How do you get to Tortuguero? +
No road reaches the village. Classic option: bus or car to the La Pavona dock via Cariari (guarded car park ~$10/night), then the public boat for about 1 h to 1h30 (departures around 7:30am, 11am, 1pm and 4pm, ~$3-6). Fast option: a 30-minute Sansa flight from San José ($100-130). Lodges also sell packages with transfers included.
When can you see turtles in Tortuguero? +
Green turtles nest from July to October, peaking in August-September: it's the largest green turtle rookery in the Atlantic. Hatchings can be seen from September to November. Leatherbacks nest in smaller numbers from March to May. Outside nesting season, Tortuguero remains a top wildlife destination thanks to the canals.
Do you need a guide to watch the nesting? +
Yes, it's mandatory: night access to the beach is forbidden without a certified guide. Tours ($25-35) leave around 8pm or 10pm in small groups, no flashlights or phones, photos banned. Spotters locate turtles already laying before groups approach, so the animals aren't disturbed.
How many days should you stay in Tortuguero? +
Two days and one night minimum: dawn canal tour, the village and the turtle night tour in season. Three days add Cerro Tortuguero, independent kayaking and the side caños. A same-day return from San José leaves time for nothing.
Can you swim in Tortuguero? +
Not in the sea: violent currents and bull sharks make swimming dangerous along the whole beach, and there are no lifeguards. Lodge pools and certain calm canal spots (cleared with the guides, caimans oblige) do the job for cooling off.
What's the weather like in Tortuguero? +
Hot (25-31°C) and humid all year: the area gets 4 to 6 m of rain annually and has no true dry season. The least wet windows are February-April and September-October. November to January brings the heaviest rain. Poncho, dry bags and fast-drying shoes are essential whatever the month.
Do you need a visa for Costa Rica? +
No for French and EU nationals: up to 180 days visa-free with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. See our [Costa Rica visa guide](/en/destinations/costa-rica/practical/visa-costa-rica/) for other nationalities.
