Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure

5.0Based on

National parks Self Guided

Carbon neutral

4 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

100 peopleMaximum group size

2 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights

Cruise the canals in search of wildlife.

hike through the pristine environment of Tortuguero National Park.

search for sea turtles when in season

Itinerary

Looking for a quick getaway that packs in Costa Rica’s wildest wonders? The Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure is tailored for experienced travelers eager to explore lush rainforests, winding canals, and Caribbean beaches—all accessible only by boat or plane. Starting in San José, you’ll journey through banana plantations before reaching the remote paradise of Tortuguero.

Designed with easy physical activity in mind, this group tour allows you to uncover the reserve’s rich biodiversity at a relaxed pace—think gentle canal cruises and nature walks. Spot nesting turtles, marvel at the vibrant birdlife, and keep your eyes peeled for caiman and the elusive Jesus Lizard. With included accommodation, meals, and transportation, the trip lets you focus on discovery, not logistics.

The unique selling point of this trip is the opportunity to experience one of Costa Rica’s most untouched natural enclaves, where wildlife abounds and adventure is just a paddle away. For those who want to truly unplug and immerse themselves in nature, Tortuguero offers a rare, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

day 1 - San José

Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included.
You will be met at San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel for the night. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the city on your own.

Accomodation:Hotel Fleur de Lys (or similar)

Transport:Arrival Transfer

Included Activities:Arrival Day, Welcome Package Hotel

day 2 - San José/Tortuguero

Travel to Tortuguero National Park and enjoy guided boat trips and wildlife viewing within the canals and coastal jungle. In leisure time, relax at the secluded lodge or take an optional nocturnal animal-spotting boat excursion in the evening.
Enjoy a a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Turtle Beach Lodge (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr, Motorized Canoe Duration : 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Tortuguero National Park Guided Night Boat Tour Travel the canals by night to learn about the incredible biological diversity of the area. Different animals are more active at night and this is the best time for caiman spotting.

day 3 - Tortuguero

Enjoy a guided boat trip and jungle walk in search of caiman, monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin), sloths, and basilisk lizards.
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. In our downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. Opt to explore the gardens and beach, or go kayaking.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Turtle Beach Lodge (or similar)

Included Activities:Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour Duration : 2.0 hr, Guided Jungle Walk Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 1 km

Optional Activities:Guided Kayak Excursion Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather., Tortuguero Canopy zipline Soar above the coastal rainforest on a zip line adventure. Tortuguero Canopy has eleven platforms, seven zip lines, and four hanging bridges., Turtle Hatching Morning Excursion (Seasonal) , Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal) Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

day 4 - Tortuguero/San José

Head back to San José after breakfast. Tour ends on arrival.
After an early morning breakfast, it is time to return to San José, where the tour ends back at the starting hotel location. Have lunch on the road, returning to the capital in the afternoon.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Transport:Motorized Canoe Duration : 1.5 hr, Shared Van Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr

Included Activity:Departure Day

Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure

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What's Included

Accommodation

Jungle lodge (2 nts), hotel (1 nt).

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD65-85 for meals not included.

Transport

Shared shuttle/bus, boat, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

This tour is an Independent Adventure with no group and no CEO (Chief Experience Officer). A welcome package with information about your tour will be at the starting hotel. Local guides while at the lodge.

Included activities

Arrival transferGuided hikes and boat tours in Tortuguero National Park

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure

5.0

based on 7 reviews

Tour Availability

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Good to Know

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Other Practical Information

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Prompt reply to my questions which was helpful.

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