Looking to get to Tortuguero without a car?
Since Tortuguero Costa Rica is only accessible by boat, everyone must get there without a car. We will explain how to take a public boat from either La Pavona or Moin.
Additionally, we will give you all the details if you prefer to ditch the rental car entirely and travel the entire way to Tortugueros from both San Jose and other spots on the Caribbean Coast using public transit.
Traveling by public bus is more economical and more sustainable.
If, like us, you prefer the still more economical alternative or public transit, we’ll lay out the step-by-step details of getting yourself to Tortuguero without a car.
We have taken this exact route using public transit, but had to piece together the information. We know with this post you will find it easy to navigate with good information.
So we have all the details you will need if you want to ditch the rental car and travel to Tortuguero National Park using public transit.
Let’s Go!
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Tortuguero Without A Car
Costa Rica is fairly easy to navigate with a rental car, especially if you are staying in San Jose or headed to tourist destinations like Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast or Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean.
The roads to Monteverde and on the Nicoya Peninsula, however, are more rustic.
It’s also entirely possible to explore Costa Rica without a car and, if you are heading to Tortuguero, the last leg of reaching Tortuguero village and Tortuguero National Park is only by boat.
An important detail to consider in advance if your travel plans in Costa Rica include Tortuguero is timing. July is the start of the prime nesting season for green sea turtles in Tortuguero.
Nesting continues through September and your best chance of seeing both nesting and hatching is late August through September.
Tortuguero is a small village and accommodations get booked fast, so plan accordingly!
Taking a Boat to Tortuguero
There are two options, again both by boat, to get to Tortuguero: to or from Moin and to or from La Pavona
Moin to/from Tortuguero
Moin is the location of the public small-vessel dock closest to the larger port city of Limon.
The Mooin option is best if you are coming from or headed to other Caribbean locations such as Cahuita or Puerto Viejo.
It will be easiest to get a taxi from Limon rather than depending on a local bus although there is a local bus from Limon to Moin that departs every half hour.
While boats quite consistently leave Moin harbor for Tortuguero every day at 10:00 a.m., it’s strongly advised to arrange your boat transfer in advance to make sure you have a seat.
A few different tour operators provide this service. It is not as common to come from Moin to Tortuguero. Most people travel from Pavona to Tortuguero, which makes this approach a bit more expensive. IF you don’t want to risk, just showing up for the boat, you should work through your lodging in Tortuguero to arrange transport to and/or from Tortuguero.
The Moin to Tortuguero boat takes 3.5 to 4 hours and is a fun sight-seeing and animal-spotting adventure in its own right. Tickets cost roughly $35-$50 per person.
La Pavona to/from Tortuguero
La Pavona is your harbor point for full public transit access to Tortuguero. It’s also the best route if you are coming from San Jose.
Most people access Torguero from Pavona and it is quite easy and convenient to do so.
There are regular, shared shuttle boats throughout the day from La Pavona to Tortuguero. Several sites will tell an exact Tortuguero boat schedule but in truth the boat schedule changes. Even the depth of the water on the Rio Suerte can change the schedule.
So how to plan? Basically, boats start running early in the morning, typically around 6 a.m. and run every 2 hours or so. The important thing to note is that the last boat is around 4 p.m. If you arrive after 4, you will not be able to get to Tortugueros that night.
Public boats also correspond with the bus. If you are taking a bus from Cariari to La Pavona during the day, you will most likely find a boat waiting in La Pavona. Boats will hold and wait for the bus before departing.
The La Pavona to Tortuguero boat takes around 1.5 hours or sometimes more depending on water levels. The cost is around $6 US per person, one way.
You can buy your tickets at the nearby restaurant where the bus from Cariari drops you off. Luggage goes in a separate boat, which follows along, and is paid for separately when you board.
Expect to pay ₡1000 (around $2) per bag.
Private boat transfers are also available from independent operators. We took a private boat transfer directly to our accommodations located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from Tortuguero village.
The direct boat transfer cost is about the same as the combined cost of the public boat plus a private boat taxi from the central public dock in Tortuguero village and was a bit faster than the public boat.
Keep in mind that the last public boat from La Pavona dock to Tortuguero village is at 4:00 p.m. We are mentioning this twice to stress it. Arrive by 4 p.m. if you have reservations for that night in Tortuguero!
