Paddle quiet canals where mangroves press close and wildlife reveals itself in small, decisive moments. This guided canoe tour of Tortuguero National Park offers intimate access to flooded rainforest and river channels with local interpretation and light refreshments.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn slips across the canals of Tortuguero like a quiet passenger; mist lifts off black water and the mangroves lean in as if to listen. In a narrow canoe you move slowly, paddle whispering, while howler monkeys assert the canopy and a kingfisher darts like a punctuation mark. The tour follows braided waterways that thread through lowland rainforest and flooded forest—habitat carved by rivers and sea, shaped over millennia by coastal sediment and tidal push.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to sit and step into a low canoe and follow safety instructions.
Wildlife
History
The park was created in the 1970s to protect critical sea turtle nesting beaches and has since become a key wetland reserve for Caribbean Costa Rica.
Conservation
Tortuguero operates under strict protection zones—visitors should stay in designated channels, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow guide instructions to minimize human impact.
Reserve your spot on the Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go early or late
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk; book a morning or late-afternoon slot for the best sightings and cooler temperatures.
Pack a dry bag
Canoes are low and splashes happen—keep cameras, phones, and spare clothes dry.
Wear insect protection
Bring long sleeves and DEET or picaridin spray—mosquitoes are common near mangroves and back channels.
Mind turtle and bird nesting
Do not disembark on protected beaches or approach nesting sites; guides will point them out from the water.
Light rain jacket
Quick showers are common during the rainy months and a lightweight shell keeps you dry without overheating.
summer
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes and biting insects are frequent along canals—effective repellent improves comfort and safety.
Dry bag (small)
Protects electronics and valuables from splashes and brief rain while in the canoe.
Binoculars
A compact pair helps you pick out birds, sloths, and distant caimans without disturbing them.