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Tortuguero
National Park
Tortuguero National Park resides just south
of the village by the same name. Accessible
either by boat or plane, this small community
has gradually developed as a direct result
of the green turtles annual nesting process.
Infact, this region is the most important
nesting site in the entire western half of
the Caribbean for the green turtle. The leatherback
and hawksbill also nest along these beaches
which parallel the inland canals.
A natural system of canals and navigable lagoons,
of great scenic beauty, cross the park from
the southwest to northwest forming the habitat
for seven species of land turtles, the manatee
or sea cow, and the crocodile. Also, a wide
range of crustaceans and some 30 freshwater
species of fish, including the gar, eel and
bull shark inhabit these waterways.
This region of Costa Rica is one of the rainiest
and most biologically diverse regions in the
country. Eleven habitats have been identified
within the park, in addition to several species
of trees, i.e. crabwood, banak, Santa Maria,
bully tree and dove wood. Special Considerations
While in Tortuguero, the major portion of
your time will be spent either watching leatherback
turtles or viewing local wildlife along the
many inland canals.
If you are participating in an organized tour,
chances are your lodge will provide the necessary
launch and bilingual guides as part of your
tour. These launches accommodate several dozen
people and provide a comfortable, stable,
and safe vehicle from which to view the local
flora and fauna. If you prefer a more quite
and more rugged approach, we recommend that
you rent a dugout canoe from one of several
local merchants in the village of Tortuguero.
Your lodge may also provide canoes or kayaks,
if available.If you prefer this approach,
depart either very early in the morning (
5-6 a.m. ) or late in the afternoon ( 4-6
p.m. ), as the midday sun is quite overbearing.
As well, the wildlife is much more prolific
during those times; the wildlife tends to
retreat under the forest canopy during the
hot, sunny midday sun. Usually stable and
dry, the canoes can accommodate up to 4-6
passengers, and provides an ideal opportunity
to get close and personal with the many monkeys,
lizards and birds along the canals. The slower,
quieter canoes will not disturb the animals
as do the larger, engine powered launches
provided by the jungle lodges.
How To Get There
From San Jose, you have three options. First,
fly on a scheduled flight departing San Jose.
This flight provides spectacular views of
the mountain range which separates the Central
Valley from the Caribbean coast, along with
a unfamiliar view of the intricate canals
and lagoons of the Tortuguero National Park.Second,
take a public bus from San Jose to Limon and
then take an unscheduled launch from the port
of Moin. Third, participate in an organized
tour, which usually departs San Jose early
mornings.
Several tour operators use a port further
north than Moín, which shortens the
boat ride significantly. This port however,
is only accessible for those participating
in an organized tour. If you choose visit
Tortuguero via bus and canals, set aside the
entire day for your trip. Direct buses depart
hourly from San José to Limón
and take four hours. The taxi ride from Limón
to the port of Moín should take no
more than fifteen minutes of your time. Several
launches use the port of Moin as a departure
and arrival point. While some of the launches
are privately hired by organized tour operators,
several are for local hire.
Local merchants depart throughout the day
at unspecified times. Most will not depart
until they have filled their launches, therefore
there is no guarantee that they will even
depart. We recommend that you arrive as early
as possible and get on the first launch to
depart. Prices vary depending on the time
of day, number of passengers and size of the
boat. No naturalist guides are present, nor
is food or beverages. Buy what you need in
Limón before departing for Moín,
as the trip normally takes approx. 4-5 hours.If
you are participating in an organized tour,
chances are you will not depart from Moin,
but further north; as mentioned earlier.
Tour operators normally provide bilingual
naturalist guides, lunch and beverages, however,
there is no guarantee. If you prefer a slow,
narrated trip through the Torguguero Canals,
take an organized tour. Normally, an experienced
tour guide will reveal surrounding wildlife
as with local flora and fauna. Caribbean Conservation
Company (CCC)
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC)
and the Sea Turtle Survival League (STSL)
are working to ensure the survival of sea
turtles through research, education, advocacy
and the protection of the natural habitats
upon which they depend. This site is provided
as a source of information for the world to
learn about sea turtles and the threats to
their survival by the CCC and its STSL program.
We hope you enjoy it and come back often to
see our issue updates, research findings and
program additions.
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Surfing
Snorkeling
