How to Get to Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Planning your visit to Tortuguero? Whether you’re driving, taking the public boat, or arriving from the Caribbean coast, this guide gives you everything you need — updated schedules, real prices, and step-by-step directions — plus local tips straight from me, Boa. 🌿

Discover the easiest way to reach this remote paradise — and how I can help you organize your transportation, boat tickets, and tours all in one message.

How to Get to Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Discover the easiest way to reach this remote paradise — and how I can help you organize your transportation, boat tickets, and tours all in one message.

🟢 Quick Summary (TL;DR)

🚐 Most Popular Route: From San José → La Pavona Dock → Tortuguero Village

🕓 Total Travel Time: Around 5 hours total, including a 1-hour scenic boat ride through the canals.

🚤 Boat Times: 6:00 am | 7:30 am | 9:00 am | 11:00 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 4:30 pm

🅿️ Parking: 24/7 secure parking available at La Pavona Dock — $20 USD per night.

💡 Boa’s Tip:

Leave San José early (around 6:00 am) to enjoy smooth traffic and catch the 11:00 am or 1:00 pm boat — the perfect timing for a relaxed arrival in Tortuguero.

📲 Need help with your boat ticket or shuttle?
I can organize everything — transportation, parking, and boat seats — in one easy message.

🚗 From San José to Tortuguero — Step-by-Step Directions

The most common and scenic way to reach Tortuguero is by driving or taking a shuttle from San José to La Pavona Dock, and then continuing by boat to Tortuguero Village. This is the main access route used by both locals and travelers — and once you’re on the canals, your adventure truly begins. 🌿

⏱️ Total Travel Time

Expect around 3 to 3.5 hours of driving, plus a 1-hour boat ride to Tortuguero.
On a clear morning with light traffic, it can take as little as 2 h 45 min, but adding extra time ensures a stress-free trip.

💡 Boa’s Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Add 20–30 minutes if it’s raining or foggy in Braulio Carrillo.
• Set GPS destination: “La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero).”
• Don’t want to drive? I can organize a direct shuttle from your hotel to the boat dock — including your boat ticket.

🚗 Realistic Driving Times (From San José to La Pavona)

1️⃣ San José (Downtown) → Route 32 (La Uruca / Zurquí Tunnel)

⏱️ 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Your connection from the Central Valley to the Caribbean coast.

2️⃣ Route 32 (Zurquí) → Guápiles

⏱️ 1 h 30 – 1 h 45 min under normal conditions.

This scenic drive crosses Braulio Carrillo National Park. Expect fog, slow trucks, and rain — it’s part of the rainforest charm.

3️⃣ Guápiles → Cariari (via Route 247)

⏱️ 25–30 minutes of easy, flat driving through small towns and banana plantations.

It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or coffee — and it’s also where you’ll find the last ATMs before reaching La Pavona. ☕🏦

4️⃣ Cariari → La Pavona Dock

⏱️ 45–50 minutes, depending on rain and road conditions.

The final stretch includes gravel sections surrounded by banana fields — drive slowly after rain.

🚤 Boat from La Pavona to Tortuguero

Public Boat Schedules & Prices

⏰ La Pavona → Tortuguero:

6:00 AM | 7:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM

⏰ Tortuguero → La Pavona:

5:00 AM | 7:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM

⏳ Duration: ~1 hour (depends on water levels)

💵 Price: $8 USD (₡4,000) per person — children under 3 ride free

💡 Boa’s Tip:

There’s no official ticket office at La Pavona — tickets are sold by local vendors at the dock.

I can reserve your space personally at no extra cost, so your trip starts smooth and stress-free.

🅿️ Can I Drive to Tortuguero?

Yes! You can drive as far as La Pavona Dock — that’s where the road ends and your Tortuguero adventure begins.

From there, you’ll continue the last hour by public boat through the canals surrounded by lush rainforest. 🌿

🅿️ Recommended Parking: Left-side lot (just before the dock entrance) — safest and most organized.

💳 Price: $20 per night (Cash or card accepted)

🔒 Security: 24/7 guards & cameras

🚻 Facilities: Clean restrooms, cafeteria & shaded waiting area

💡 Boa’s Tip:

Parking fills up fast during high season — message me in advance and I’ll reserve your spot so you can arrive stress-free and ready for your boat.

