🛶 How to Get to Tortuguero, Costa Rica
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Your complete guide to boats, shuttles, flights & travel tips
Hidden deep in Costa Rica’s northeastern Caribbean lowlands, Tortuguero National Park is one of the country’s most unique and breathtaking destinations. But here’s the catch: there are no roads into Tortuguero Village. Getting here takes a bit of adventure—but that’s part of the charm.
This guide will walk you through the best ways to reach Tortuguero from San José, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, and more, including local tips and safe routes.
🚨 First Things First: No Cars Allowed
Tortuguero is a car-free village. If you drive, you’ll need to leave your car in a secure parking lot near the dock. The only ways to reach the village are:
🚤 Boat (from La Pavona or Moin)
🛩️ Small plane (from San José to Tortuguero Airstrip)
🗺️ Main Routes to Tortuguero
🏙️ From San José (Capital City)
🚍 Option 1: Public Bus + Boat (Budget-Friendly & Scenic)
Total travel time: ~6 hours
Cost: $15–$20 USD
Step-by-Step:
Bus from San José to Cariari
Terminal: Gran Terminal del Caribe (Downtown San José)
Duration: 2–2.5 hrs | Cost: ~$7
Bus from Cariari to La Pavona Dock
Departure: Coordinated with boat schedules (~9:30 AM, 1:00 PM)
Duration: 1.5 hrs | Cost: ~$3
Boat from La Pavona to Tortuguero
Duration: 1.5 hrs | Cost: ~$10
Schedules: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM
💡 Tip: Take a morning boat to avoid afternoon rain.
🛩️ Option 2: Domestic Flight (Fastest & Easiest)
Airline: Sansa Airlines
Flight time: 30 min | Cost: $100–$150 one way
Departs: San José (SJO Domestic Terminal)
Arrives: Tortuguero Airstrip (5-min boat ride from village)
💡 Book early during turtle nesting season (Jul–Oct).
🌋 From La Fortuna / Arenal
Shuttle + Boat Combo (Most Convenient)
Shuttle La Fortuna → La Pavona (3.5–4 hrs | $55–$70 USD)
Boat La Pavona → Tortuguero (1.5 hrs | see above)
💡 Most shuttles leave around 5:30–6:00 AM to connect with the 11:00 AM boat.
🏖️ From Puerto Viejo / Cahuita (Caribbean Coast)
Bus + Moin Boat (Most Scenic)
Bus Puerto Viejo → Limón (1.5 hrs)
Taxi Limón → Moin Dock (20 min)
Boat Moin → Tortuguero (4–5 hrs | $45 USD per person)
💡 This boat ride along the Caribbean canals is one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica—perfect for nature photography.
🏝️ From Tamarindo / Nicoya Peninsula
Travel day or overnight in San José recommended.
Tamarindo → San José (5–6 hrs by bus/shuttle)
San José → Tortuguero (bus + boat or flight, see above)
🚐 Transport Tips for Tortuguero
Travel early: Mornings are drier and more reliable.
Book official providers: Especially for shuttles and boats.
Pack light: Luggage can get wet on boats (use waterproof bags).
Bring cash: ATMs in Tortuguero are limited.
Motion sickness? Take medication before the boat ride.
🛶 Getting Around in Tortuguero
Once you’re in the village:
🚶 On foot – The entire town is walkable in under 15 minutes.
🚤 By boat – Canoes, kayaks, or small motorboats for canal tours.
No cars, no stress—just pura vida.
✅ Summary: Best Routes to Tortuguero
| Departure City | Recommended Option | Duration | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Bus + Boat or Flight | 6 hrs / 30 min | $20–$150 |
| La Fortuna | Shuttle + Boat | ~6 hrs | $55–$70 |
| Puerto Viejo | Bus + Moin Boat | ~6 hrs | $50–$75 |
| Tamarindo | Bus/Shuttle + Boat | ~10 hrs | $70+ |
📞 Need Help Planning?
At Green Tours CR, we make your journey to Tortuguero easy. From private transfers to La Pavona dock to tours inside Tortuguero National Park, we’ll help you every step of the way—especially during turtle nesting season, when spaces fill up fast.
👉 www.greentourscr.com | info@greentourscr.com | +506 7209 8971
