What to do in Tortuguero

In the middle of the lush jungle on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica lies a very special place: Tortuguero. The small village can only be reached by boat or small plane, there are no roads here. That’s exactly what makes it so magical. Canals instead of highways, monkeys instead of cars, and rainforest as far as the eye can see.
Here you can find out what you should definitely experience in Tortuguero.

Turtle watching in Tortuguero National Park

The absolute highlight is the famous Tortuguero National Park. It is considered one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles worldwide.
Between July and October, with a little luck, you can watch green sea turtles laying their eggs. Leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles also come here seasonally.
Important:

The tour may only be conducted with certified guides.
There is a strict ban on lights at night (so: no phones allowed)
Respect for the animals is paramount.

It’s kind of a weird feeling to watch something so intimate, but it’s also a magical experience you won’t soon forget.

Boat tour through the jungle canals

Tortuguero is often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” and for good reason. A vast network of natural and artificial canals runs through the rainforest. You can also explore this Toru by canoe or kayak, depending on how adventurous you want to be.
On an early morning tour, you can see:

Howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys
Sloths
Caimans
Basilisks (“Jesus Christ lizards”)
Countless bird species such as toucans and herons

Most tours start at 6:00 a.m. because that’s when the chance of seeing wildlife is highest.

Discover lots of different animal species on a boat tour. We even saw two caimans.

You can cruise through the beautiful canals by boat, kayak or canoe.

Hike through the rainforest

In addition to the waterways, the national park also offers several short hiking trails. The most popular trail is the Jaguar Trail, where you can encounter giant ceiba trees, colorful frogs, and exotic plants.

There is also a lot of wildlife to be found on land. These capuchin monkeys were my favorite.

Walk along the endless Caribbean beach

The black sand beach of Tortuguero appears wild and untouched. Swimming is usually not recommended due to strong currents, but it is perfect for long walks. It is also a wonderful place to watch the sunrise. With a little luck, you may even spot turtle tracks in the sand.

Go for a walk at the beautiful Carribean beach.

You can’t swim in the ocean due to strong currents, but it’s still beautfil to watch.

It’s also the best place on the island to watch the sunrise.

Explore the village of Tortuguero

This small village has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Colorful wooden houses, small restaurants, and friendly locals characterize the scene.
Things to do here:

Try fresh fish and gallo pinto
Buy local handicrafts
Enjoy the sunset by the water

Here you can experience authentic Costa Rica, far away from the big hotel chains.

Walk through the charming little streets in the village.

On this side of the island, you can watch a beautiful sunset overlooking the canals.

Best time to visit Tortuguero

February–April: Less rain, good wildlife viewing
July–October: Turtle season (rainy season, but spectacular)
Tortuguero is basically a year-round destination—rain is just part of the experience here.

Want to travel to Tortuguero? Find out how to get there here.