Barra del Colorado / Tortuguero

Barra del Colorado & Tortuguero

Located on the northern Caribbean Coast, Barra del Colorado has been voted one of the top ten places to fish in the world. Anglers come from far and wide to fish the 600-meter wide Rio Colorado. The area’s fresh water river system forms a unique habitat that attracts monster tarpon and two species of snook. It is the only place in Costa Rica where 100-plus pound tarpon can be taken year-round... Read more about Barra del Colorado

Tortuguero is nestled in the wet tropical forest, 30 kilometers south of Barra. The village’s 22 miles of protected beaches comprise the largest nesting site of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, from July through October, Tortuguero visitors can join a guided turtle tour to observe some of these giant reptiles nesting on the beach... Read more about Tortuguero

Highlights of Tortuguero

Places to See

Black Water Canals
Tortuguero National Park
Deserted Beaches
Conservation Organizations
Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge

Hosting more than 100,000 visitors each year, Tortuguero National Park teems with wildlife, both aquatic and land-based, including the highly endangered West Indian manatee and the elusive jaguar...Read More

Things to Do

Bird and Wildlife Watching
Turtle Tours
Camping
Sport Fishing
Canoeing and Kayaking
Flat-Bottomed Boat Excursions
Hiking
Canopy Tours

Fishing for giant tarpon in nearby Barra del Colorado and evening turtle tours along Tortuguero’s deserted beaches are just a couple of the area’s exciting activities. Travelers can arrange boat tours though the black water canals of Tortuguero ...Read More

Places to Stay

A handful of colorful seaside cabinas and family-run hotels can be found in Tortuguero village. Most cater to budget and mid-range travelers and offer rustic yet comfortable accommodations

Travelers in search of all-inclusive lodging have several choices north of the village. All lodges have single and multi-day packages including transportation from San Jose, buffet meals, lodging and guided tours... Read More

Travel Blogs

Barra del Colorado & Tortuguero

(October 2007) and (April 2006)

The costarica.com travel team spent two weeks exploring the Northeastern Caribbean Coast. Read our experiences with tours, adventure sports and hotels.