Tortuguero National Park Overview

The Spanish name for the giant sea turtle is tortuga, and it’s the main reason that most people flock to this 77,000-acre coastal reserve on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. In fact, thanks to its isolation—it’s linked to the mainland only by a network of rivers and lagoons, plus some man-made canals that were created in 1969—turtles have been coming here since before 1600. And of the world’s eight species, four of them lay their eggs right on Tortuguero National Park's sandy beaches. But there’s much more to see than hatchlings. You might glimpse jaguars, three-toed sloths, manatees, and toucans among the park’s 2,200 plant species. Just remember to pack rain gear and waterproof shoes: It’s incredibly humid here, and rain comes down to the tune of almost 250 inches per year.

Kayaking/Canoeing
The best—and, really, only—way to see Tortuguero is by water. Skip the motorboat tours and sign up with one of the dozens of guides in Tortuguero Village. For recommendations, stop in at the Sea Turtle Conservancy's museum (tours of the canals are about $15 per person). If you’re feeling bold, buy a good map and rent your own canoe or kayak—many of the accommodations in town have them for rent, but look for those that have lighter fiberglass versions. The traditional Costa Rican pangas are heavy and hard to maneuver. You can also access the park from the south, in the town of Parismina. Rent from Iguana Verde—or hire the owner as a guide.