Gliding through Tortuguero’s waterways is the best way to experience this Costa Rican wonderland. The key options are straightforward: mangrove forest canoe tours, wildlife-focused small groups, and sunrise kayak trips.
I especially love the early morning kayak excursions ($45) – you’ll catch exotic birds and howler monkeys at their most active. The small-group wildlife tours ($28) are another gem, offering great value and skilled naturalist guides who know where to spot sloths and toucans.
Most tours include the essentials: park fees, safety gear, and expert guidance, running 2-4 hours. Want more? Consider a combo tour ($99) that pairs paddling with jungle hiking and seasonal turtle watching.
Let’s look at my favorite water tours in Tortuguero.
Key Points
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The Tortuguero Classics – Canoe and Day Hike tour offers a highly rated (5.0) experience with sightings of diverse wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and birds.
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The Small Group Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour provides an early morning (5:30 AM) adventure with a 100% recommendation rate from past travelers.
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The Adventure Canoe Tour in Tortuguero is a budget-friendly option (starting at $32 per person) with a 100% recommendation rate and accessibility for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly travelers.
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The Canoe & Wildlife Spotting on Small Canals of Tortuguero Park tour offers a 2.5-hour small-group experience with knowledgeable guides and provided binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
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The Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle + Cerro Mirador Tour combines a canoe journey, night jungle trek, and visit to the Cerro Tortuguero viewpoint, providing a comprehensive and highly rated (5.0) experience.
Tortuguero Classics – 2 Tours: Canoe and Day Hike
For visitors to Tortuguero, the Tortuguero Classics – 2 Tours: Canoe and Day Hike offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural wonders.
Priced from $64 per person, this 5.0-rated tour from Tortuguero EcoExperiences includes a canoe trip through mangroves and a guided hike, allowing travelers to spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species.
The tour’s highly knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with their passion and expertise. Travelers praised the organization, the wildlife sightings, and the well-timed breaks between activities.
With inclusions like life jackets, binoculars, and park entrance, this tour provides a seamless and immersive way to discover Tortuguero’s captivating ecosystems.
Read our full review: Tortuguero Classics – 2 Tours: Canoe and Day Hike Review
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Small Group Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour
The Small Group Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour offers visitors an intimate exploration of the captivating waterways and wildlife within Tortuguero National Park.
This 5:30 AM tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, providing a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. It includes coffee, tea, snacks, and use of binoculars.
While the national park entrance fee is an additional cost, the tour’s $35 per person price point and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance make it a flexible and affordable option.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 30 travelers, this tour is an excellent choice for immersing oneself in the natural beauty of Tortuguero.
Read our full review: Small Group Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tour Review
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Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park
Visitors seeking an intimate exploration of Tortuguego National Park’s captivating waterways and wildlife can embark on the Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park.
This small-group tour, limited to 8 travelers, is operated by Tortuguero EcoExperiences and has a 92% recommendation rate from past guests.
For $40 per person, participants can paddle through the park’s smallest canals, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy a tranquil experience where the jungle meets the water.
The tour includes essential gear like life jackets, cushions, and binoculars, and starts at 5:30 am from the Aracari Garden in Limón Province, Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park Review
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Adventure Canoe Tour in Tortuguero
Travelers seeking an immersive adventure can embark on the Adventure Canoe Tour in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. This 41-review, 100% recommended tour offers a chance to explore Tortuguero’s lush waterways by canoe.
Priced from $32 per person with a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour includes a canoe, equipment, breakfast, and a national park ticket. The tour starts from the main dock in Tortuguero and returns to the same meeting point.
Accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour promises exciting wildlife sightings, with the knowledgeable guide Eric praised for his detailed knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Read our full review: Adventure Canoe Tour in Tortuguero Review
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Canoe Tour Through Parque N. Tortuguero in Français, English, Español , Dutch
Explore Tortuguero National Park’s lush waterways on a captivating Canoe Tour offered in Français, English, Español, and Dutch.
This eco-friendly adventure, recommended by 100% of travelers, provides a unique opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife and lush vegetation.
Paddling through the tranquil canals, you’ll be accompanied by a multilingual guide and equipped with a canoe, paddles, and life jackets.
Suitable for all skill levels, this tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum of 6 travelers.
Priced from $35 per person, the experience features free cancellation and a convenient location near the Tortuguero port.
Read our full review: Canoe Tour Through Parque N. Tortuguero in Français, English, Español , Dutch Review
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Canoe & Wildlife Spotting on Small Canals of Tortuguero Park
Paddling along the tranquil canals of Tortuguero National Park offers a captivating opportunity to witness the park’s diverse wildlife and lush vegetation.
This 2.5-hour small-group tour, limited to 10 travelers, provides an intimate experience for nature lovers and moderate fitness enthusiasts. Binoculars are provided, allowing guests to spot iguanas, herons, toucans, and other fascinating creatures.
Knowledgeable guides share insights about Costa Rica’s biodiversity, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience. The tour departs from the Leonardo Tours office, with an optional pickup transfer available for those not staying in Tortuguero village hotels.
While non-refundable, this excursion promises an immersive and budget-friendly adventure in one of Costa Rica’s premier natural destinations.
Read our full review: Canoe & Wildlife Spotting on Small Canals of Tortuguero Park Review
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Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park Small Group
An idyllic start to the day awaits adventurous nature enthusiasts on the Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park Small Group.
