Since Tortuguero, Costa Rica is located in the rainforest sandbars of the Northern Caribbean coast, the only way to get there is by boat or plane.
With no roads, it may seem difficult to get to when in reality, it is not that hard. In fact, the entire journey to Tortuguero is an adventure!
Find out how to get to Tortuguero from San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo by plane and boat. Then we also talk about Tortuguero tour packages as that is by far, the easiest way to visit Tortuguero.
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Fastest But Most Expensive Option: Plane
Flying is the quickest way to get to Tortuguero. Tortuguero has their own domestic airport in the village. Sansa Airlines flies into Tortuguero and costs around $150 USD one way per person depending on the season.
The flight from San Jose to Tortuguero is a 30 minute flight and they usually have 2 flights a day during the high season.
Even though getting to Tortuguero by plane is the most expensive option, it saves a ton of time and you get great views of the city and of Tortuguero from the air.
Then once you land at Tortuguero airport, it is only a 5 minute boat ride to the village and the hotels in the area.
There are taxi boats at the airport and cost ~$3-5 USD per person one way from the airport to town and a little more to the hotels.
Tortuguero Packages
By far, the easiest way to get to Tortuguero is through a package. Hotels such as Mawamba, Manatus and Pachira offer packages that include everything: roundtrip transportation from San Jose, food, activities and guide.
You don’t need to plan anything. All you have to do is get picked up at your hotel in San Jose, get on the bus and follow the guide.
If you want to book a tour package to Tortuguero that includes roundtrip transportation from San Jose, bilingual guide, lodging, meals and activities, click the link to get our 7% Tortuguero tour packages discount!
From Puerto Viejo
You can book 2 days 1 night or a 3 days 2 night Tortuguero packages from Puerto Viejo including transportation, lodging and certain meals. Contact us for more information!
From San Jose
You can book through various companies such as Mawamba, Pachira, Evergreen, Aninga, etc. Get our 7% discount off Tortuguero packages from San Jose!
If you flying from any other destinations, you will have to go first to San Jose. You won’t find flights from Liberia – Tortuguero or Quepos – Tortuguero.
If you aren’t able to get to San Jose in time for a flight, you will need to stay a night near the domestic airport terminal. If so, here are some ideas of things to do and where to stay in San Jose.
Below is how to get to Tortuguero by land and boat independently.
How to Get to Tortuguero By Land and Boat
The most common way to get to Tortuguero is by boat. There are two places you can take a boat to Tortuguero: the La Pavona and Moin docks. Which one you go to depends on where you’re coming from.
La Pavona is best for La Fortuna and San Jose. Moin is best from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita or Limon.
La Pavona Dock
La Pavona dock is the largest dock out of the two, servicing all passengers coming from San Jose, Guapiles and La Fortuna. It has a parking lot, a restaurant, clean bathrooms, a snack stand, small cafeteria and gift shop.
At the restaurant, you’ll get on and off the public bus and you will purchase boat tickets and parking passes at the small office stand at the entrance that has the sign “Caseta de Seguridad”.
At the restaurant, they have bathrooms for $1 USD or 500 CRC. You can also get food, drinks and snacks.
When it is time to get on the public boat, make sure to be near the boat area and they will start calling for the public boat. If you’re on a tour package, make sure you stay with your group and your guide will let you know which boat to get onto.
Please note that the “dock” is not really a dock. All the boats are parked up on shore, so you need to be able to walk up a step onto the boat.
It is not a wet landing at least, and the workers will help you up if needed. You have to manage your own luggage until it is time to get on the boat.
There is no cover in this area so put on sunscreen, hat and sunglasses and make sure to have your rain jacket with you. It’s very hot and humid in the Caribbean so also bring some water with you.
La Pavona to Tortuguero Boat Schedule
Monday through Friday schedule is 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM.
Saturday and Sunday schedule is 6 AM, 9 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM.
Tortuguero to La Pavona Boat Schedule
Monday through Friday schedule is 5 AM, 7 AM, 10 AM and 2 PM.
Saturday and Sunday schedule is 5 AM, 7 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM.
