Tortuguero National Park
Adjacent to the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge is the more well-known and frequented Tortuguero National Park, the most important nesting site of the green sea turtle on Costa Rica's Atlantic side. Tortuguero, which means "region of turtles" in Spanish, is home to four of the world's eight species of green sea turtle including Leatherback , Loggerhead , and Hawksbill turtles.
Tortuguero National Park protects 46,815 acres (18,946 ha) of natural wildlife habitat including over twenty miles of coastline in which the turtles lay eggs. The park is also home to a variety of animal species including jaguars, macaws, tapirs, over 300 species of birds, reptiles, and other mammals. A number of manatees call Tortuguero their home as well, though they are difficult to spot. The park offers great views of local fauna from either trailside or boat, and guides are available to help visitors navigate the marshland.
The characteristic rain of Costa Rica's Limon province is even more pronounced near Tortuguero, where rainfall ranges from 165 to 200 inches (500 to 600 cm) annually, distinguishing the region as one of the wettest in the country. Marshland, swamps, lagoons, and sluggish rivers all feed off of the nonstop rains. Added to the mix is off-the-charts humidity that thickens the air, helping the plant life flourish.
Visitors can observe sea turtles lay eggs after sundown when the turtles begin their arribadas. Because of conservation efforts, turtles have made a huge comeback to the park. The breeding season for the green sea turtle is March to October, however stragglers can be found up and down the coast throughout the year. Leatherbacks lay eggs from February to July, allowing visitors the ability to see the arribadas year-round.
Boat travel is the primary method of navigating the park's rugged terrain, and trails can be reached via boat for those interested in hiking. Boats are cheap for hire, as are guides who can help you to find nesting turtles, hiking trails, or the best spots to fish. Many companies offer organized tours of the park as well. As far as these go, price most often correlates with comfort and organization. However, budget travelers should not shy away from the cheaper options.
Getting to the park can be an inconvenience. A small airport north of Tortuguero village is the easiest way of visiting the region, while those in Puerto Limon can elect to travel in passenger boat from the nearby port at Moin.
The town of Tortuguero offers visitors of all budgets a chance to stay in a variety of accommodations. Hotel reservations should be made in advance due to limited space.
Where to stay in Tortuguero National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Tortuguero National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Aninga Lodge
A neat place to stay in a truly exotic location, Aninga Lodge offers private cabins connected by raised walkways. Keep a lookout for birds, mammals, and other animals while you stay and explore here—Tortuguero is absolutely teeming with wildlife.
Evergreen Lodge
The Evergreen Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero. This hotel has eco-friendly accommodations and is surrounded by nature.
Pachira Lodge
The Pachira Lodge is located on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica near the National Park of Tortuguero. The lodge is surrounded by a network of very scenic canals and is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its rich flora and fauna. Arriving at this paradise is an exciting and unique experience as it consists of either flying or busing into the coast near Limon and then taking a short boat ride to Tortuguero.
Hotel Mawamba
Hotel Mawamba is located in Tortuguero, on a piece of land between a canal and the ocean, just a short walk from the beach. Tortuguero is a network of lake and canals and is accessible only by boat or air. Because of its remote isolation, this hotel offers an exclusive look at a tropical environment that serves as an important nesting ground for sea turtles.
Manatus Hotel
Manatus Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel in Tortuguero National Park. It is located between the canal and the coast.
Laguna Lodge
Laguna Lodge lies along Costa Rica's northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other. This Region is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The Caribbean provides a unique mixture of cultures from the Indigenous to Jamaican influences bringing you a completely different side of Costa Rica.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens
The Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is on Costa Rica's northeast Caribbean coast, just offshore of the port town of Limon. Limon is a lively town with a distinct Jamaican influence in the ambiance and foods. The draw of Tortuguero is its slow-moving tropical rivers, astounding rainforests, and the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important nesting sights of the Green Sea Turtle.
Turtle Beach Lodge
Turtle Beach Lodge is located in the Province of Limon in the Tortuguero National Park. Getting to Tortuguero is a wondrous trip as you need to use a plane or boat to arrive there. It's about a three and a half hour boat ride from Puerto Limon, where you can find an active night life, restaurants and bars. A unique difference from this town compared to the rest of Costa Rica is its heavy Afro- Caribbean influence and culture.
Flora & fauna in Tortuguero National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Tortuguero National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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