Tortuguero National Park Day Trip from San Jose
3.8
Tortuguero National Park Day Trip from San Jose
By Costa Rica Itinerary
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 2-100, max of 30 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local taxes
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
What's not included- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Start:Traveler pickup offered.Pickup details
- Departure Point: Hotels in San Jose Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36223P4- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36223P4
From
$149.99
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Your tour departs from San Jose and from there you will head towards the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park accompanied by your bilingual guide. Drive past the lush serenity of the coffee plantations along slopes sheltered by thick cloud forests and beautiful waterfalls visible from the road. Your next stop is the Banana Plantation where the fruit is processed and exported. The fun continues as you leave the bus and your tour takes you on a exciting boat trip into the jungles of Tortuguero National Park, covering over 29,000 hectares and one of the main nesting sites of the Chelonia Midas, the endangered green sea turtle. After a hearty buffet lunch, take a walk through the village of Tortuguero and get to know the villagers and the history of the area before your return to San Jose in the mid-afternoon with a rest stop along the way.
Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- corporatezombie0 contributionsBest day in Costa RicaBest, best, BEST thing we did in CR. We are still talking about the time we spent with Byron and Tio Enrique. Byron was an amazing host and took unbelievably good care of us. We went to the caves—hiked up to a lookout—and then started the snorkeling. We went to two different locations. Byron made sure that we saw everything. At one point my son and I hadn’t seen the turtles. He was not satisfied until each of us saw not one, but two turtles! If you are hesitating or not sure what to do for excursions—this is the one NOT to skip. Everything about the entire day was amazing—and unlike other tours, there was no upselling, no “kickback” souvenir shops. Byron shared all of the pictures he took of us—I just cannot say enough about our entire experience! Tell Byron that Erica sent you!!Written March 15, 2025
- lorio9420 contributionsSTAY AWAY from this tourDo NOT use this tour company. They no showed our full day tour. No response to phone calls or text. Took $298US and then never show up!!Written March 5, 2025
- 100vijayp0 contributionsdeserves 5 star statuswonderful guide--Carlos went out of his way to show us the best views and sights very entertaining great views great lunchWritten February 13, 2025
- Kadi W0 contributionsGreat timeCarlos was our tour guide, we was wonderful, very informative, kind and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour. Food was excellent. Volcano Experience was really good.Written February 9, 2025
- Corey and Lisa S0 contributionsTrip 2025The tour guide was really good, he catered to everyone and worked really hard.it was foggy at the volcano site but we choose to not cancel 24 hr prior. He shared photos of what we were supposed to see. The rest of the tour was interesting and fun for our groupWritten January 17, 2025
- stephfoley740 contributionsGreat tour with a variety of sea creatures and a knowledgable guide!We had an excellent time boating and snorkeling with Byron and his boat captain. Byron was very attentive to our needs and the first snorkeling spot was fantastic - we saw sea turtles, starfish, dolphins, so many colorful fish, and even got to hold a pufferfish! One of my daughter's had never snorkeled in the open ocean before and was really scared at first, but Byron was wonderful and immediately helped us get to a calmer location closer to shore. The sea was a little rough the day we went and some cloudy/drizzly weather rolled in so we didn't get too close to shore to explore the caves where the surf was rough, but we still had a wonderful time and learned a lot about the area from Byron!Written December 31, 2024
- 210ananyac0 contributionsPoas Volcano TourHey! The tour was really good. Both Carlos and Daniel were great and everything went well. Although it was a lot more travel in the car than I had expected but it was nice! ThanksWritten November 5, 2024
- 6ginac0 contributionsA Full Days tourOur group was just 8 people and we had an excellent tour guide. He knew so much about coffee, the volcano and all the animals in the sanctuary. We never felt rushed or had to wait. We got to see and learn so much!!!Written October 27, 2024
- Guide003448568510 contributionsWorth visiting and seeing.It was heavy fogs, I waited for 5 minutes then caught great view of Poas Volcano luckily. Volcano under light fogs along with sunshine passing, so beautiful and amazing.Written September 23, 2024
- jennysY4206JI0 contributionsVolcanos and waterfalls, with great food and coffee on the way!Great tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The volcano was amazing - I've never seen anything like it! We had plenty of stops for refreshments and I thought we had plenty to do. The waterfall was beautiful and our guide was happy to take photos. Finally, the coffee tour was super informative and we enjoyed a delicious lunch on site. I'd definitely recommend this tour!Written August 26, 2024
- DebbieL29550 contributionsGreat trip. Highly recommenedOur trip was fabulous. Carlos was an amazing guide with great knowledge of the area. He took great care if us and we enjoyed our day out. I would not hesitate to recommend the company and him for anyone wanting a day trip out of San Jose. 10/10. Thank youWritten August 24, 2024
- 658siljas0 contributionsGreat experienceThe tour was great and the guide Carlos was fantastic, saw a lot of beautiful places, worth the trip and would definitely recommend!Written August 14, 2024
