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 seen like it’s difficult to get to when in reality, it is not that hard. In fact, the entire journey to Tortuguero is an adventure!
In this post we breakdown the two methods of getting to Tortuguero (plus one fun alternative). Find out how to get to Tortuguero from San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo by plane and boat independently and by tour packages.
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 from $75-100 USD one way per person depending on the season. The flight takes around 30 minutes for direct, 1 hour with one stop.
Even though getting to Tortuguero by plane is the most expensive option, it saves a ton of time and you get great views from the air.
The Tortuguero airport 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 USD per person one way from the airport to town and a little more to the hotels.
If you flying from any other destinations, you will have to go first to San Jose. So if the schedules don’t work out, you may need to stay a night in San Jose. If so, here are some ideas of things to do and where to stay in San Jose.
Most Common Way: 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.
How to Get to Tortuguero: Map
Here is a quick Google Maps of Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park and the driving routes from La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo and San Jose. Click the side bar to navigate and see the directions.
The Boat Ride
Both boat rides go through the mangroves and rivers to Tortuguero, offering scenic views and plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. It is almost like a tour in itself which makes it more fun!
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. 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.
You can purchase tickets for the public taxi boat at La Pavona if you are traveling independently and not on a package. If you are traveling on a Tortuguero package, there will be private boats for your hotel. So if you booked with Pachira, your guide will direct you and your luggage to the correct Pachira boat.
La Pavona dock and boat ride
La Pavona dock is the more popular dock out of the two, servicing all passengers coming from San Jose and La Fortuna. It has a parking lot, a restaurant, clean bathrooms, a snack stand, small cafeteria and gift shop. There, you can purchase boat tickets and get on/off the public bus.
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 and monkeys! It was like a wildlife watching safari tour during our ride.
Schedule
The boat schedule from La Pavona to Tortuguero is 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM. Tortuguero to La Pavona is 5 AM, 7 AM, 10 AM and 2 PM. Please note that these times may not be exact or schedules may change, so try to arrive as early as possible.
Tickets
A boat ticket costs ~$5 USD per person. You purchase tickets at the restaurant.
You can also choose to hire a private boat. Last time we checked, it was $55 USD for a private.
Parking
La Pavona has a secure parking lot that costs $10 USD per night.
Facilities
Clean bathrooms are available for $1 USD or 600 colones in the restaurant.
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, 9, 10:30, 1PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM and 8:30 PM. This bus ride takes 2 hours and costs ~2,100 colones. It leaves from San Jose Gran Terminal del Caribe, Calle Central Ave 15 in downtown.
Second, get off at the Cariari bus station. This bus doesn’t go any further so you need to get off in Cariari.
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 runs at 5 AM, 9 AM, 1130 AM and 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Monday through Thursday, it runs 5 AM, 1130 AM and 3 PM. If you miss the bus, you can take a taxi. Around 2500 CRC shared, 4000 private.
Lastly, once you are at La Pavona, purchase your boat ticket at the restaurant. It is $3 USD one way per person. 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. 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. They also offer this option from Moin for those going to/from Puerto Viejo.
You can also take a private shuttle to Tortuguero (La Pavona dock). From San Jose, it costs around $225 USD one way for 1-8 people.
How to get to Tortuguero by car
If you have a rental car, you can drive to La Pavona and leave your car there. They charge $10 USD a night for parking.
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. This route does become unpaved past Cariari but it is nothing horrible.
If you want your car rental company to pick up the car in La Pavona, there is usually an extra fee around $75 but it depends on the company.
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 as mentioned earlier.
- Pick up the car in Guapiles for free. Car rental companies will go to the restaurant the hotel packages stops at for lunch or you need to go to the car rental meeting point.
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.
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 3 – 3.5 hours. The drive from Puerto Viejo to Moin is about an hour since it is right next to Limon. Total travel time is around 5 hours.
We recommend booking the shuttle and boat transfer beforehand. You can also go via bus and then find a local boat but most likely, you won’t get a steady price. Since Moin isn’t as common or have as stable of an operation as La Pavona, you can find prices varying from $35 per person to $150 USD a person. It is not ideal for solo travelers since you’re paying for a whole boat for yourself. You can negotiate if you’re in bigger groups.
Schedule
Boats leave around 10 AM from Moin dock and this boat ride takes around 3.5 hours. Make sure to get there early to negotiate a price and secure a spot.
How to get to Moin dock
Moin also has secure parking and you can get there via shuttle, bus and car.
From Puerto Viejo/Cahuita via bus
First, 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).
Shuttle
Shuttle companies like Caribe Shuttle offer shuttle and boat transfers via Moin.
Driving
Moin is right next to Limon. As an industrial city, there isn’t much there but the dock has a secure parking lot next to the docks. It costs ~$10 USD a night. Make sure not to leave valuables in the car!
In Waze, look for “Moin Muelle.
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.
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.
Pachira 2 days 1 night Tortuguero packages cost $230-300 USD depending on the number of travelers. Click here to save 7% on your Tortuguero package!
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 Pachira, Evergreen, Aninga, etc. Get our 7% discount off Tortuguero packages from San Jose!
I hope this post helps you plan your trip since now you know how to get to Tortuguero.
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)
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.