There are typically four departures to return from Tortuguero to La Pavona. Tortuguero to Pavona boat times are 5:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Bus From San Jose
While everyone has to take a public or private boat from either La Pavona or Moin to Tortuguero, a great budget saving travel trip is to use public transit.
We did this exact trip. Using public transit to get to La Pavona and then a public boat was quite easy and inexpensive.
There are two public transit options to get yourself to La Pavona from San Jose: MEPE or Grupo Caribenos. Keep in mind that these two separate bus companies operate out of two different stations about a mile distant from each other in central San Jose.
MEPE buses depart from (and arrive at) Terminal Atlantico Norte while Grupo Caribenos buses depart from and arrive at Gran Terminal del Caribe. As the name suggests, Gran Terminal is a much nicer bus station.
The travel time on the Cariari bus from San Jose to Cariari is approximately 3 hours.
In Cariari, buy a ticket for the Coopetraca bus to La Pavona. The buses traveling to La Pavona have coordinated timetables with the buses arriving from San Jose and they depart from the same station where you will arrive.
You’ll have a few minutes to use the toilet or buy drinks or snacks. If the ticket office (boleteria) isn’t open you can buy your ticket on the bus from the driver.
At La Pavona, buy a ticket for the public boat to Tortuguero at the restaurant. The bus lets you out in the restaurant parking lot.
While it takes some additional planning and logistics to get to Tortuguero, it is worth it. We love this part of Costa Rica so much, that we put it as your first stop on the perfect 10-day Costa Rican itinerary.
You can also get from San Jose to Tortuguero by car, if you want to use a car rental. There is parking available at La Pavona for your car, but there is a daily rate to park your car.
If you don’t want to do public transit, a better choice is to hire a San Jose to Tortuguero shuttle. The private transfer takes you directly from San Jose airport to La Pavona dock.
The cost of the shuttle is for 6 people so if you are traveling in as a family or in a larger group, the shuttle costs about $40 per person.
The shuttle is still more expensive than the bus, which is less than $10 per person. But the advantage over a rental car is that you aren’t paying to leave your car at the dock.
Several hotels like Mwamba Lodge where we stayed, will also offer you a per-person rate to take you from San Jose to their hotel. The per-person rate is higher than a full shuttle, but for couples or solo travelers, this is the best alternative to renting a car.
Bus From Puerto Viejo or Cahuita
You can also travel to the beach towns of Puerto Viejo or Cahuita without a car. And then from there, retrace your step back to Limon and then onto Tortuguero.
The Limon to Puerto Viejo is a very economical way to travel up and down the Caribbean coast and will be your go-to to get from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero.
There are 8 buses daily between Limon and Puerto Viejo, all stop in Cahuita. Buses from Puerto Viejo to Limon start at 5:30 a.m, and run roughly every 2 hours until 6 p.m.
The same bus that comes through Puerto Viejo will stop for pick up in Cahuita 30 minutes later making the bus run from 6 a.m. until 6:30.
Once you arrive at the bus stop in Limon, you will want to get a taxi or Uber to Moin’s dock. Then follow our instructions from Moin to Tortuguero
Where to Stay in Tortuguero
A wide range of accommodation options are available in Tortuguero – from basic backpacker hostels to luxe resorts and eco-lodges. Again, though, places get booked well in advance during turtle nesting and hatching season, so plan ahead!
In Tortuguero Village
We recommend two options in Tortuguero village. El Hostel del Patio for basic dorm-like rooms because of its central location and reasonable rates. El Patio also has a good restaurant with superb views.
If you are looking for a bit more luxury in Tortuguero, try Hotel Serendipity. Hotel Serendipity offers 4-star lodging with personal balconies. This hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms equipped with private bathrooms and complimentary WiFi.
Guests at Hotel Serendipity can enjoy the hotel’s lush garden and take advantage of services like room service, a round-the-clock reception, and currency exchange.
Outside of Tortuguero
We opted to stay a bit further out from the village at Mawamba Lodge. While the rooms are small – and not air conditioned – Mawamba Lodge has a number of intimate public spaces to sit, relax, and enjoy the views.
It also includes breakfast and has a full bar and restaurant with the option of adding lunch or dinner. Like many accommodations in Tortuguero, Mawamba Lodge also offers tours and experiences including canoe or kayak tours in Tortuguero National Park.
