7-Day Tortuguero Kayaking Trip
A Kayaking & Wildlife Observation Trip in Costa Rica's Little Amazon
AVAILABLE:
ACTIVITY:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
GROUP SIZE:
September & October
Beginner- Intermediate
Comfortable Hotels
4-14 Guests,
Min Age: 12
AVAILABLE:
November through May, + July & August
ACTIVITY:
Beginner- Intermediate
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Comfortable Hotels & Ecolodges (all featuring en suite bathrooms)
GROUP SIZE:
4-14 Guests,
Min Age: 12
Join one of our trips and enjoy one of the world’s most unique kayaking and wildlife-watching destinations. Tortuguero, a.k.a. Costa Rica’s little Amazon, is located on the northern Caribbean coast and is known for its extensive network of rivers, canals, lagoons, national park, and village by the same name. The area is accessible only by kayak, small boat, or small plane, as no roads lead directly to it. Tortuguero is among the first National Parks established in Costa Rica and is the largest nesting site for the endangered green sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere.
September and October are two of the best months to visit because of the weather, great paddling conditions, and opportunities to see green turtles nesting on the beach. Seeing this amazing, slow-moving turtle make her way from the ocean, create her sand nest, and lay her eggs can be genuinely emotional and overwhelming.
Highlights
- Perfect trip for the wildlife enthusiast paddler
- This multi-day paddling and wildlife tour is fully guided and all-inclusive, taking care of you from the moment you arrive in Costa Rica until the moment you depart
- Start and end Location: San Jose International Airport (SJO).
- While in Tortuguero, you will stay in a locally owned and operated small hotel surrounded by water and wilderness.
- Our trip features easy-to-paddle, good-quality, comfortable sit-in-side sea kayaks and top brand paddles and PFDs.
Itinerary
DAY 1. A SEA KAYAKING COSTA RICA REP WILL GREET YOU AT SJO AIRPORT
Today has been designated as your arrival day! You may arrive at any time on this day. A Sea Kayaking Costa Rica representative will meet you at San Jose International Airport (S.J.O.) and provide transportation to a conveniently located hotel only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Here, you'll have the chance to relax and unwind from your international travels.
You can enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or local eateries just a minute's walk from your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Country Inn & Suites Hotel in San Jose.No meals included today
DAY 2. TRAVEL TO TORTUGUERO & INTRODUCTORY PADDLE
Early this morning, your guide will sweep you away on a beautiful drive to the Northern Lowlands. You'll first drive by the breathtaking Braulio Carrillo National Park, roadside villages, a major town, and banana fields to eventually reach La Pavona, a tiny river port on the 'end of the road' in the Caribbean Lowland Plain.
After a motorboat ride, we will reach Manatus Hotel on the edge of Tortuguero National Park, on a narrow strip of land between jungle canals. After settling into your cozy and comfortable hotel room, we will serve a delicious lunch.
Following lunch and a brief rest, you'll meet your guide(s) for a kayak orientation and fitting, followed by your first paddle of the trip. You will fine-tune your equipment on this first paddle and explore the forest-lined canals. Dinner is served after sunset in the hotel's restaurant.
After dinner, led by a local guide, we will explore the beach on foot, hoping to witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or see hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel in TortugueroMeals: Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3. EXPLORE CANALS BY KAYAK & HIKE CERRO TORTUGUERO
Are you an early riser? This morning or any of the following days, join your guide for coffee and birdwatching on the hotel grounds before breakfast.
After breakfast, we pack our kayaks with hiking shoes and other necessities. Our destination is Cerro Tortuguero, a dormant volcanic formation that starkly contrasts the predominantly flat terrain of the surrounding lowland rainforest and wetlands.
Tortuguero is known for its incredible biodiversity, and our stealthy kayaks allow us to encounter various wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, turtles, and numerous bird species.
Upon landing, we start our traverse by foot to reach the summit of Cerro Tortuguero, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Caribbean Sea and the extensive network of canals.
