Tortuguero Activities & Attractions

Boat/Canoe Tours

The Rio Tortuguero, Bocana Lagoon and waterways that feed into it, make perfect platforms for wildlife viewing and taking in scenery. From the Tortuguero village you can hire a canoe or motorised boat and guide, for your chance to see many of the animals that inhabit the area. Don't worry about finding a guide, they will find you at the village docks or you can use one of the kiosks around town to shop for an appropriate fee. The guides know which routes to take and are skilful at pinpointing the wildlife on the banks, in the trees, or even the odd crocodile camouflaged amongst floating debris. The National Park entrance fee must be paid before taking a tour into the surrounding areas.

National Park Walk

Located at the south end of Tortuguero Village is the Cuatro Esquinas ranger station, which also marks the entrance to the El Gavilan trail. The two kilometre trail takes you through the tropical forest and along parts of the beach. The trails are usually muddy and appropriate footwear should be utilised, there are rubber boots which can be hired in town. While walking this trail you are either going to sweat profusely from the humidity or be drenched through by downpours, so wear light clothing and bring rain gear. The trail is open from 6 am to 6 pm; allow two hours for completing it.

There is also a trail which leads up the 150 meter Cerro Tortuguero, the only hill and highest point in the area, which allows views of the surrounding reserves and coastline. The climb is short but steep and not helped by the rain soaked ground, though the scenic reward is easily worth the 30 or 40 minute climb. The trail begins just a little north of the Tortuga lodge and ends at a rusted tower on the peak. It is probably best to do this walk with a guide who can point out a few things along the way.

C.C.C. Visitors Centre

The Caribbean Conservation Corporation (C.C.C) has built a visitors centre just north of the Tortuguero Village. This non-profit organisation was formed in 1959 to protect and study sea turtles of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Before reform and education on the plight of the areas sea turtle population, almost all of the female turtles that ventured onto Tortuguero beach to nest were taken for food and export, endangering their continued existence in the area. Today the corporation helps with the protection and research of turtles, and even offers volunteer program whereby you can stay in the basic nearby dormitories and help with field studies. For a small fee, take a stroll through the visitors' centre which has displays and a short video presentation designed to educate about turtles and the history of the area.