*Please note that schedules may change at any time, so try to arrive as early as possible.*
Public Boat Tickets
A boat ticket costs 3000 CRC per person one way, 6000 CRC roundtrip. Purchase your boat tickets at the ticket office stand at the entrance of the road.
They will give you a slip of paper with your boat ticket information on it – keep this, as it’s its your ticket.
We recommend to arrive at least one hour early before the boat you want to take in order to have enough time to purchase tickets.
La Pavona gets very busy in popular tourist months like December to April, July and August. Since July – October are the peak turtle nesting months, these months are very busy in Tortuguero.
Parking
La Pavona has a large parking lot if you need your car. It costs 5000 CRC (~$10 USD) per night and they will give you a parking slip which you need to keep.
Please note that they won’t be responsible for any damages or theft so make sure to lock your doors, hide anything in your car so it’s not visible and roll up your windows.
They have some spaces that are under roof, the rest are open.
The Boat Ride
The boat ride from La Pavona to Tortuguero village is about 1 hour. However, this does depend on the tide. In low tide, it can take up to 2 hours since the boats have to go much slower.
The first time we visited Tortuguero took us 2 hours because we actually got stuck a couple of times, the water level was that low!
Keep your eyes open during the boat ride. We saw crocodiles, caimans, iguanas, river birds, otters and monkeys! It was like a wildlife watching safari tour during our ride.
The boat ride is not bumpy but they do make some tight curves sometimes. Nothing crazy though.
The Boats
The boats are long motorized boats with seating for around 20 passengers. The passenger boats have a canopy cover whereas the luggage boats do not.
The Caribbean tends to rain more so they do cover the luggage with a tarp if it’s raining but it can still get wet if it’s pouring.
Our Advice: We recommend wrapping up your luggage in plastic or putting it in a large plastic bag if you have valuables and making sure they are fully fastened and zipped.
Passengers are allowed to bring small backpacks with them on the boat. No matter what time of year it is, we recommend a waterproof rain jacket, waterproof backpack or rain cover and hiking sandals. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.
Once at the Tortuguero dock, they will help you take down your luggage. Then, you need to transport yourself to your hotel in the village.
The village is very small but you can also ask your hotel to assist you with this part, if needed.
How to get to La Pavona Dock
By public bus from San Jose
First, take the bus from San Jose to Cariari. There is a bus every day at 6:30 AM, 9 AM, 1PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM and 7 PM. This bus ride takes 2 hours and costs ~2,100 CRC. It leaves from San Jose Gran Terminal del Caribe, Calle Central Ave 15 in downtown.
Going back, Cariari to San Jose is at 530 AM, 6 AM (only Sundays), 730 AM, 930 AM, 12 PM, 330 PM and 6 PM.
Second, get off at the Cariari bus station. This bus doesn’t go any further.
Third, your next bus is to La Pavona dock from Cariari. The bus station you need to go to is Terminal de Buses Coopetraca, 500 meters north from where you get off the Cariari bus.
The bus from Cariari to La Pavona runs at 5 AM, 9 AM, 1130 AM and 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Monday through Friday, it runs at 5 AM, 1130 AM and 3 PM.
Going back, Pavona to Cariari on Saturdays and Sundays is at 6 AM, 10 AM, 1230 PM and 4 PM. Monday through Friday is at 6 AM, 1230 PM and 4 PM.
If you miss the bus, you can take a taxi.
Lastly, once you are at La Pavona, purchase your boat ticket to Tortuguero.
Then if you don’t know when you want to take the bus back to La Pavona from Tortuguero, that’s OK. You can purchase your ticket in Tortuguero village.
After you purchase your boat ticket, then you need to go to the dock area where all the boats are and wait for the public one. Make sure to be there around 10-15 minutes before.
There will be a lot of people and boats but the public boat says “taxi boat” on it. If you’re not sure, you can ask any of the locals and they’ll point you in the right direction.
By shuttle
There are some companies that include a shared shuttle and boat transportation from La Fortuna and San Jose such as Caribe Shuttle.
You can also take a private shuttle to Tortuguero (La Pavona dock). From San Jose, it costs around $270 USD one way for 1-5 people. Contact us to arrange your private transfer!
