Tortuguero is a narrow strip of land that floats between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Lagoon. It is barely attached to the mainland Costa Rica and has no road connection with the rest of the country. So, the only two ways to get to Tortuguero are by domestic plane or by boat.
In this post, we will share everything you need to know about both these modes of transports that will take you to one of the most unique places in Costa Rica.
We have included all the information based on our research and first hand experience of traveling to Tortuguero in August 2021. If you happen to make this trip at a later date and find any changes in the process, please let us know in the comments so we can update the post 🙂
By Air: San Jose to Tortuguero
To get to Tortuguero, the first option is to take a domestic flight.
Sansa offers daily flights between San Jose and Tortuguero. The flight duration is 30 minutes. The airfare ranges between 90-120 USD. You can check flight schedule, fare and book your trip on the Fly Sansa website.
Domestic flights in Costa Rica are done in small aircraft, so they do not soar very high as regular airplanes. So, although a short duration flight, it offers stunning aerial views of the country as you fly from the capital city to Tortuguero.
The airstrip in Tortuguero is located at the far north end of the narrow strip of land where Tortuguero lies. So, as you land, you get to see the wonderful geographic positioning of Tortuguero.
To get to the town of Tortuguero, you need to take a public boat. Alternatively, you can request your hotel to arrange for this transfer, so that you do not need to spend time figuring out the correct next steps.
P.S: If you do not take the domestic flight to get to Tortuguero, you can still get a cool aerial view of Tortuguero town and the adjacent lakes and sea. Find out how in this post.
By Boat: San Jose / La Fortuna to Tortuguero
La Pavona Dock
If you are traveling from San Jose or La Fortuna, La Pavona dock would be nearest embarking point for Tortuguero.
How to Reach La Pavona Dock
From San Jose: Take Ruta 32 from San Jose till Guapiles. It is a mountainous road with lots of curves, but also offering scenic views for the most part. After Guapiles, take the left and pass by towns like Pococci and Cariari to proceed towards La Pavona embarking point. The drive takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
From La Fortuna: Take Ruta 4 to connect to Ruta 32. Once on Ruta 32, head towards Guapiles and follow the same route as described in the previous section. The drive takes around 3.5-4 hours, subject to traffic.
What to Do after Arriving at La Pavona Dock?
One you arrive at the parking lot of La Pavona dock, the steps are very simple to follow. There will be couple of people at the main gate, explaining you the process, if you need.
- Purchase tickets for your boat rides (return journey) and for your car parking. You can buy both together from the same counter. Card payment is accepted.
- Park your car in the secure parking lot. Remember to take everything you need for your trip.
- Wait at the restaurant area for boarding the boat from the bank at the allocated time.
- Remember to retain your ticket as you will need to show the same for your boat journey from Tortuguero.
Facilities at La Pavona Dock
Restaurant: The restaurant serves all meals and sells snacks and beverages too. So you can plan your meal here before your onward journey or after your return. Or simply grab a snack while waiting for your turn to embark the boat.
Restrooms: Clean restrooms are available at the restaurant. But you need to pay 500 colones or 1 USD to use the same. You can pay in cash (Colones, Dollars, Euros) or card.
Mini Market: There is a mini market on site at the restaurant.
WiFi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the restaurant.
Ferry Ticket Price: La Pavona to Tortuguero
- Boat ticket: 3000 colones (~5 USD) per person
- Parking ticket: 3000 colones (~5 USD) per vehicle per night
- Luggage: Free
Ferry Schedule: La Pavona to Tortuguero
- La Pavona to Tortuguero: 6:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm
- Tortuguero to La Pavona: 5:00 am, 7:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm (Additionally 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm on weekends)
Ferry Duration: La Pavona to Tortuguero
The boat ride from La Pavona to Tortuguero takes anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes. During our trip in the month of August, both onward and return journey took around 45 minutes each.
By Boat: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero
Moin Dock
From Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and other southern Caribbean towns like Cahuita or Manzanillo, Moin is the nearest dock for embarking a boat to Tortuguero.
Puerto Viejo to Tortoguero via Moin Dock: Independent Transfer
Take Ruta 36 to drive from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca till Moin dock via Limon. It takes between 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive. Similar to La Pavona dock, you can park your car overnight at the secure parking lot of the dock for a daily fee.
Ferry Schedule: 10:00 am
Boat Ride Duration: The boat ride from Moin to Tortuguero takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Ferry Ticket Price: 35 USD per person.
We have personally not taken the ferry route from Moin. So, we would also like to suggest an alternative, a guided transfer to Tortuguero.
Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero via Moin Dock: Guided Transfer
You can book a shuttle + boat transfer service through one of the tour companies in the Caribbean region.
They will pick you up from Puerto Viejo or Cahuita in a shuttle bus and drive to Moin dock. The shuttle bus may have WiFi on board. After arriving at Moin dock, you will get a half an hour break before boarding the boat. The boat tour from Moin to Tortuguero will take about 3.5 to 4 hours. On the boat, the captain will guide you with information and sightings of the wildlife as you pass through the jungle waterways of Caribbean Costa Rica.
The regular luggage allowance includes 1 large bag or backpack + 1 carry on or laptop bag.
Tour Price: 75 USD + 15 USD additional for every extra piece of luggage.
Some tour companies offering this transfer service are Caribe Shuttle, Exploradores Outdoors and Pleasure Ride.
Tips for Your Tortuguero Journey
- Check the ferry schedule at the time of your travel because it may change.
- Pack light, so that movement is easier as you switch different modes of transport.
- Paid parking areas are safe. Still remember to lock your car and not leave any valuables behind.
- The boat is narrow long boat with shade on top. So, you will not get drenched even if it rains. But to protect your valuables and tech gear from rain splashes or canal water splashes, use a dry bag.
- The boat will drop you off at and pick up from the main dock of Tortuguero town. If you are staying at one of the bigger hotels which are little off the main town, coordinate with the hotel from your transfer between Tortuguero main dock and the dock nearest to the hotel.
Final Thoughts
The domestic flight to Tortuguero offers wonderful perspectives. Whereas the boat ride to Tortuguero is through beautiful canals with rainforests on either side. You may spot some animals and birds too during the boat ride, if you watch closely. So, whichever mode of transport you choose to get to Tortuguero, it is likely to be a wonderful travel experience by itself.
Boat ticket is now 8000 colones and parking is now 6500 colones pr day…
Oh is it? Thanks for the information Rita. We are going to update the article.