How to Get to Tortuguero

Located on the Northern Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero is wholly surrounded by water. Visitors can opt to fly into the village on one of the local carriers or arrive by the slower, but less expensive, bus/boat route. Boats depart for Tortuguero from the towns of Cariari, Cano Blanco and Moin.

Another option is to travel with one of the all-inclusive lodges in Tortuguero. They offer transport to/from San Jose via private shuttle bus and flat-bottomed river boat. 

Air:

Both of Costa Rica's domestic airlines, Nature Air and Sansa, have daily flights to Tortuguero. Rates and schedules depend on the season; travelers are advised to check airlines for current schedules and prices.

Bus / Boat:

From San Jose via Cariari
The cheapest and most common route to Tortuguero is through Cariari and La Pavona. Buses depart for Cariari (approximately $2.30) from San Jose’s Gran Caribe Terminal. The trip is less than two hours and stops in Guapiles for a bathroom break. From Cariari, buy a ticket to La Pavona (about $1.75) at the central bus terminal. Boats depart for Tortuguero from La Pavona. These public water taxis (approximately $2.80) are timed to meet the buses, so wait time is minimal.

From San Jose via Moin
Take the 6:30 a.m. bus to Limon (about $3.30) from San Jose’s Gran Caribe Terminal. If possible, purchase your ticket one day in advance as the bus is often full. From Limon, take a taxi to the boat docks in Moin where boats depart for the Tortuguero canals (the JAPDEVA docks). The cost is roughly $7 for the six-mile trip to the docks.

In Moin, boat prices can vary from $30-$50 per person. These are water taxis that don’t have a set daily schedule. The return trip to Moin departs Tortuguero at around 10:00 a.m. Travelers should arrive in Moin before 1:00 p.m. This will give you plenty of time to get back to San Jose during daylight hours.


Note: The Tortuguero Information Center may have updated information on travel to and from the area. (Tel: 2709-8015)

 

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