Driving
You can perfectly drive your rental car to La Pavona dock to get the boat to Tortuguero. Click this link to get our Costa Rica car rental discount and freebies!
On Google Maps, La Pavona is called “La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero).” You do not need a 4×4 to get to La Pavona. From San Jose, this drive takes around 2.5 hours without stops or traffic.
The route you have to take from San Jose is on Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards Guapiles. Once in Guapiles, you will get on Route 247 north towards La Pavona.
Once you park your car, go to the booth to get your parking slip. You’ll pay the guards in CRC cash when you return from your trip.
Picking up your car rental after Tortuguero from La Pavona
If you are visiting Tortuguero on a package or independently and want to rent a car after your trip, you can perfectly do that. You have two options to get your car rental:
- Have the car rental deliver the car to La Pavona dock for an extra fee (~$100 USD)
- Pick up the car in Guapiles. Car rental companies will either go to the restaurant the hotel packages stops at for lunch or a meeting point in Guapiles to deliver your car free of charge.
We have a discount with Adobe Rent a Car and they have a meeting point in Guapiles so you can pick up your car in Guapiles. If you rent a car through out widget, we will help you make all the necessary arrangements to have your car delivered in Guapiles.
Moin dock and boat ride
Moin dock is the one for those coming from Limon, Cahuita or Puerto Viejo as you will just go up the Caribbean coast. This boat ride is much longer at around 4 hours.
The drive from Puerto Viejo to Moin is about an hour. Total travel time is around 5 hours.
Tickets
The boat from Moin to Tortuguero costs $40 USD or 20,000 CRC to be paid in cash to the boat captains. You must make reservations at least 1-2 days beforehand.
Schedule
Boats leave around 10 AM from Moin dock and this boat ride takes around 3.5-4 hours.
Contact the Moin Dock, Canales de Tortuguero (can find info on Google Maps) to reserve your ride.
How to get to Moin dock
Moin also has secure parking and you can get there via shuttle, bus and car.
In Waze, look for “Moin Muelle.” On Google Maps, it is “Moin Dock JAPDEVA, Canales de Tortuguero.”
From Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, take the bus to Limon (730, 930-1130 every hour, 130 – 530 PM every hour and 730 PM). Then from Limon, take the bus to Moin, there is one every 30 minutes. You can also taxi to Moin dock ($8 – $10 USD one way).
For shuttles, shuttle companies like Caribe Shuttle offer shuttle and boat transfers via Moin. They operate on a minimum requirement however, so contact them to arrange your transfers.
If you plan to drive to Moin and leave your car, the dock has a parking lot next door. It costs ~$10-12 USD a night. Make sure not to leave valuables in the car!
How to Get to Tortuguero National Park
Once you are in Tortuguero, it is very easy to get to Tortuguero National Park. If you are staying in the village, you can walk to the entrance. It’s at the very south end of town, you can’t miss it.
If you are staying at the hotels along the river, you can take a taxi boat to the entrance to purchase tickets.
I hope this post helps you plan your trip since now you know how to get to Tortuguero.
You can read other helpful posts about Costa Rica below!
Driving to La Fortuna from Guanacaste
Driving to La Fortuna from San Jose
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Elena says
Hello, I have been reading your website with interest. I am planning to go from San Jose – where I am flying – to Tortuguero in August – spend two nights in Tortuguero and head south to Puerto Viejo. I’ll be coming with my carry-on luggage and backpack and I read that the boats to Tortuguero only allow backpacks. What do tourists do with their luggage usually? Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Elena, you can bring your luggage like a suitcase too, if you’re taking the public boat, they’ll load all the luggage onto the back of the boat you ride on
Elvira Rietz says
Hello,
we would like to travel to Costa Rica next year in February and I am currently planning my trip. My question: is it possible to go by boat also from cano blanco to Tortugero? I have heard about it but I can’t find any good information. If I can go from there, where can I find out about departure times?
Many greetings
Elli
Sammi says
Hi Elli, unfortunately we aren’t familiar with this route 🙁
Hanna Stålham says
I have a rental car booked in Guapiles after our time in Tortuguero. How can I get to Guapiles from Tortuguero in the easiest way?