📍 Google Maps: Tortuguero Parking La Pavona

🚌 How to Get to La Pavona Dock by Bus (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you don’t have a rental car, don’t worry — getting to La Pavona Dock by bus or shuttle is simple, safe, and scenic. 🌴

🚍 Public Bus Schedule: San José → Cariari → La Pavona

Step 1: Bus from San José to Cariari

🚌 Bus Company: Grupo Caribeños

📍 Departs from: Gran Terminal del Caribe (San José)

⏰ Schedule:

6:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM

💵 Cost: ₡2,070 (~$4.50 USD)

🕒 Duration: ~2 hours

💡 Boa’s Tip:

Take the 6:30 AM or 9:00 AM bus from San José to ensure you arrive at La Pavona in time for the boat to Tortuguero. 🚤

Step 2: Bus from Cariari to La Pavona

🚌 Bus Company: Coopetraca

📍 Departs from: Terminal de Autobuses Coopetraca (Cariari)

📅 Weekdays: 5:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM

📅 Weekends: 5:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM

💵 Cost: ₡1,130 (~$2,4 USD)

🕒 Duration: ~1 hour

💡 Boa’s Tip:

Take advantage of your stop in Cariari to enjoy a quick coffee and withdraw cash — it’s your last opportunity before reaching Tortuguero. ☕💵

🚐 Private Shuttle + Public Boat — From San José (or La Fortuna) to Tortuguero

Skip the stress of public buses and confusing transfers 🌿
I’ll personally organize your private transportation from your hotel in San José (or La Fortuna) to La Pavona Dock, followed by a scenic public boat ride 🚤 to Tortuguero Village.

This is a door-to-dock-to-village experience — private ground transfer, shared boat, and everything handled directly by me for a smooth, worry-free trip.

💵 Pricing (One Way – Private Shuttle + Public Boat)

1 Person – $130 total
2 People – $160 total ($80 pp)
3 People – $210 total ($70 pp)
4 People – $260 total ($65 pp)

🕒 Approximate Travel Time: 3.5 – 4 hours (including boat ride)

💡 Boa’s Tip:

This is the most comfortable and flexible way to reach Tortuguero — perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants everything pre-arranged without worrying about logistics.

Boat from Moín to Tortuguero (Best for Travelers from the Caribbean Coast)

If you’re traveling from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, or Limón to Tortuguero or from Tortuguero to the South Caribbean Coast, the boat from Moín is your best option. This scenic route takes you through breathtaking jungle waterways, offering a chance to spot crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds, and other incredible wildlife along the way.

🚤 Moín ↔ Tortuguero Boat Schedules & Prices

⏰ Moín → Tortuguero:

10:30 am daily (Reservations required!)

⏰ Tortuguero → Moín:

7:00 am | 10:00 am

⏳ Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours (scenic wildlife experience)

💵 Cost: $35 per person (cash only, paid directly to the boat captain)

🚐 Shuttle Services Between Moín & the South Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita & More!)

Getting to Moín from Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, or traveling from Moín to the South Caribbean, can be tricky. But I can arrange a direct shuttle—no stress, no last-minute scrambling, just a smooth ride straight to your boat or destination!

🚐 Shuttle Prices (One-Way or Round-Trip Available!)

• Cahuita ↔ Moín: $15 per person

• Puerto Viejo ↔ Moín: $20 per person

• Cocles / Manzanillo ↔ Moín: $25 per person

📲 Book your private shuttle & boat combo in one step!

Flight from San José to Tortuguero (Fastest Route)

Short on time? ✈️ Flying is the quickest way to reach Tortuguero! Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over Costa Rica’s rainforest and coastline before landing in paradise.

🛫 San José → Tortuguero Flight Schedule & Prices

⏰ San José → Tortuguero:

6:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Daily)

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes

💵 Cost: $134 – $145 (Foreign Travelers) | $84 (Costa Rican Nationals)

🎒 Luggage Limit: 30 lbs (14 kg) per person (Extra fees apply for overweight bags)

📌 Important: Limited seats available—advance booking is highly recommended!

🏝️ What to Expect When You Arrive in Tortuguero

Tortuguero’s airport is tiny—just an airstrip! From there, you’ll take a 15-minute boat taxi to the village or your lodge.

💵 Boat Taxi Cost: $10 per person (cash only)

🚤 Want a seamless arrival? Let me arrange your boat taxi so you land & go!

🛩️ Should You Fly or Take the Boat?

✅ Fly if: You want speed & stunning aerial views (great for short trips).

🚤 Boat if: You prefer a scenic jungle adventure (La Pavona or Moín).

No matter how you get here, Tortuguero is an unforgettable experience!

🚤 Tortuguero Travel FAQs: Routes, Costs & Essential Tips

Planning your trip to Tortuguero? This guide answers the most common questions about transportation, costs, travel times, and essential tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. If your question isn’t here, feel free to message me on WhatsApp for personalized advice!

