📍 Destination Overview
Tortuguero lies on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, reachable only by boat or small plane. Its national park has no roads, only waterways where rainforest banks shelter sloths, howler monkeys and hundreds of birds. The name means Place of Turtles: from July to October thousands of green sea turtles nest at night. A mainly Jamaican-descendant culture offers coconut rice and curry.
Region
Limón Province, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Currency & language
Costa Rican colón (CRC); Spanish is main, English widespread in tourist zones
Best season
Green turtle nesting peak Jul-Oct; birding and hiking better in the Feb-Apr dry season
Suggested stay
1-2 days (including a night turtle walk)
Sockets & voltage
120V, Type A/B flat North American plugs
Communications & timezone
Limited village network and patchy power; Costa Rica Time (UTC-6)
☀️ Best Time to Visit & Climate
🐢 Turtle Season: Jul–Oct
Jul–Oct is peak green-sea-turtle nesting (Aug–Sep highest); night tours with a guide are required.
🌤️ Mini-Dry: Feb–Apr
Feb–Apr and Sep–Oct are relatively drier spells with slightly less rain, while the jungle and canals stay lush.
January
🌧️
30°/22°
February
🐢
30°/22°
Best
March
🐢
31°/23°
Best
April
🐢
31°/23°
Best
May
🌧️
30°/23°
June
🌧️
30°/23°
July
🐢
30°/23°
Best
August
🐢
30°/23°
Best
September
🐢
30°/23°
Best
October
🐢
29°/23°
Best
November
🌧️
30°/23°
December
🌧️
30°/22°
🎯 Tortuguero Experiences
Turtles on the night beach
Sunrise boat safari
Jungle trails
Starry nights
Tortuguero on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a tropical rainforest, hot year-round (about 22–31°C). Green turtles nest mainly Jul–Oct (peak Aug–Sep) with guided night walks; Feb–Apr and Sep–Oct are relatively drier.
🚌 Transport & Stays
City Transport
Fast boat / ferry
Flight
Car + boat
Recommended Stay Areas
In town
Park lodges
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
1-on-1 travel consultant customizes your Tortuguero trip for free based on your schedule and preferences.