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Are you considering taking a tour to Tortuguero? We say go for it! It’s possible to visit Tortuguero in a day or overnight from San Jose, but we’d definitely recommend a tour so you can make the most of it and don’t have to worry about getting there – it’s quite remote!
People call this area “the Amazon of Costa Rica,” and as you can probably guess from the name, turtles are a BIG reason to visit Tortuguero. Turtle nesting season is incredible, but actually, we find this place amazing year-round. And honestly, the best way to relax and see the most wildlife is on a guided tour.
After living in and traveling all over Costa Rica for years, we know which tours offer the best experience. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up the top Tortuguero tours available.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article? No worries – we’ll skip to the good stuff! Our absolute favorite tour to Tortuguero from San Jose is this Classic Guided Day Trip. It’s the quintessential tour of Tortuguero and includes a boat ride with epic wildlife spotting (I saw animals I didn’t even know existed!). We also walked through the Tortuguero Village and if you visit during nesting season (June-October), you’ll head to the beach to see the turtles nest!
This is a 12-hour tour and you’ll depart bright and early at 5:30 am, but wake up to views of coffee plantations and waterfalls on the drive. It costs $209 USD, which covers roundtrip transport, breakfast, lunch, and park fees. You’ll need a minimum of 2 per booking, and I highly recommend booking in advance, especially during nesting season. But hey, you can book for as early as tomorrow if you like!
Click here to book our favorite tour to Tortuguero today!
About Tortuguero National Park
The tiny town of Tortuguero lies on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Both the town and Tortuguero National Park are named after marine turtles (Tortuguero means turtle.) This area of the country is one of the most important nesting sites in the Caribbean for various species of sea turtles.
Every year from July until the end of October, thousands of sea turtles come to the beach here to lay eggs. The national park was established in 1975 after a sea turtle researcher alerted the Costa Rican government about how important this area was.
Now, 35 kilometers (22 miles) of the beach is set aside as part of the national park. While sea turtle populations have decreased worldwide, nesting here has actually gone up 500% since the park was created! Now, 20,000 green sea turtles nest here each year – the largest remaining colony in the world. As you can see, this is one of the best places to see turtles in all of Costa Rica!
Besides the incredible turtles, other wildlife in Tortuguero is abundant with everything from howler monkeys to jaguars to sloths. You might also spot some of the 300 species of birds or 111 species of reptiles. This protected area is home to so many amazing critters!
The park is open every day from 6 am to 3 pm – but the entrance often closes at 12 pm for an hour for lunch. Admission to Tortuguero National Park is $17 USD for adults. Just note that if you bring cash, bills over $50 USD are not accepted, so have smaller bills or a credit card on hand. A couple of the tours listed below actually include park fees, so you won’t have to worry about it on the day.
This area also has unique and fun activities around Tortuguero Village like a floating restaurant, a cocoa tour, and hiking up an inactive volcano.
Due to its remote location, Tortuguero can be a bit of a challenge to get to because you can only get there by boat or plane! The more common, and cheaper option is to take a 3-hour bus ride from San Jose and then hop on a 1-hour boat trip.
If you’re based in San Jose, you can take a tour that will cover all the logistics of getting to Tortuguero. I don’t love driving in Costa Rica because the roads can be tricky. Plus, if you’re doing it all in one day, that’s at least 5 hours on the road. I’d much rather have someone else take care of the driving and planning so I can fully enjoy the experience! That’s exactly why we’ve gathered the 4 best tours to Tortuguero – and whether you’re looking for a day trip or have time to stay overnight, we’ve got you covered.
Best Tortuguero Tours from San Jose
1. Classic Tortuguero Day Trip with Boat Ride
We were pleasantly surprised by how cool San Jose was but, let’s be honest, cities aren’t the reason anyone comes to Costa Rica. So with this full-day tour, you’re up and out early, and you’ll be on a boat trip along Tortuguero’s incredibly biodiverse canals by mid-morning. Sounds good to us!
The boat trip is an ideal opportunity to spot toucans, sloths, iguanas, and even crocodiles. And yes, spotting a croc can be a little scary, but the guides know what they’re doing. After the boat ride, there’s even more Costa Rican wildlife to spot on the rainforest hike up to a viewpoint. We love hiking so this was a real highlight for us, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes, which is always a good idea in Costa Rica anyway.
