If you travel to Costa Rica, you have to visit Tortuguero National Park.This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Tortuguero National Park is a beautiful natural region of Costa Rica where there is still much to discover and many things to do.The main attraction in Tortuguero is its impressive and beautiful biodiversity that assures visitors from Costa Rica to observe birds and wildlife on a permanent basis.
During your adventure trip to the town of Tortuguero and the National Park in Costa Rica, you will experience the nesting of turtles and, if the season is right, the greatness of the hatching of baby turtles from their nests.
What can you see at Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica ?
Located in the northeastern part of the country, hours away from San Jose,the Tortuguero region in Costa Ricais a great National Park with more than 75,000 protected hectares both marine and terrestrial, chosen by endangered wildlife and sea turtles as a nesting site. In this national park of Tortuguero in Costa Rica you can take a boat or canoe ride in the beautiful canals that wind through the park and see the local fauna and flora in the beautiful tropical humid jungle. In this national park of Tortuguero in Costa Rica you can also practice other activities such as hiking in the trails if you want to exercise in nature and admire wildlife. You can get there by boat, bus or plane. There are many tours organized in the area at Tortuguero, so you will have a lot of things to do in the nature of Costa Rica.
Tortuguero Turtle Tour in Costa Rica
In Tortuguero, you will be able to experience the night turtle tour with a local guide from Costa Rica, who will take you to see the nesting of the turtles and give you recommendations to protect the turtles. In addition to seeing animals in other places in Tortuguero to Costa Rica that you might not see in the daytime, this night tour of the park will offer you new and unexpected perspectives and great experiences. Turtle tours in Tortuguero to Costa Rica, are usually during the night time although you can also find tours in Tortuguero during the day.
You will have understood it, the national park of Tortuguero in Costa Rica is the best place to observe the turtles. Caiman, sloth, monkey, iguana and leatherback turtle will be at your reach in Tortuguero.
This turtle national park at Tortuguero, is a favorite place for tourists in Costa Rica who like the distance from the cities and the proximity to amazing natural attractions.Nature lovers will love this tour of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, starting with a visit to the village of Tortuguero and the Turtle Museum.
Turtle Nesting Season at Tortuguero in Costa Rica
If you want to enjoy turtle nesting in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, it is best to travel between July and October during the night at Tortuguero. This is the perfect time for thousands of turtles to come to the park's beaches in Costa Rica to nest and lay their eggs. October is a perfect time in Tortuguero, to see baby turtles leaving the nests on their way to the sea. Beware : A little can convince a turtle that wants to lay eggs on the beach to turn around and not to lay her eggs in Costa Rica. Ask your guide from Costa Rica or your hotel to organize a tour in Tortuguero for you and give you the best recommendations to respect the turtles.
Turtles are very sensitive to light for example. It is therefore imperative not to use white light (no cell phones, no lamps) but red lights that your guide will gladly provide you. Also, you must wear dark colors and avoid white.
It is highly recommended to have a guide to see turtles in Costa Rica; they are the only ones who really know how to behave in this very special situation.
Another recommendation: if you witness the birth of baby turtles during your trip to Costa Rica, never help them on their way to the sea, even if they are in danger of being eaten by a predator and even if you feel that they need help. Indeed, you would alter the natural balance in Costa Rica, which could be harmful to the turtle.
Sportfishing in Tortuguero - Costa Rica
Even though sport fishing in Costa Rica is legal, you can only practice this sport if you respect the law.
Article 50 of the Political Constitution recognizes the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. Wildlife is an element of biodiversity and its importance in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment is indisputable, especially in Costa Rica. Therefore, wildlife and the environment must be protected in Tortuguero and in the other regions.
The government has classified as endangered species several types of sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals, sea birds and several fishes including the toad, gobi, goliath grouper, bigeye tuna, tarpon and blue marlin. Similarly, Section 6 of the 2009 INCOPESCA Board Agreement 476 states that billfish (marlin, sailfish and swordfish) must be released alive and must not be removed from the water.
Honest fishermen in Costa Rica follow the rules, but illegal and unscrupulous fishermen do exist. Illegal fishing in national parks is a prime example.
