LAND OF TURTLES
Aptly named the ‘Land of Turtles’, every year thousands of green sea turtles swim hundreds of miles to nest on Tortuguero’s golden shores. And that’s not the only reason to visit the Tortuguero National Park.
An astonishing array of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals inhabit the rivers and rainforests of this remote park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Solely accessible by boat or small plane, its beaches are also important nesting sites for various species of turtles.
The best way to explore this wildlife-rich maze of canals, lagoons, and mangrove swamps is by hopping in a canoe or motorboat with your naturalist guide. As you float down these meandering waterways, keep an eye out for spider, howler, and white-faced monkeys, as well as sloths, poison dart frogs, spectacled caimans, and even jaguars. The birdlife here is prolific, with over 320 recorded species that include numerous water birds like herons and kingfishers.
But perhaps the most special wildlife experience Tortuguero has to offer is during turtle nesting season. From March through mid-October, visitors can witness hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles climb out of the ocean to lay their eggs on this protected shoreline.
Speak to one of our Costa Rica experts to include a visit to Tortuguero, Costa Rica in your luxury, tailor-made itinerary. Whether your only destination or in coordination with visits to the Arenal Volcano or the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero is a fantastic place to visit during your trip to Costa Rica. Scroll below to learn more about this breathtaking part of Costa Rica today.
VISITING TORTUGUERO: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you explore Tortuguero?
The most exciting way to explore Tortuguero is by boat, especially from Tortuga Lodge. From here you can explore the channels, waterways, and mangroves in depth spotting caiman, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birds. The hotel also has an extensive system of trails out into the rainforest where dwell many different species of monkey as well as sloths, and if you are lucky you may even spot the elusive jaguar.
Can you swim in Tortuguero’s beaches?
Tortuguero’s beaches aren’t the best place for swimming. With fairly rough seas and the presence of bull sharks it is not allowed. The beaches are a wonderful spot for a stroll though, watching the ocean and the animals. During September and October, you may even be lucky enough to see the hatching of thousands of miniature Leatherback Turtles.
What is the best time of year to visit Tortuguero Costa Rica if you want to see the green turtle nesting season?
Green sea turtles nest in Tortuguero from June to October, with peak numbers arriving around July and August. The enormous leatherbacks, measuring up to eight feet in length, nest from March to July. This coincides with the rainy season in Costa Rica so there will be fewer people in the country, and you can only visit the hatch sites with a guide. We can arrange all of this for you to give you the best chance of seeing this incredible event.
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