Despite its remoteness, Tortuguero is a very popular destination with a variety of hotel options. 

Wildlife watching is, by far, the most popular attraction in Tortuguero.  

<h2>Explore the “Little Amazon” of Costa Rica</h2>The trip to Tortuguero, through canals, is a tour in itself. The adventure starts before you arrive at the remote, stunning location. Float along with an infinite web of river canals.If you are a nature enthusiast, prepare yourself! You can choose from and <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/tortuguero/things-to-do/">endless array of nature activities</a> since the region is home to over 300 bird species, 57 amphibian species, 111 reptiles, and 60 mammals. 13 of the 16 endangered species in Costa Rica can be found in Tortuguero, including manatees, jaguars, tapirs, and pumas.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651876599/tortuga_lodge_and_gardens_aerial_canals_and_ocean_overview_tortuguero_d43c1030b3.jpg" alt="tortuga-lodge-and-gardens-aerial-canals-and-ocean-overview-tortuguero.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651876599/thumbnail_tortuga_lodge_and_gardens_aerial_canals_and_ocean_overview_tortuguero_d43c1030b3.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651876600/small_tortuga_lodge_and_gardens_aerial_canals_and_ocean_overview_tortuguero_d43c1030b3.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651876600/medium_tortuga_lodge_and_gardens_aerial_canals_and_ocean_overview_tortuguero_d43c1030b3.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651876600/large_tortuga_lodge_and_gardens_aerial_canals_and_ocean_overview_tortuguero_d43c1030b3.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to Tortuguero</h3>The reason to visit Tortuguero is, of course, to get to see the sea turtles. There are several time windows for doing this, but August stands out as the peak month of the Green Sea Turtle’s nesting season. If August is not an option for you, check the lunar calendar and look for days with a full moon as the ‘arribadas’—or peak nesting days—are most likely to occur then. An important thing to note is that the tours are only permitted with licensed guides.&nbsp;Between June and October, 22,000 green turtles come to nest.&nbsp;Year-round you can see sea turtles. The nesting season for Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles is during the rainy season, June to October, and for Leatherback turtles, the peak months are March to April. No worries, it is possible to see individual turtles at any time of the year.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1661293153/sloth_tortuguero_wildlife_702c46a335.jpg" alt="sloth-tortuguero-wildlife.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1661293153/thumbnail_sloth_tortuguero_wildlife_702c46a335.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1661293154/small_sloth_tortuguero_wildlife_702c46a335.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1661293154/medium_sloth_tortuguero_wildlife_702c46a335.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1661293154/large_sloth_tortuguero_wildlife_702c46a335.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h3>Tortuguero Weather</h3>The Tortuguero weather is very predictable: it’s hot and humid and will rain. So whether you’re there for a day or more, you’ll experience a proper Caribbean rain shower. Yes, even in the dry season, afternoon showers are widespread, but it’s all part of the experience of this unique destination. The average temperature is 71° – 87° F.<h3>Is Tortuguero Safe?</h3>Tortuguero is secluded and generally safe, a step back in time. There are no cars on the roads. Kids play and run around. There is no hospital in Tortuguero. The only major hospital on the Caribbean coast is the Tony Facio Hospital in Limón.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652292957/manatus_hotel_canal_port_overview_tortuguero_d2b142da02.jpg" alt="manatus-hotel-canal-port-overview-tortuguero.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652292957/thumbnail_manatus_hotel_canal_port_overview_tortuguero_d2b142da02.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652292958/small_manatus_hotel_canal_port_overview_tortuguero_d2b142da02.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652292958/medium_manatus_hotel_canal_port_overview_tortuguero_d2b142da02.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652292958/large_manatus_hotel_canal_port_overview_tortuguero_d2b142da02.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h2>Top Restaurants in Tortuguero</h2>Most of the hotels &amp; lodges have restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, there are quite a few charming, family-operated restaurants offering Caribbean food in the village center.Budda Cafe offers something a bit different. Its meditative decor puts your mind at peace as you look out over the water while enjoying your meal. It’s a nice place for a sunset cocktail too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>How to Get to Tortuguero</h2>Tortuguero is in the North Caribbean. Stunning, unspoiled nature is the main attraction of this area, as it is accessible only by airplane or 40-minute boat ride from the closest Caribbean town, La Pavona.&nbsp;The closest airports are San Jose (SJO) and Tortuguero Airport.&nbsp;

Tortuguero

Manatus Hotel

Restaurant

WiFi

Swimming Pool

Bar/Lounge

On-Site Tours

Breakfast Included

Aninga Lodge

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Panoramic Vistas

All Meals Included

Mawamba Lodge

Beach Access

Complimentary Tours

Pachira Lodge

Canopy Zip Line

Adrenaline

Rincón de la Vieja

Tamarindo

Arenal Volcano

Monteverde

San Isidro

Flamingo Beach

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Quepos

Golfito

Drake Bay

Manuel Antonio

Rio Celeste

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Jiménez

Cahuita

Corcovado

Savegre Valley

Pacuare

Upala

Dominical

Uvita

Guided Nature Hike at Night

Nature Hike at Night

Santa Teresa

Punta Islita

Mangrove And Estuary Boat Ride

Mangrove And Estuary

Esterillos

Freshwater Fishing in Caño Negro

Freshwater Fishing

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

National Parks

La Paz

Jaco

Rio Perdido

Heredia

San Gerardo de Dota

Bajos del Toro

San Ramón

Sea Turtle Nesting

Nosara

Samara

Playa Avellanas

Kayaking in Costa Rica

Kayaking

Beach Fun

Isla Chiquita

El Jobo

Playa Hermosa (Jaco)

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

Papagayo

Guanacaste 

Liberia

Conchal Beach

Las Catalinas

Playa Langosta

Turrialba

Poás Volcano

San José

Los Sueños

Nature by Boat

Beach

Rainforest

National Park

Slow Down! Turtles and Sloths of Costa Rica

Monteverde and Tortuguero

Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero

Bird Nerds Classic

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls

Scuba, Sea Turtles and Sloths

Go Where the Turtles Roam

Wilderness Explorers

Monkeys, Sloths and Whales

Tarpon and Beach Fishing Adventure

Coast to Coast Fishing in Costa Rica

Marlin and Tarpon Fishing Combo

Inshore Slam Tarpon and Roosterfish

Tarpon and Marlin Adventure

Tortuguero and San Gerardo de Dota

Nature and Wellness 

An Insider's Costa Rica

Wild and Tame Rivers of Costa Rica

Turtle Nests and Turtle Rolls

Rainforest Sounds

Birdwatchers' Dream Combo

Costa Rica Unleashed: A Wild Adventure

Wild and Wonderful Costa Rica

Nature Expedition

Untamed Adventure

Ultimate Fishing Trip of Costa Rica

We traveled to three locations over 9 days. Our trip exceeded expectations and was so simple with the help of Costa Rican Vacations. We highly recommend Luke Angus to coordinate your travel.

Sharon - Luke Angus

What a seamless experience! I've never used a travel agency to plan my whole vacation, so this was a joy. It was so nice not to worry about any of the arrangements. All of the tours that Daniel chose for us were perfect.&nbsp;