• Public Boat (La Pavona): ~1 hour (depending on water levels)

• Public Boat (Moín): 3.5 to 4 hours (scenic jungle ride with wildlife sightings)

• 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)

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

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

• • 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)

• • 🚤 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.

📶 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.

🚨 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.

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.

• Total Travel Time: ~6-7 hours

• Public Transport Cost: ~$21 per person

• Direct Shuttle + Boat Cost: $60 per person (3.5 hours)

• Total Travel Time: ~6 hours

• Public Transport Cost: ~$21 per person

• Direct Shuttle + Boat Cost: $60 per person (3.5 hours)

• Shuttle + Boat (Recommended): $60 per person (Direct, 4.5 hrs)

• Public Transport: Longer, multiple connections required