Sammi says
Hi Hanna, we’ve sent you an email with more information
Joseph Lehrman says
Hola! We are 7 passengers in a 4wd drive truck heading to Tortuguero in August. I am thinking we will drive to La Pavona, park there, then take a boat to Tortuguero. I would love to hire a private boat but I don’t want to leave it to chance. Do you know of a trustworthy private boat operator who will take a reservation and transport our party to and from Tortuguero via La Pavona?
Thank you!
yeison says
Hello Joseph,
The best way to reserve the private boat is by the hotel you will be staying at, there are companies like Roots tours that also book private boat transportation.
Thank you for reading Mytanfeet and please feel free to email us if you have any further questions
Moumita says
I have some questions about getting to Tortuguero. I know that we have to park our car in La Pavona and get a boat to go to Tortuguero. We most likely will arrive in La Pavona around 3 to 4 pm. Is it possible that they won’t have room on the last boat out and we’ll be stuck in La Pavona? Is it possible to buy the tickets beforehand?
Sammi says
You can’t buy tickets beforehand but there should be some private boat operators in case the public boats are sold out
Maureen Newhook says
Can you tell me the current bus times from La Pavona to Cariari please? We are travelling in January/February.
The information on this page indicates it runs four times a day (assuming the bus from Cariari to La Pavona returns each time!), but the bus timetable for the operator (on Facebook) only shows one per day.
Sammi says
Fridays, Saturday, Sunday: 6, 10 1230 and 4. Mon- Thurs: 6, 1230 and 4 (new schedule)
Helen says
Do you have to book your national park tickets before we arrive in Tortuaguero. I am staying at the Manatus Hotel. I am struggling to get the website to allow bookings for more than one day. SINAC.
Sammi says
Yes, you must purchase national park tickets for Tortuguero national park beforehand. You might have to try again later or check another browser, sometimes the SINAC website is wonky.
Melanie Miles says
How long is the drive from San Jose airport to La Pavona? Does is vary? We need to meet a hotel boat there at a particular time.
Sammi says
According to Google Maps/Waze, it is around 3 hours but that is without traffic or congestion or stops so I’d give yourself at least 4 hours for this drive
Susan Holl says
We booked transport from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero boat dock via Caribe shuttle. Our lodge is Rana Roja on the river and not in town, booked through hotels.com. How do we get from the dock in Tortuguero to Rana Roja?
Sammi says
You will need to take a public boat to your lodge, you should also be able to ask Caribe Shuttle to help you arrange that.
Susanne says
Hi there,
I love your informative website. I’ve been to CR a few times, and just rented my car from Adobe with your link. I’m heading to Tortuguero with my two kids (5 and 7) in October. Could you answer the following questions for me?
1. Is it obvious who I pay for the overnight parking? Do I pay when I leave the car or pick it up? Do they give a receipt?
2. Are tickets still $3 each way with the colectivo taxi when I buy in the restaurant? I keep reading about varying prices, and some scams. Any idea if they charge for kids?
Thanks! I’m a Spanish teacher, and have been to Costa Rica a few times, but am wanting to make sure I have everything planned out since I’m traveling solo with my kids on this trip. Last time I was in Tortuguero was 15 years ago with a student group, so it was all planned out for us 🙂
Sammi says
The parking lot is right behind the restaurant and there will be someone there to take the fee for parking (cash upfront).
The tickets are now I believe around $5 per person which you pay at the restaurant to buy the boat tickets for the public boats.
Susanne says
Thank you Sammi!
Eric Hernandez says
Hi, is there private boats that take you From Tortugero to La Pavona anytime ?
Sammi says
Before COVID there was, I think there are still but until about 4 PM or I think (not 100% sure but going off of the public boat schedule I’d say the private boats go about the same time)
David says
Sammi
We have just returned from Costa Rica having read lots on your blog beforehand – thanks!
We took the boat from La Pavona to Tortuquero. We paid $4 each each-way at the entrance to the car park. The boats seemed to be allocated depending on which hotel one was staying at. There was no “public” or “taxi” boat and both our suitcases came with us on the same boat free of charge. Best boat ride I have ever been on!!