Following lunch and a brief rest, we'll meet for a guided walk to the local village. Dinner is served after sunset in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accomodation: Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel in TortugueroMeals: Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4. PADDLE THE CANALS OF TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
This morning, backed by a local boat captain and his support boat, we will embark on a paddle to reach some of the more remote sections of Tortuguero National Park. Today's water trails are narrow, calm, and lined with dense tropical vegetation, including towering trees, bizarre roots, oversized palms, and vibrant tropical fruits and flowers. Surrounded by a thick tropical rainforest, we will look for wildlife.
After our morning paddling session, we will return to our familiar Manatus Hotel by motorboat, arriving by midday. This afternoon, we will visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy and learn about local conservation efforts.
We will have some R&R time before dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel in TortugueroMeals: Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5. EXPLORE THE REMOTE LAGUNA 4
This morning, backed by our captain and his support boat again, we will embark on a paddle through a beautiful canal and then an inlet to reach Laguna 4 (Lagoon # 4). This is the longest paddling stretch of the trip. If paddlers become tired, they can hop on our support boat.
Upon arriving at Laguna 4, we will walk the nearby rural community and a quaint farm nestled along the picturesque Caribbean coastline. There, you will meet a local family who will give you a glimpse into local life and share some of their traditional cuisine prepared over their wood stove.
After lunch, we will return to our familiar Manatus by motorboat, arriving by midday for some R&R time before dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel in TortugueroMeals: As Above
DAY 6. TRAVEL BACK TO SAN JOSE
This morning, after breakfast, we will say goodbye to our hosts at Tortuguero and begin our journey back to San Jose. We'll start with a motorboat ride, followed by a van trip, stopping for lunch and driving over the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. Once we arrive in San Jose, the rest of the afternoon will be free for leisure. You can relax, enjoy the hotel's amenities, and explore nearby restaurants.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Country Inn & Suites Hotel in San Jose.Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7. DEPARTURE DAY OR EXTEND YOUR STAY IN COSTA RICA
We have arranged for your transportation to the airport so that you will be on time for your flight home. All good things must come to an end. Over the past seven days, you've experienced some of the best paddling adventures Costa Rica has to offer. You will take home great memories, amazing photographs, likely some coffee, and a huge Tico smile!
Accommodation: N/AMeals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have, and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- September 14th – 20th
- October 14th – 20th: Parm’s Soul Nurturing Adventure (Monday – Sunday)
- October 26th – November 1st
*Trips run Saturday – Friday unless otherwise stated. Start/End dates may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
- September 6th – 12th
- September 20th – 26th
- October 4th – 10th
- October 18th -24th
Trips run Saturday – Friday unless otherwise stated. Start/End dates may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Our 7-Day Tortuguero Kayaking Trip is priced at USD $2885 based on double occupancy. This price includes all taxes and fees, including the mandatory 13% value-added tax stipulated by the Costa Rican government.
If you are a single traveler or prefer not to share accommodation, a USD 450 single supplement fee is charged with the final balance. For bookings, please be sure to contact our office so we can check availability.
Included in Trip Cost
- All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- Additional regional guides and local experts if applicable
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- 6 nights of accommodation
- Most meals, as outlined in the itinerary
- Airport Meet & Greet and all ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- International flights to and from Costa Rica
- Alcoholic beverages (Sea Kayaking Costa Rica provides wine at select events)
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for Sea Kayaking Costa Rica guides and guide-drivers
Activity Level
No previous experience is necessary but is preferred. If the guest has no experience, they are expected to be is good physical condition.
| DAY 2 | 2 hours/6 km (3.7 miles) of kayaking |
| DAY 3 | 2 hours/6 km (3.7 miles) of kayaking & 2.4 km (1.5 miles of hiking, primarily hilly terrain) |
| DAY 4 | 4 hours/ 10 km (6.2 miles) of kayaking |
| DAY 5 | 3.5 hours/ 12k m (7.5 miles) of kayaking |
Accommodations
This trip features a 4-star hotel near the International Airport in San Jose for your arrival day and the day before departure. The remainder of the nights are in a small, comfortable hotel that makes the most of its coastal rainforest location, featuring beautiful views and lush settings.