Here is what you should do if you are sportfishing in Costa Rica:
Release the fish quickly and correctly ;
Practice FPR: Fish-Photograph-Release! Fish that are the target of sport fishing are more valuable alive than dead; ensure the sustainability of the species and your sport ;
Minimize the amount of time you "fight" with the fish to increase the chances that the fish will survive ;
Choose the right hook. The type of hook influences the success of the release ;
Don't focus on the number of fish caught but on the enjoyment of the sea in Tortuguero ;
Do not pollute the ocean - Section 275 of the General Sanitary Law 5395 of 1973 prohibits contaminating the water with any type of waste.
Tortuguero Village - Costa Rica
This small village located in Tortuguero is very picturesque and beautiful. Indeed, this village holds a simple lifestyle and an atmosphere totally disconnected from stress. Don't hesitate to go out for a walk on the small paths that dot the village and observe the simple pura vida local life. A great experience, not to be missed in Tortuguero.
Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge - Tortuguero
This magnificent protected area in Tortuguero occupies more than 92,000 hectares and is one of the most remote regions of the country, so it is difficult to reach.
The best time to visit this refuge at Tortuguero is during the dry months, from February to April. You will have the opportunity to see many species of birds and reptiles and other protected species during the day in Costa Rica.
How many days should you spend in Tortuguero - Costa Rica ?
Although there are travelers who come for a one-day visit, if you want to take advantage of your trip to Tortuguero, it is better to spend an average of 2-3 days in this place.
How is the weather in Tortuguero - Costa Rica ?
Tortuguero National Park is located in one of the warmest, wettest and rainiest areas of Costa Rica. Torrential downpours are very common, reaching 6000 mm per year.
The rainiest months are July and December, and the driest months are March, April, September and October.
What is the typical weather in Tortuguero - Costa Rica ?
The area in Tortuguero is known for being formed by tropical rainforest and very humid. But don't be afraid. It does not mean you can not enjoy the place. On the contrary. Rain and water are part of this place and without it, nothing would make sense
The weather is unpredictable in Tortuguero so it is important that you wear appropriate clothing (raincoat and goretex clothing and footwear). Sometimes the sun rises during the mornings so it is better to wake up early and enjoy.
Can you swim in Tortuguero - Costa Rica ?
Connected to the national park, Tortuguero Beach has very strong waves and is not suitable for swimming as sharks patrol the brackish waters while caimans and crocodiles inhabit the inland waters.
H2 What must I see while visiting Tortuguero- Costa Rica ?
There are many activities and tours to do in the town of Tortuguero at a reasonable price. Without a doubt, once in Tortuguero, get out of your lodge. You must see the turtles lay their eggs accompanied by a guide, go canoeing on the canals, visit the village of Tortuguero and walk the trails of the national park. You can do a lot of different activities in Tortuguero: you can hike, go for a walk, take a canoe or a boat to visit the canals, watch birds and other animals, taste local food and go out for a drink for just a few USD or an acceptable price.
Whatever the solution to visit Tortuguero National Park, you will have to be careful and take a winding and relatively poorly maintained road to admire this protected nature considered as the Amazon of the Caribbean.
In Tortuguero, how can I exchange money?
Due to its remote location, there are no banks or ATMs in Tortuguero. Be sure to bring along some cash or colones before you arrive in Tortuguero.
How to get to Tortuguero from San Jose, Costa Rica.
By Car: You can rent a car in San Jose and drive to La Pavona, a small town where boats depart for Tortuguero. The drive takes about 3-4 hours and there are rental car companies located throughout San Jose.
By Bus: Take a bus from San Jose to Cariari, a town near Tortuguero, and then take a boat to Tortuguero. The bus ride takes approximately 2-3 hours, and the boat ride takes another 1-2 hours. You can catch the bus from the San Carlos Bus Terminal in San Jose.
By Shuttle: Many tour companies offer shuttle services from San Jose to Tortuguero. These shuttles usually include transportation by bus and boat, and can be booked through a tour operator or travel agency.
No matter which option you choose, it's important to keep in mind that Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or plane, so you will need to take a boat ride to get there.