José take Route 32 to Guápiles, continue to Cariari and on to the La Pavona landing. According to the ICT, buses run from Cariari to La Pavona at 6:00, 11:00 and 15:00.

Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Tortuguero National Park – area, history, directions, opening hours ↗

Show on the map

Boat from La Pavona

According to the ICT, water taxis leave for Tortuguero at 7:30, 12:30 and 16:30 and return at 5:30, 9:00, 11:00 and 14:45. If you come by car, be at La Pavona by about 16:00; otherwise you will have to spend the night in Cariari.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Show on the map

Parking at La Pavona

The car park at the landing costs US$10 a day and is guarded around the clock, according to the ICT. There is no lodging at La Pavona.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Show on the map

Via Caño Blanco to Jalova

For the southern Jalova sector, drive via Siquirres to Caño Blanco and continue by private boat only.

Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Tortuguero National Park – area, history, directions, opening hours ↗

Show on the map

By plane

Sansa and Aerobell fly from San José to Tortuguero – more expensive but much faster, according to the ICT. The airstrip is at Barra de Tortuguero.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Show on the map

Via Moín

Private boats leave from Moín near Limón; the trip takes about half a day and is an excursion through the canals in itself.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Destiny Travel Costa Rica · From San José · 3 days

From San José: 3-day Tortuguero trip with transfer, lodge and canal tour

The whole journey in one package: pickup in San José, a drive past Braulio Carrillo National Park, a boat ride through the canals, two nights in a lodge with all meals, a canal tour with a naturalist guide and a visit to the village and the sea turtle museum.

4.4 out of 5 stars58 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €577.42as of 4 Oct

Departure Pickup at hotels in San José, Alajuela and Heredia.

According to the list of inclusions, the trip covers pickup and drop-off, all meals, air-conditioned transport, two nights' lodging, boat transfers, a naturalist guide and guided tours; not included are the US$15 national park fee, a US$2 donation to the sea turtle museum, alcohol, the night turtle tour and tips. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 4 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

03Tickets & entrance fees: US$15 a day for international visitors

Canal and turtle tours usually charge the entrance fee separately.

Check official fees ↗

International visitors: US$15

The fee decree sets US$15 per person and day for the national park and the adjoining Barra del Colorado refuge, or the equivalent in colones.

Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗

Residents: 1,000 colones

Residents pay 1,000 colones. Under the decree, non-resident children aged 2 to 12 pay US$5 and children under two nothing.

Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗

Cerro Tortuguero: US$2

The lookout hill lies in the Barra del Colorado refuge and costs US$2 for international visitors and 500 colones for residents under the decree.

Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗

Show on the map

Online or at the station

The protected-areas agency sells tickets for Tortuguero through its online system SICORE, with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors. You can also pay by card at the ticket offices of the protected areas.

SINAC: online purchase and booking system (SICORE) with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors, frequently asked questions ↗

Usually extra on tours

The checked canoe and turtle tours below do not include the park entrance according to their list of inclusions; you need to carry your own ticket.

GetYourGuide: night tour to the nesting turtles (evidence for itinerary and beach rules) · Ad ↗

Free on 24 August

On National Parks Day, entry to all protected areas is free for everyone, according to the agency's FAQ.

SINAC: online purchase and booking system (SICORE) with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors, frequently asked questions ↗

04Where to stay: Tortuguero village or the lodges along the canals

If you want to see the turtles, stay at least one night.

The village

According to the ICT, Tortuguero has the most developed tourism services around the park; you get around on foot or by bicycle.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Show on the map

Lodges on the canals

Many lodges sit by the water and run their own tours. The package tour from San José below includes transfer, lodging and meals.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Not at La Pavona

There is no lodging at the landing. If you miss the last boat, you spend the night in Cariari.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Show on the map

05Rules in Tortuguero National Park: the beach at night, light, pets

On the beach at night: little light, plenty of distance.

Red light on the beach

On the turtle tours only red-light torches are allowed so the animals are not disturbed; cameras and drones stay behind, according to the operator.

GetYourGuide: night tour to the nesting turtles (evidence for itinerary and beach rules) · Ad ↗

Keep your distance

Groups go with a guide and keep their distance from the animals; there is a short introduction to the rules first.

GetYourGuide: night tour to the nesting turtles (evidence for itinerary and beach rules) · Ad ↗

No pets

Pets are not allowed in the protected areas.

SINAC: online purchase and booking system (SICORE) with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors, frequently asked questions ↗

No fires, take rubbish home

Gas stoves, grills and campfires are not allowed in the protected areas; take your rubbish home.

SINAC: online purchase and booking system (SICORE) with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors, frequently asked questions ↗

Official stations only

The fee decree allows access to protected areas only through the official entrances.

Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗

06Frequently asked questions: Tortuguero National Park

How much is the entrance fee for Tortuguero National Park?

Under the fee decree, international visitors pay US$15 a day and residents 1,000 colones. Non-resident children aged 2 to 12 pay US$5. Cerro Tortuguero costs an extra US$2.

Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗

How do I get to Tortuguero?

By bus or car via Guápiles and Cariari to the La Pavona landing, then by boat to the village. Boats leave at 7:30, 12:30 and 16:30. Alternatively, fly with Sansa or Aerobell from San José.

Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Tortuguero National Park – area, history, directions, opening hours ↗

When is turtle season in Tortuguero?

Green turtles nest mainly from July to October, leatherbacks from March to June. The night tours take small groups to the beach with a guide.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

Where do I park for Tortuguero?

At the La Pavona landing: US$10 a day, guarded around the clock. No cars drive in the village itself.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

What are the opening hours of Tortuguero National Park?

Daily from 6:00 to 16:00, at both the Cuatro Esquinas and Jalova sectors.

ICT: Admission fees and hours of Costa Rica's national parks (Cuatro Esquinas and Jalova sectors) ↗

How many days do you need in Tortuguero?

Because of the long journey, most visitors stay at least one night, often two: a day for the canals and trails and an evening for the turtles in season.

ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗

07Where the information comes from

Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT, park page and miniguide), fee decree 38295-MINAE and the protected-areas agency SINAC.

  1. Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Tortuguero National Park – area, history, directions, opening hours ↗
  2. ICT: Admission fees and hours of Costa Rica's national parks (Cuatro Esquinas and Jalova sectors) ↗
  3. ICT: Miniguide of Tortuguero & Parismina (PDF, October 2024) – getting there, turtle seasons, tours ↗
  4. Executive Decree 38295-MINAE: fees for protected areas, current version (Costa Rican legal information system SCIJ) ↗
  5. SINAC: online purchase and booking system (SICORE) with the Canales and Cerro Tortuguero sectors, frequently asked questions ↗
  6. GetYourGuide: night tour to the nesting turtles (evidence for itinerary and beach rules) · Ad ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 4 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Dates apply only to the year stated. A successful automatic fetch is not an editorial confirmation; outdated automatic values are hidden and replaced by the source link.

Current information from the park ↗

Image and map credits

Location sources: All points come from OpenStreetMap and are referenced individually by object number. Their position relative to the park was checked against the OpenStreetMap boundary of Tortuguero National Park (relation 10312737): the Cuatro Esquinas station and Caño Mora lie inside; Tortuguero village, the airstrip, San Francisco and Cerro Tortuguero lie outside, as do La Pavona, Cariari and Barra de Parismina. Markers do not imply that access is permitted. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coastlines of the chapter map: Natural Earth.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