
Tortuguero National Park is a remote wildlife haven in Costa Rica known for its extensive network of rivers, rich biodiversity, and crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles. Accessible primarily by boat or small plane via nearby communities, it offers a unique rainforest and aquatic adventure.
Tortuguero National Park, located on the northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in Limón Province, sprawls across 77,000 acres of dense rainforest, wetlands, mangroves, lagoons, and freshwater canals. Established in 1975, it serves as a critical habitat for endangered species such as the green sea turtle, which nests on the park’s beaches during nesting season from July to October. The park’s geography is defined by an intricate system of canals and waterways, which are the primary means of transportation through the park and create a unique ecosystem for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. This remote park is accessible only by boat or small aircraft from nearby towns such as Tortuguero village and La Pavona, enhancing its sense of unspoiled wilderness.
Ecologically, Tortuguero is a hotspot for biodiversity, hosting over 400 species of birds, several species of monkeys (including howler and spider monkeys), jaguars, sloths, caimans, and countless amphibians and reptiles. Visitors can explore the park via guided boat tours, canoeing, guided hikes, and turtle-watching excursions during nesting seasons. The park also features the Tortuguero Canals, a famous waterway system providing scenic wildlife viewing opportunities. Canoeing through the canals at dawn or dusk presents memorable encounters with wildlife in an immersive rainforest atmosphere. The nearby village of Tortuguero offers cultural interactions, eco-lodges, and guided tours, making it the primary gateway for park access. This park is a must-visit destination for eco-tourists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers seeking one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and wildlife-rich environments.
Tortuguero Canals - a labyrinthine waterway system teeming with wildlife
Turtle nesting sites - vital nesting grounds for endangered green sea turtles
Diverse wildlife - home to monkeys, jaguars, sloths, caimans, and hundreds of bird species
Remote access - reachable only by boat or plane, preserving its pristine nature
An extensive network of navigable canals that wind through the park’s rainforest and wetlands, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities by boat or kayak.
Protected beaches critical to the reproductive cycle of endangered green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles who come ashore here to lay eggs annually.
Lush tropical rainforest habitat supporting diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.