- Only access
- Boat or plane
- Green turtles
- Jul–Oct
- Leatherbacks
- Mar–May
- From San José
- ~5–6 h
Getting to Tortuguero
- Packages from San José: the easiest option; shuttle and boat transfers, lodge, meals and tours included.
- Self-drive: drive to La Pavona (about 3.5 h from San José), leave the car in guarded parking and take a public boat (about 1 h).
- Public bus: San José to Cariari, then a bus to La Pavona and the boat. Cheap but slow.
- Fly: about 30 minutes from San José to the Tortuguero airstrip.
2- and 3-day Tortuguero packages include transfers, meals, a canal tour and a guided walk.
Compare Tortuguero packages ↗Turtle nesting seasons
| Species | Season | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Green turtle | June – October | August |
| Leatherback | March – May | April |
| Hawksbill | Occasional, mostly May – October | — |
Turtle-watching on the beach at night is only allowed on guided tours with certified local guides, and flash photography and lights are forbidden. Hatchlings emerge from about September to November.
Night turtle tours run from July to October and have limited spots per night.
Book a turtle tour ↗Canal tours
Early-morning canoe and boat tours through the park's canals are the best way to see caimans, river otters, monkeys, sloths and herons. Kayaking and guided jungle walks are also available.
Lodges line the canal north of the village; cheaper guesthouses are in the village itself.
Tortuguero lodges ↗Plan your trip to Tortuguero
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Tortuguero?
No. You can drive to La Pavona or Caño Blanco, park and continue by boat. There are no roads into the village.
When can you see turtles in Tortuguero?
Green turtles nest from about June to October, peaking in August. Leatherbacks nest from March to May.
How many days do you need in Tortuguero?
Two nights is ideal: arrive at lunchtime, do a canal tour and a turtle tour, and leave after a morning activity two days later.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.