This intimate tour allows a maximum of 8 travelers to paddle through the park’s lush canals, spotting local wildlife along the way. Recommended by 93% of previous guests, the tour is priced at $28 per person and includes a life jacket and the park entrance fee of $16.95.
After meeting at the main jetty, guests can opt for pickup at select points before embarking on the 6 AM tour, which ends back at the starting location.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Canoe Tour in Tortuguero National Park Small Group Review
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TORTUGUERO MOST POPULAR: Canoe and Night Tour (Jul-Oct Turtle)
Immersing visitors in the lush waterways of Tortuguero, the Canoe and Night Tour (Jul-Oct Turtle) offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the area’s captivating wildlife.
This 5.0-rated experience from Tortuguero EcoExperiences takes guests on a canoeing adventure, including a night tour to spot sea turtles during the peak season. Priced from $85 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and includes essential equipment like life jackets, cushions, binoculars, and ponchos.
Starting at 5:30 AM, the tour departs from the Aracari Garden and returns to the same meeting point. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this immersive experience is an ideal way to explore Tortuguero’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: TORTUGUERO MOST POPULAR: Canoe and Night Tour (Jul-Oct Turtle) Review
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Total Tortuguero Canoe or Kayak+Hike+Nw(Tortugas From Jul-Oct)
Tortuguero’s waterways come alive with the Total Tortuguero Canoe or Kayak+Hike+Nw(Tortugas From Jul-Oct) experience.
Visitors can explore the national park’s canals by kayak or canoe, hike the Jaguar Trail or Cerro Tortuguero, and venture out on night walks to witness turtle nesting from July to October.
Gear like life jackets, binoculars, and flashlights are provided. A $15+ IVA national park fee is required.
The meeting point is Tortuguero Adventures, with a 6 AM start time. This activity isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions and has a maximum of 10 travelers.
Rated 4.5 stars, it offers exceptional guided experiences at $99 per person.
Read our full review: Total Tortuguero Canoe or Kayak+Hike+Nw(Tortugas From Jul-Oct) Review
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Tortuguero: Canoe Tour, Day Hike, Hill Tour, Night Tour or Spawning
Canoeing through Tortuguero’s serene waterways, visitors can embark on a captivating tour with Solangies Tour.
This all-inclusive experience offers a day hike, a hill tour, a night tour, and the opportunity to witness turtle spawning. The tour includes a bilingual guide, life vests, and spotlights, as well as entrance fees to the national park, hill, and turtle sighting.
Priced at $8,305.63 per person, the tour runs daily from 6 AM to 9 AM, with a maximum of 15 travelers.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour has received excellent reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
Read our full review: Tortuguero: Canoe Tour, Day Hike, Hill Tour, Night Tour or Spawning Review
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Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle or Spawn Turtle
Visitors to Tortuguero can embark on a captivating canoe tour with Solangies Tour, which offers the choice between a night jungle exploration or the chance to witness turtle spawning.
The tour provides a 5.0-rated experience, with the option to reserve and pay later. Inclusions cover life vests and national park entrance fees.
However, the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
The tour operates daily from 6 AM to 9 AM, with a maximum of 15 travelers. Guests should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance.
Read our full review: Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle or Spawn Turtle Review
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Tortuguero Canal Tour by Canoe
Travelers embark on a captivating two-hour canoe tour through the serene Tortuguero Canals, offered by the reputable operator Travel and Birding. The tour’s maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
The price starts from $25 per person and includes the entrance fee to the National Park and snacks. The tour departs and returns to the Parque Nacional Tortuguero meeting point.
Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions may be advised against participating.
Read our full review: Tortuguero Canal Tour by Canoe Review
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Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle + Cerro Mirador Tour
For an unparalleled adventure in the heart of Tortuguero, the “Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle + Cerro Mirador Tour” promises an immersive exploration of the region’s rich ecosystems.
Priced from $78 per person, this tour takes travelers on a canoe journey through the captivating Tortuguero Canals, followed by a night trek into the jungle and a visit to the Cerro Tortuguero Viewpoint.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour ensures an intimate experience led by knowledgeable bilingual guides. Included are essential provisions like life vests, lanterns, and park entrance fees.
Whether you’re seeking a glimpse of diverse wildlife or a unique perspective of Tortuguero’s natural wonders, this comprehensive tour isn’t to be missed.
Read our full review: Tortuguero: Canoe Tour + Night Jungle + Cerro Mirador Tour Review
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Tortuguero Private Kayak Tour
Eager adventurers can embark on a private kayak tour of Tortuguero’s serene waterways with Agouti Tours. This 5.0-rated experience starts at 5:30 AM, allowing participants to explore the region’s natural beauty in the tranquil morning hours.
The tour takes guests from the GFRW+9GC meeting point in Limón Province, Pococí, Costa Rica, and returns to the same location after the excursion. Priced from $39.00 per person, the tour includes all necessary equipment like boats, life jackets, and oars.
However, it’s not suitable for travelers with physical limitations or medical conditions, and a moderate fitness level is required. Booking is easy, with a reservation secure at the time of purchase and a 24-hour free cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Tortuguero Private Kayak Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Tortuguero offers a variety of exciting canoe and kayak experiences for visitors. Whether you choose a classic tour, a small group adventure, or a private kayak excursion, you’ll have the chance to explore the region’s lush waterways and spot wildlife like birds, monkeys, and turtles. With options to combine your paddle with hikes, night tours, and wildlife viewing, there’s an experience to suit every interest.