- 386subhask0 contributionsHighly recommend Adventure Inn San Jose Costa RicaI want to summarize my review from July 30th. I highly recommend Adventure Inn near San Jose airport in Costa Rica for the following reasons: >Spacious air-conditioned rooms with 2 or 3 queen sized beds at very reasonable prices >free shuttle from/to airport >free made to order full breakfast for all occupants >packed to go breakfast in case of early checkouts >on-site restaurant open for lunch/dinner with wide variety of menu at reasonable prices >rental car arranged by front desk; delivered to hotel and picked up from hotel >knowledgeable/friendly front-desk staff offering guidance on local travel and dining recommendations >help with currency conversion >prompt responses to emails by the owner himself >pool and jacuzzi Thank you Adventure Inn and Eric and other staff. PURA VIDAWritten August 5, 2024
- Chuck M0 contributionsPerfect day! Definitely book this tour.What a perfect day from start to finish! The tour had excellent communication the night before so that we knew the driver’s name and license plate number. Carlos, our amazing driver and guide for the day, was prompt and welcoming. He ensured everyone had a safe and enjoyable time at the Starbucks coffee farm, Poas Volcano and the coffee farm tour. He provided helpful tips along the way like ordering your Starbucks drink before getting pictures because of the time they take, and where to stand at the volcano for optimal viewing without cloud cover. We loved the surprise wine and cheese sample stop that he made time for and how Carlos jumped in to help with demonstrations at so many of the stops. He is extremely knowledgeable and a wonderful guide! Thanks for creating amazing family memories for all of us. All four of us (2 parents and 2 grown children) loved it.Written July 13, 2024
- deemagicgurl0 contributionsExploring the Caves and SnorkelingThis was a great tour. Freddy went out of his way to make sure we had a wonderful time. We explored the caves, beaches, and had a wonderful snorkeling adventure. The pineapple was incredible. I would do this tour again! Thank you!!Written July 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.8
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FloorS89
Delft, The Netherlands3 contributions
We took a day tour because after this we went to bocas. We hesitated if it was worth the trouble. Because you can't see the turtles they only come at night. But it was awesome. The guide told us a lot of things about Ticos. On the way we saw 2 kind of sloths. And on the tour a lot of monkeys and kayman.
Note that you can't swim in the sea because of the waves.
I would recommend the tour.
Note that you can't swim in the sea because of the waves.
I would recommend the tour.
Written July 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erashini G
6 contributions
Dec 2018
The day trip was well organised & ran on time. The guide German was enthusiastic & knowledgeable. He pointed out the various birds, flowers & wildlife. We were fortunate to see a crocodile basking on the bank of the Tortuguero River. We were too late in the season to see the turtles nesting but we stumbled upon the remnants of a nest.
Written January 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb856
Delavan, IL2 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
Due to strike we had to leave early and just ate some fruit in the van. The boat ride is absolutely wonderful that was our favorite part. Got to learn about the turtles but of course none there during the day, but went to the little museum for two dollars and got to see tracks and emptiness nice lunch. Our to tour guides did not speak very good English but were able to communicate and stayed with us the entire time.
Written September 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer H
Hollis Center, ME11 contributions
The tour operator canceled on us the night before, indicating it was due to weather issues. Another tour company accommodated us at the last minute for the same day & we had a fabulous time (no weather issues).
Written March 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Costa Rica I
Hello F8639QBjenniferb, sorry for this invonvinience, but as everybody knows the way from San Jose to Tortuguero is one of the most dangerous ways in Costa Rica( the Braulio Carrillo highway ) we have had bad experiences with this route in the past, that day was raining a lot in the Caribean site inclusive was closed by precaution, some irresponsible companies do the tour even knowing this, my advice don't play at random.
Written March 19, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandra R
Pijnacker, The Netherlands19 contributions
We had a good experience with this trip. We had a good tourguide and saw a lot of animals in the National park.
Written February 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Sandra for your great comment and for sharing your experience at Tortuguero, you are correct
this is a beautiful zone to visit and watch animals,birds and much more, we hope you got a good trip back to your country.
Written May 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can this trip be booked at Balmoral Hotel where we will stay for the first 3 days and then move to our friends' house in Heredia. We thought about making some day trip reservations through the tour desk at the Balmoral even though we won't be staying there when we want to do the trips. Our friends can bring us to the hotel in time for departures.
Written February 19, 2019
I booked the trip on line in advance. It would be best if you inquired directly from the reception at Balmoral Hotel
Written February 20, 2019
do you go to the beaches and see the turtles?
Written September 3, 2018
¿Cuál es el horario de inicio y fin del tour?
Se recogen en los hoteles? No me da esa opción.
Written August 18, 2018
¿Cuál es el horario de inicio y fin del tour?
Se recogen en los hoteles? No me da esa opción.
Written August 18, 2018
If we're not staying at a hotel where can we get picked up if we purchase?
Written May 25, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.