From San Jose: 3-Day Tortuguero National Park Excursion

Central Pacific, Costa Rica



Visit one of the most important destinations in Costa Rica on a guided tour. Explore a beautiful natural paradise, tour the famous Tortuguero Canal, and see diverse flora and fauna.

This 3-day guided tour explores Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park, ideal for nature lovers seeking wildlife and cultural experiences near Limón.

Highlights

  • Boat cruise along Tortuguero Canal with a naturalist guide
  • Observe diverse plants and wildlife in the National Park
  • Visit the coastal village of Tortuguero and its black sand beach
  • Learn about green turtles at the Sea Turtle Natural History Museum
  • Optional green turtle nesting tours available from July to September (extra cost)

Description

Explore the protected Tortuguero National Park in Limón Province, accessible only by plane or boat. Experience the area's rich biodiversity across eleven habitats, including rainforest, mangroves, swamps, beaches, and lagoons.

Day 1: After early hotel pickup, drive past Braulio Carrillo National Park while enjoying a Costa Rican breakfast. Mid-morning, board a boat to cruise the Tortuguero Canals and observe local flora and fauna. After lunch and a cocktail at the hotel, continue exploring the canals. In the evening, check in at Pachira Lodge (or similar) for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Start with breakfast at the lodge, then hike the private trail before lunch. Visit the Sea Turtle Museum, Tortuguero beach, and village in the afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3: After breakfast, depart for San José, stopping for lunch at El Ceibo in Guápiles. Arrival back in San José is in the afternoon.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from San José, Alajuela, and Heredia
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Air-conditioned modern transportation
  • Two nights’ accommodation
  • Boat transfers
  • Naturalist guide and guided tours
  • Taxes

Excludes

  • National Park entrance fee ($15)
  • Donation to the Sea Turtle Museum ($2)
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Night turtle nesting tour
  • Tips

Important Information

  • The tour operates rain or shine

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring insect repellent, sun protection, and waterproof gear. The green turtle nesting season runs from July to September and requires advance booking for night tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

The excursion includes a guided boat cruise through Tortuguero Canal, visits to Tortuguero village and black sand beach, a tour of the Sea Turtle natural history museum, and wildlife observation in Tortuguero National Park.
Tortuguero National Park is accessible only by plane or boat from San Jose, with this tour providing transportation arrangements as part of the itinerary.
Green turtle nesting season runs from July to September, during which you can opt for additional guided turtle nesting viewings.
Yes, the tour offers opportunities to observe diverse plants and wildlife across the park's rainforests, mangroves, swamps, and lagoons.
The Sea Turtle natural history museum is located in Tortuguero village, part of the tour itinerary in Costa Rica's Limón Province.
No, the green turtle nesting viewing from July to September is optional and requires an additional cost.
You will explore eleven habitats including rainforest, mangroves, swamps, beaches, and lagoons within Tortuguero National Park.
It's recommended to bring insect repellent, waterproof gear, and a camera for the guided boat cruise in Costa Rica's Tortuguero Canal.
Overnight accommodations are arranged in or near Tortuguero village during the 3-day Costa Rica tour.
Check the official tour website or contact the provider directly for the most up-to-date hours and booking availability.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again