Things To Do In Tortuguero
Kayak the Canals
One of the best things to do in Tortuguero is to visit Tortuguero National Park on a kayak. Situated on the northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, this park is renowned as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” due to its extensive network of rivers, canals, lagoons, and wetlands.
These waterways serve as the lifeblood of the park, fostering a diverse ecosystem teeming with wildlife. To truly appreciate the beauty of the canals, we highly recommend embarking on a guided kayak or canoe tour.
While it is possible to rent a kayak in town and venture out on your own, we assure you that without the guidance of a knowledgeable expert, you may miss out on witnessing the abundance of animals and hidden wonders along the way.
During our own kayak tour, our guide shared fascinating insights about the area’s history, including how the entire region was once clear-cut for logging just half a century ago. Additionally, our guide pointed out elusive caimans that we would have otherwise overlooked.
We recommend booking a kayak tour to see the best of Tortuguero National Park. Kayaking the canals is an especially great thing to do in Tortuguero with a teen.
To beat the heat, these tours typically depart early in the morning, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Hike in the National Park
When embarking on any kayak or canoe tour into Tortuguero, it is important to secure a National Park ticket. While you can purchase the ticket at the park entrance, obtaining it online is just as convenient.
Once you have your ticket, set aside an afternoon to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tortuguero National Park through an invigorating hike. During our own hike, we were thrilled to encounter a wide array of animals, including a captivating family of howler monkeys.
However, if you truly wish to maximize your chances of spotting the park’s most fascinating creatures, we highly recommend opting for a professional guide.
Turtles!
Undoubtedly, the turtles are the primary allure of your visit to Tortuguero. The very name of the place is derived from the turtles that nest on its pristine beaches.
Turtle nesting and hatching season occur from July to October, coinciding with the peak tourist season. To ensure you have the opportunity to participate in a turtle tour, an experience we wholeheartedly endorse, secure your bookings well in advance.
Explore The Town Of Tortuguero
Tortuguero is not just the name of the National Park. It is also the name of the town. At least one late afternoon stroll through Tortuguero village is well worth it.
There are great street food options, numerous souvenir shops, and of course bars and restaurants. There is also a small grocery store for staples and the least expensive option for a cold beer or premade cocktail if you want to save a few dollars versus restaurant prices.
Grab a cold drink and enjoy the views from the public dock. If you also grab some street food you’ll almost certainly also get the company of one or more the village’s street dogs!
FAQ: Tortuguero Without A Car
Can you see sloths in Tortuguero?
Yes. Seeing sloths in Tortuguero is very common. With only a few days in Tortuguero, you are almost guaranteed to see a sloth in the National Park, in town or even hanging in a tree outside of your hotel room.
Is it worth going to Tortuguero?
Absolutely. Tortuguero’s uniqueness lies in its vast network of interconnected waterways, earning it the nickname “Amazon of Costa Rica.” This pristine region on the Caribbean coast is renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and as a crucial nesting site for endangered sea turtles, making it a truly special and captivating destination.
Are there ATMs in Tortuguero?
There are no ATMs in Tortuguero. You can use your credit card to get cash at some places, but it is best to have enough cash in hand when you arrive in Tortuguero.
Where do you get the boat to Tortuguero?
You can get the boat to Tortuguero in either La Pavona or Moin. La Pavona is a shorter boat ride, 1.5 hours, and public boats run much more frequently. Boats run daily from Moin and the ride is about 3 to 4 hours.
What is the best time to travel to Tortuguero National Park is you want to see the green turtle nesting season?
Turtle nesting season in Tortuguero is from July-September. You can see turtles in the shoulder months of June and October. But if you want to be certain of seeing nesting then stick with July-September. This is also the high season in Tortuguero so be sure to book your hotel and turtle tours early.
Conclusion: Tortuguero Without A Car
if you’re planning a trip to Tortuguero National Park and wondering how to get there without a car, we’ve got you covered.
Since Tortuguero is accessible only by boat, we explained the process of taking a public boat from either La Pavona or Moin.
However, if you’re looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective option, we also provided detailed information on traveling to Tortuguero from both San Jose and other locations on the Caribbean coast using public transit.
Traveling by public transit not only saves you money but also reduces your environmental impact. Having personally taken this route ourselves, we can assure you that navigating the journey with the help of reliable information was a breeze.
With all the necessary details at your fingertips, you can confidently leave behind the rental car and embark on a memorable adventure to Tortuguero using public transit.
