Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 to protect endangered sea turtles and their nesting beaches. Turtles that nest here include hawksbill, green, loggerheads and leatherbacks. The most common are the green turtles which nest from mid-July through mid-October. The others nest at various times of the year along the 22 miles of area beaches.

Tortuguero National Park is 73 square miles in size and is comprised of mangroves, lowland rainforests, beaches, lagoons and canals, and lagoons. The varied life zones provide habitat for 309 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 85 freshwater fish and 4 sea turtle species.

The Beach - Riptides and Sharks

Though the beaches of Tortuguero are beautiful and lined with palm trees for miles, swimming is very dangerous due to riptides and abundant sharks. It is not possible drive to Tortuguero on your own and it is recommended to stay at least two days due to the remoteness of the area.

Park Admission Fees and Hours

The entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is 10USD. The park is open daily from 8am – 4pm. A guide is highly recommended for safety and all around experience as the wildlife is camouflaged.

Weather and Packing List

The Caribbean is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of February, March, September and October being the driest.

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.

Fun Fact: Female green turtles nest once every two to four years and do so a couple times within a two week period. The turtle lays approximately 100 eggs in a hole which she digs with her flippers. Eggs require a 60 day incubation period before the baby turtles run the gauntlet to the sea. It is estimated that less than one percent make it to adulthood due to predation.

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