And naturally, during turtle nesting season, which is from June to October, you’ll head down to the beach to see them. Watching the turtles make their way across the volcanic sand is precisely the kind of magical experience that keeps us coming back to Costa Rica again and again!
Tours leave at 5:30 am and last about 12 hours. It costs $209 USD per person, which includes roundtrip transit from downtown San Jose accommodations plus park fees, breakfast, and lunch. You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours before you go in case travel plans change (as they often do!).
There’s a minimum of 2 per booking and it books up fast during turtle nesting season! We recommend reserving your spot in advance if that’s when you’re planning to visit Tortuguero.
Secure your spot here for this Tortuguero Day Trip with Boat Ride and Wildlife Spotting!
Related Read: If you’re hungry before or after your tour, try one of the best restaurants in San Jose.
2. All-inclusive 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero Getaway
Sometimes, we just want to enjoy a getaway without worrying about any planning, and this 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero tour is perfect for that. Personally, I don’t love experiences that feel super rushed, so I like this tour because it gives you plenty of time to soak up the beauty of one of Costa Rica’s richest and most fascinating national parks! Plus, it gives you time to explore Tortuguero town which we loved.
After an early morning departure, you’ll arrive in Tortuguero with plenty of time to enjoy the day. Luckily, the first day is nice and relaxed, with time to settle into your 4-star digs before you go to the beach, visit the turtle museum, and explore the town. Tortuguero is quite a charming little town with strong Caribbean vibes. We like that you can explore it properly rather than making a flying visit, and if you’re looking for things to do, check out our list of fun activities in Tortuguero.
Then, on the second day, you can enjoy a laid-back boat ride through Tortuguero’s canals. These wetlands are some of the most biodiverse in the world so trust me when I say that this is an incredible chance to spot wildlife! And on day three, you’ll head back to San Jose, feeling refreshed rather than tired!
This tour offers a much less demanding way to visit Tortuguero from San Jose, as I find doing it one day can be quite intense.
They offer pickup and dropoff from San Jose hotels or the airport, but not Airbnbs, although you can just request pickup from the closest hotel! Entrance to the park ($17 USD) and the turtle museum ($2) are not included, either. But overall, I think it’s a fantastic deal at $437 USD for 2 nights in a boutique hotel in one of Costa Rica’s most important national parks, with all meals included!
Click here to book your 2-night, 3-day Tortuguero getaway.
3. Budget-friendly Tortuguero Day Trip
We think that this full-day tour is ideal for groups and families traveling on a budget. You’ll need to book for at least three people at a time, but as long as you can make the numbers, it’s a great way to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty in just one day.
I found the drive to Tortuguero beautiful and loved seeing cloud forests, waterfalls, and coffee plantations along the way. The journey is also broken up with a visit to a banana plantation to discover how fruit is farmed and exported here. I really appreciated this because the drive from San José to Tortuguero is pretty long, so it was nice to stretch our legs and see something new.
And of course, once you get to the Tortuguero National Park, you’ll tick off all of the quintessential activities, including a wildlife boat ride, a visit to the main village, and observing the turtles at the right time of year. For me, the guides make this experience extra special – Buddy is so funny and chatty, and really keeps the energy up throughout the day.
This tour costs $150 USD per person, which is quite a bargain considering that this price includes breakfast and lunch. It’s not a huge tour either, as there’s a maximum of 30 people in a group. When we went, we were picked up around 6:30 am and returned to our hotel about 12 hours later.
Click here to snag this Budget-friendly Tortuguero Day Trip!
4. Semi-private Day Trip to Tortuguero with Volcano Hike
We’re big wildlife enthusiasts, so we think that if you’ve got the cash to spare, taking this semi-private tour to Tortuguero is worth it. It’s actually quite surprising just how much more wildlife you end up spotting when you have your guide’s undivided attention. And since Tortuguero is like a mini Amazon, there’s so much to see here, from sloths, iguanas, and basilisk lizards to monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs… to name just a few!