Ericka Larry says
Hi im in a hostel here in puerto viejo and they say you can only catch the boat one time a day to Tortuguero is this true or, mis information. how up to date is your information.
Sammi says
From Puerto Viejo, you can take the tour which is better, the last time we had checked was a couple years ago when we were in Puerto Viejo.
Hilke says
Hello Sammi,
I am planning to travel to Tortuguero end of February 2020 with the public bus from San Jose via Cariari to the La Pavona dock and was wondering if
it is safe as a tourist to take the public bus from San Jose to La Pavona?
My second question would be if there are any luggage restrictions when taking the public boat (taxi boat). I heard that you are only allowed to bring a small backpack on board. Ideally I would bring a medium sized backpack for my camera gear and a duffel bag for my luggage. Do you think that would be a problem?
Thank you
Sammi says
Hi Hilke, many tourists take the bus from San Jose to La Pavona but just make sure to always keep a careful eye on all your belongings and plan your route carefully before you go so you know what to expect and what to look for. Don’t fall for any of the taxi scams (if a taxi driver tells you the boats aren’t working anymore, buses burned down, etc. etc.). Go directly to the bus stations and try to ask other tourists if you see them if you have questions.
For the public boat, you can bring a small backpack on board and then they have separate boats that carry only luggage which is up to one check in size usually.
Rob says
Hey,
I’ve done a fair bit of research on Tortuguero, but different websites say different things and it’s not at all clear. If we include it, we should be there early May.
I’ve heard this is a great time to see Leatherback Turtles.. but other websites say don’t bother, as there aren’t that many of them. Any advice? Is it worth it, or are we better off skipping Tortuguero?
Many thanks,
Rob
Sammi says
Leatherbacks normally nest March – May and so there is always a chance to see them but with wildlife, there is no guarantee so there’s always a chance you won’t see them so it’s hard to say if it’s worth it or not. The Green Turtles are very abundant September and October. Tortuguero is a pretty amazing place so personally for me I would go if you can include it in your itinerary because you can still see a ton of other wildlife and you can still play your chances to see leatherback turtles.
Eleanor says
Do the buses from San Jose and Cariari run Sundays?
Sammi says
They do
Laura Wierenga says
Hi we are flying into Tortuguero but would like to take a boat to Moin when we leave. I am finding not information on how to schedule a boat. Would it just be a water taxi that we would get once in toruguero? Do I have to worry that we would not find one?
Sammi says
Hi Laura, to be honest from Tortuguero to Moin, I am not positive of their schedule but I am sure you will be able to find the information when you get there. You should also ask your hotel, they may know.
Liliane Kok says
Thank you!
Liliane Kok says
Thanks!!
Liliane Kok says
Hi, I have a few questions about Tortuguero. We’re traveling by car from Sarapiqui, so I think La Pavona is the best dock for us. I read in your blog that there’s a secure parking place. Do you know if it is save to leave a suitcase in the car and only take a small backpack in the boat to Tortuguero? Or can we secure our luggage somewhere else?
Is it easy to drive to La Pavona? I have read somewhere that you can get lost…
We are planning to stay in Chinitas Eco Lodge. Do you happen to know if this is in walking distance from where the boat lands?
Sammi says
Hi Liliane, even though the parking lot is very big, it is not 100% secure and there are signs everywhere that says don’t leave valuables in the car so I would definitely not leave any suitcases or anything in the car while you’re in Tortuguero. The parking lot isn’t responsible for any theft, break ins or stolen goods. I’d bring all your luggage with you, it will be safer that way because there aren’t any parking guards or anyone watching the parking lot, it’s just a giant parking lot with some roof and dividers in the back of La Pavona restaurant.
I would use GPS because it’s kinda in a remote area so if you don’t know the route, it is easy to get lost because signage is not great. You can find it under La Pavona in the Limon province.
When you get on the boat, tell the captain you’re going to Chinitas Eco Lodge and I believe they should be able to drop you off there since it looks like it’s only boat access to the hotel.