Everything you need to understand the experience, what is included and how to prepare before booking.
Explore Tortuguero National Park by kayak for a quiet, active wildlife experience through its rainforest canals. With a local naturalist guide, you can paddle through tropical waterways while looking for birds, monkeys, reptiles, and the details of one of Costa Rica’s most unique ecosystems.
Tortuguero Kayak Wildlife Tour
Kayaking gives you a close connection with Tortuguero’s canals while keeping the experience quiet and low-impact. It is a more active alternative to the canoe tour and a great choice for travelers who enjoy nature, paddling, wildlife observation, and photography.
Your guide helps you navigate the waterways, look for wildlife, and understand the rainforest and wetland ecosystem. Wildlife sightings vary naturally with weather, season, and animal movement and are never guaranteed.
Quick Tour Facts
- Price: $45 per person.
- Location: Tortuguero National Park canals.
- Meeting point: Main dock in Tortuguero village unless otherwise confirmed.
- Experience: Guided kayak and wildlife tour.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; guests should be comfortable with a more active water experience.
- Guide: Local naturalist guide included.
- National Park ticket: SINAC entrance ticket is required and purchased separately online.
- Wildlife: Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
SINAC ticket: Purchase your Tortuguero National Park entrance ticket before the tour through the official SINAC website: serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr.
Tour Highlights
- Paddle through Tortuguero’s rainforest canals with a local guide.
- Enjoy a quiet, low-impact way to explore the national park.
- Look for monkeys, caimans, iguanas, turtles, kingfishers, toucans, herons, and other wildlife.
- Experience narrow waterways and tropical scenery from water level.
- Learn about the rainforest, wetlands, and wildlife of Tortuguero.
What’s Included
- Guided kayak tour.
- Local naturalist guide.
- Kayak equipment for the experience.
- Wildlife spotting and ecosystem interpretation.
- Green Tours CR support before your tour.
Not Included
- Tortuguero National Park SINAC entrance ticket.
- Transportation to Tortuguero village or hotel pickup unless specifically arranged.
- Meals, personal expenses, and tips.
What to Bring
- SINAC National Park entrance ticket.
- Comfortable quick-dry clothing.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Sun protection.
- Camera or phone in a waterproof pouch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a National Park ticket?
Yes. The SINAC entrance ticket must be purchased online before the tour.
Where does the tour start?
At the main dock in Tortuguero village unless otherwise confirmed.
Is wildlife guaranteed?
No. Tortuguero has excellent wildlife, but sightings depend on natural conditions and animal movement.
Can the tour operate in rain?
Light rain is common in Tortuguero and usually does not stop the activity. Unsafe weather conditions may require adjustments.
Paddle Through Tortuguero’s Rainforest Canals
Book your Tortuguero Kayak Wildlife Tour with Green Tours CR for an active, quiet and nature-focused way to explore the national park.
More Tortuguero Experiences
Compare all Tortuguero tours, or see the Tortuguero Canoe Wildlife Tour if you prefer a less active canal experience.