Country Inn & Suites
This comfortable 4-star boutique hotel is conveniently located only a few minutes away from San Jose International Airport and is an ideal location to unwind from your travels. Relax and recharge by the hotel swimming pool or in your room with air conditioning, in-room coffeemaker & Wi-Fi. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, and just a short walk from the hotel is a shopping plaza that offers a wide variety of cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Italian to juices to bar food. There is also a mini-mart grocery store where you can buy drinks, groceries, and ready-to-eat foods. Purchase souvenirs from a nearby store, head to Plaza Real Cariari Shopping Mall, or take a taxi downtown to enjoy parks, museums, people-watching, and many entertainment venues.
Manatus Hotel
Manatus is a small Hotel on a narrow strip of land between the Penitencia Canal and the Tortuguero Lagoon and within Tortuguero National Park. This location provides access to a unique ecosystem, including rainforests, canals, and wetlands.The hotel’s design integrates with the natural environment, using local materials and traditional architecture to enhance the sense of place and sustainability. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned, and feature a private terrace. The hotel's restaurant, Ara Macaw, serves delicious meals a la carte meals, including traditional Afro-Costa Rica dishes. Manatus emphasizes sustainable practices and a deep connection with nature, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious paddlers seeking adventure and tranquility.
Weather
The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November. During this time, mornings are typically sunny and clear, and rains hit in the late afternoon or evening. Planning around this general pattern, you can make the most of the day (planning outings and tours in the morning and chilling in the afternoon). More importantly, Costa Rica’s temperatures are generally a few degrees cooler in the rainy season.
For San Jose, daytime temperatures will be in the 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit (low 20°s —high 20°s Celsius), with evening lows in the 60°s (15°-21 °Celsius).
In Tortuguero, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures range from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F).
While September and October are technically the rainy season, they are also a time when a “veranillo,” or Indian Summer, takes place on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. So, dry weather occurs during these months.
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FAQ's
The short answer is July through October.
September and October are the best times to visit Tortuguero for the best weather, as these months combine milder air temperatures and less rainfall. July through October is the best time of year to observe turtles nesting.
Our 7-Day Tortuguero Kayaking Trip includes a turtle beach patrol, which involves patrolling the beaches with a licensed guide looking to spot sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. The patrols are led at night and last about two hours. Cameras and lights are prohibited on the beach, and guests should wear dark clothing* and follow other strict guidelines to avoid disrupting the turtles. (*included in packing list).
Potable water is accessible throughout the trip. In San Jose, tap water is safe to drink, while in Tortuguero, the hotel offers free filtered water stations for guests. You may still bathe and brush your teeth, as the water is safe for these purposes.
People from all walks of life and all ages join our tours. We mostly get a mix of couples, friends, singles, and occasional families. Participants’ ages range from 45 to 75 years. Though not often, we’ve previously had families with children as young as 12 (minimum age), and we’ve taken many guests well into their 80s. A few have never been sea kayaking, but most are active kayakers with extensive paddling experience. They are not professionals and competitors; they are just people who love to paddle. Without exception, everyone comes to have a good time, and the variety of people and interests found on each trip makes it all the more fun. Many have become friends and enjoyed taking trips together in other locations.
Yes, there are many opportunities to spot terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Among the animals often seen are sea turtles, sloths, iguanas, basilisk lizards, poison dart frogs, and howler, white-throated, and spider monkeys. You’ll also encounter a variety of birds, such as green macaws, tanagers, jacanas, sun grebes, anhinga, and several species of hawks and kites.
Insects are generally not a concern; if they are a nuisance, they will be during dawn or dusk. However, we recommend you bring long pants, a long skirt, and insect repellant (a thorough packing with these items is provided).
Tortuguero’s canals are renowned for their predominantly calm and easy paddling conditions. Paddlers can expect calm, glassy waters, a light breeze of 0.5-3 mph (0.5-3 knots/1-5kph), and the occasional mild current. Water averages 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) on the surface. We will do most of the paddling in secondary channels and lagoons with minimal boat traffic.
Our fleet comprises 14.5—and 15-foot sit-inside sea kayaks and 18-foot double kayaks. Please include your preference in the survey form sent after booking.
Tortuguero Beaches have powerful waves and are unsuitable for swimming.
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