The guide, Alberto, is so friendly and it was very clear to us that he cares deeply about the park and its wildlife. His enthusiasm made the boat ride and visit to Tortuguero village even more enjoyable, and we loved the hike up to Cerro Tortuguero Volcano (don’t worry, it’s extinct!). However, it still offers incredible views over the park, and seeing the canals from up here made us realize just how huge the park is!
The tour costs $295 USD per person (minimum 2 per booking), and there will be a maximum of 8 people in your group so it’s very personal. The price includes the Tortuguero entrance fee, plus lunch and bottled water along the way, which is always welcome in the humidity, I can assure you. You’ll depart around 7 am, returning roughly 10 hours later.
Book this semi-private Tortuguero tour online and get free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.
Related Read: There are many other day trips and tours from San Jose. For one of our faves, check out the best Manuel Antonio tours – another park brimming with wildlife and gorgeous beaches.
Other Activities to do while You’re in San José
There are plenty of things to do in San Jose! But if you’re having trouble filling that itinerary, I’ve highlighted some of my favorites below.
- Visit Poas Volcano – Poas Volcano is a very active volcano and it’s only about an hour and a half drive from San José city center. Seeing this huge acid-blue lake crater is mesmerizing, and this specific tour covers entry and guarantees you skip the long lines.
- Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens – La Paz Waterfalls Gardens is one of the best day trips from San Jose because it’s one of the biggest private wildlife sanctuaries in the country. It’s only a 45-minute drive, but if you don’t have a rental car, join this organized tour from San Jose, which covers transport, lunch, and a guided walk around the property.
- Take a coffee tour – You can’t leave Costa Rica without trying their world-renowned coffee! There are literally hundreds of coffee farms around Costa Rica, but some of the most famous are located only a short drive from San José. And on this Britt Coffee tour, you’ll try some of my favorite coffee and chocolate in the world!
- Go whitewater rafting – There are some awesome places for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, including the Pacuare River near San Jose. If you love adventure like me, you have to go on a guided rafting tour! This tour had fantastic guides and included lunch after the rafting, as well as transportation.
Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is definitely not lacking when it comes to accommodation options! There are actually hundreds of hotels to choose from in San Jose, and most of them are extremely affordable! Below you’ll find our favorite options for each budget.
Grano de Oro Hotel – $$$
Want a luxurious experience? Grano de Oro Hotel is right in the heart of San Jose and features an on-site gourmet restaurant, massage services, and a rooftop garden! The entire place is absolutely gorgeous, with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful interior design. You can walk to many of San Jose’s attractions, and you’re just a 15-minute drive to the airport.
Room rates start at $170 USD per night. For luxury in a great location, book the Grano de Oro Hotel right here on Booking.com.
Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel – $$
For a great mid-range option, Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel is absolutely stunning. The whole place is quiet, cozy, and clean. Each room provides garden or golf course views with a furnished balcony. They offer laundry, room service, and an airport shuttle for a fee – and they’re just a 10-minute drive to the airport. The staff are super accommodating and happy to answer any of your questions.
Prices here start at around $105 USD per night. For a relaxed and reliable choice, reserve a room at Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel online on Booking.com.
Costa Rica Backpackers – $
If you’re looking for a budget option in San Jose, I recommend Costa Rica Backpackers. This hostel has excellent ratings, is in a great location, and even includes an airport shuttle and swimming pool! They also have free coffee, a great on-site restaurant, and super helpful staff.
The best part? Shared rooms start at $10 USD per night and a private room is only $27 USD a night. You can book your stay on Booking.com or through Hostelworld.
Pura Vida!
When in San Jose, we love making a side trip to Tortuguero. This little slice of paradise is the perfect place to soak up small-town charm and spot loads of wildlife – and perhaps even turtles nesting (if the timing is right!). We love these 4 tours in particular because they highlight the best of the area, and they’re each a bit different. Whether you want a day trip on a budget or a relaxed 2-night getaway, we hope you enjoy your trip!
If you found this blog useful, check out our other blogs about Costa Rica! We absolutely love this country and have spent loads of time traveling here. To help you out, I’ve linked to a few more articles below. Thanks for reading!
13 Fun Things to do in Alajuela, Costa Rica
The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every Month of the Year
7 Day Costa Rica Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Costa Rica!