Canoe Tortuguero National Park: 2.5-hour wildlife channels

Paddle narrow channels where sloths, caimans and herons live alongside the people who know them

A canoeing activity in Tortuguero National Park where you paddle the water channels for 2.5 hours, spotting wildlife and exploring the flora and fauna with a live guide in English or Spanish. Life vest and oars are included. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

The experience

You paddle a canoe through the narrow water channels that cut through Tortuguero National Park, moving slowly enough to watch the animals that live there. The guide points out sloths hanging in the trees, caimans sunning on the banks, and the birds that nest in the canopy. You learn about the local culture and traditions as you move through the channels, seeing how the landscape and wildlife shape life in this part of the Caribbean coast. The whole paddle takes 2.5 hours, and the pace is set by what you spot. There is no rush to cover distance.

The canoe comes with a life vest and oars, so you arrive ready to paddle. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 3 can join. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the launch point. Park entry is purchased separately through the SINAC sector canals page.

What’s included

• Life vest and oars.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• exploration of the park's water channels, flora, fauna, local culture and traditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (25 to 30 years) · Senior (50 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (3 to 4 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “From the main pier 30 meters to the right at Souvenir Enshu”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tortuguero Tours Andrws

Is this one for you?The 2.5-hour paddle leaves your morning or afternoon free for other activities in Tortuguero, making it easy to fit into a day that includes travel or other plans. If you have mobility concerns affecting your spine or cardiovascular health, check with the operator before booking, as paddling may not be suitable.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

57 verified traveler reviews

5 ★55

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (3 to 4 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see while paddling through Tortuguero?

Sloths, caimans and herons are common sights in the channels, along with other wildlife that lives in the park's flora and fauna. What you spot depends on the time of day and the season.

How long is the canoe activity and what time does it start?

The paddle lasts 2.5 hours. Specific start times are not listed. Contact the operator to confirm the departure that fits your schedule.

Do I need to buy a park ticket separately?

Yes, park entry is purchased separately through the SINAC sector canals page and costs between 15 and 17 dollars.

What if I have never paddled a canoe before?

The activity suits all fitness levels. The guide leads the paddle and can help you with technique and pace if you are new to canoeing.