Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places in Costa Rica that you can go birding and see tropical rainforest wildlife by boat. It is known for its beautiful network of canals that run parallel to the Caribbean Sea. Supporting eleven different ecosystems, the park has some of the richest wildlife diversity found in one spot in Costa Rica. The canal tour led by local naturalists will expose you to this abundant biodiversity from the comfort of a covered pontoon boat leisurely exploring these estuaries and all along the banks of the rainforest.
The canals penetrate the jungle providing a relaxing opportunity to learn about what lives in this densely forested area. The lush surrounding rainforest environment is a result of the wet Caribbean climate coupled with a variety of water sources including: canals, freshwater lagoons, wetlands and beaches, combined in one area creating a fusion of different wildlife habitats.
This early morning riverboat ride provides plenty of opportunity to view the many types of wildlife present. Your bilingual guide and professional boat driver with their wealth of information will help you spot and identify tropical plants, animals and birdlife as you gracefully coast down the riverbanks. Hidden within the lush jungle canopy you may find three species of monkeys, two species of sloths, crocodiles, caimans, reptiles, herons and many species of birds.
Although it may take some effort to see them, you will likely hear all kind of exotic birdcalls, forest insects and maybe even the monkeys howling or chattering. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars for an enhanced viewing experience.
You’ll be spending this 2- 3 hour long tour on a well shaded and well-maintained river boat. There is a canopy over the boat to somewhat protect you from the elements, but please be prepared for the sun or rain by bringing sun screen, a hat and a rain jacket.
Located along the northeastern coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is a small sparsely inhabited area with only a handful of hotels, souvenir stores and restaurants. The main attraction here centers around the abundance of flora and fauna found in the rainforest jungle or out on the beach with eleven miles of protected coastline where turtles come to lay their eggs. Tortuguero literally means a place where turtles live.
This half-day tour begins at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero. Please bring along your camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and rain gear.
The Tortuguero Canal Tour - Manatus Hotel is available from Manatus Hotel
Latitude: N 10° 33' 22.8"
Longitude: W 83° 30' 55.45"
04/19/2019
There was not much wildlife to see.
03/22/2017
Luis, a longtime local, was very informative regarding the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. He was very friendly, and seemed to enjoy showing us the sights as much as we enjoyed seeing them.
10/06/2015
We had two canal tours which were included. Also my husband booked a fishing trip for deep sea fishing and we did the tour to see the nesting turtles and a night tour of the rain forest. This was a good place to do a lot of activities!