🚤 1. How long is the boat ride to Tortuguero?

Public Boat (La Pavona): ~1 hour (depending on water levels)
Public Boat (Moín): 3.5 to 4 hours (scenic jungle ride with wildlife sightings)

💰 2. How much does it cost to go to Tortuguero?

Public Boat (La Pavona): $8 per person
Public Boat (Moín): $35 per person (advance booking required)
Private Boat: Starts at $100 for 1-5 people (See full pricing below)
Shuttle + Boat from San José: $60 per person (includes both)
Flights from San José: $134 – $145 per person (30 lbs luggage limit)

⏳ 3. How long do you need in Tortuguero?

Most travelers stay 2 nights to fully enjoy Tortuguero National Park, its wildlife tours, and night walks. If you’re short on time, 1 full day is enough for a canoe tour & short hikes.

If you arrive too late for the last boat, you have two options:

Option 1: Stay Overnight in Guápiles (Recommended!)

The best option for comfort, convenience, and a smooth trip the next day.
I can recommend a fantastic hotel in Guápiles—clean rooms, friendly service, an amazing breakfast, and great value for the price.
📌 Why Guápiles? It’s safer, more comfortable, and better connected than Cariari.

Option 2: Take a Private Boat (Available Until 10:00 PM)

6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Pricing:
- 1-5 people: $100 total
- 6-10 people: $130 total
- Groups over 10: $12 per person
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Pricing:
- 1-5 people: $120 total
- 6-10 people: $150 total
Groups over 10: $15 per person

🚌 4. Is there a bus from San José to Tortuguero National Park?

There is no direct bus to Tortuguero. You must take a bus from San José to Cariari, then another bus to La Pavona dock, where the public boat departs.

San José → Cariari:

- Bus company: Grupo Caribeños
- Departs from Gran Terminal del Caribe
- Schedules: 6:30 AM | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM
- Cost: $4,50

Cariari → La Pavona:

- Bus company: Coopetraca
- Schedules:
  - Weekdays: 5:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM
  - Weekends: 5:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM
- Cost: $3

🚤 5. Where do you catch the boat to Tortuguero?

- Public Boat from La Pavona: Operates daily (6:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Public Boat from Moín: Requires advance booking (10:30 AM daily)
- Private Boats: Available until 10:00 PM (see pricing above)

💳 6. Can I pay for tickets with a credit card?

- 🚤 Public Boat (La Pavona): Cash or card
- 🚤 Moín Boat: Cash only
- 🚐 Shuttle + Boat: Cash only
- 🅿️ Parking at La Pavona: Cards accepted
- ✈️ Flights: Book online with a credit card

💡 Boa’s Advice: Most tours and services in Tortuguero are cash-only, so carry extra cash for expenses like tours, taxis, and food.

📡 7. Is there WiFi or cell service in Tortuguero?

📶 La Pavona Route: Patchy reception along the drive.
📶 Moín Boat Route: No service during the ride.
🌐 Tortuguero: Only Kolbi & Claro have coverage—expect slow speeds.

💵 8. Are there ATMs near Tortuguero?

🚨 There is NO ATM in Tortuguero. The closest ATMs are in:

Guápiles (Recommended!)
Cariari (Closest to La Pavona, but better to withdraw in Guápiles)

💡 Boa’s Advice: Withdraw cash before arriving to avoid inconvenience.

🏝️ 9. What to do in Tortuguero?

Tortuguero is a wildlife paradise! Top activities include:

🛶 Canoe Tour: Paddle through the park’s quiet canals for the best wildlife viewing experience.
🌿 Guided Rainforest Walks: Discover Tortuguero’s rich biodiversity up close.
🐸 Night Walk: Explore the hidden world of nocturnal creatures.
🐢 Sea Turtle Nesting Tour: Witness sea turtles laying eggs (July – October).
🏝️ Village Tour: Experience local Caribbean culture and flavors.

🚌 10. How do I go from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero?

Total Travel Time: ~6-7 hours
Public Transport Cost: ~$21 per person
Direct Shuttle + Boat Cost: $60 per person (3.5 hours)

🚌 11. How do I go from Cahuita to Tortuguero?

Total Travel Time: ~6 hours
Public Transport Cost: ~$21 per person
Direct Shuttle + Boat Cost: $60 per person (3.5 hours)

🚌 12. How do I go from La Fortuna to Tortuguero?

Shuttle + Boat (Recommended): $60 per person (Direct, 4.5 hrs)
Public Transport: Longer, multiple connections required