Kayaking Tortuguero: Canals, jungle hike & turtle nesting

Paddle, walk and watch wildlife across three ecosystems in one day

A full-day kayaking or canoeing tour in Tortuguero National Park combines paddling through the park's water channels, a daytime hike on the Jaguar trail, and a nighttime rainforest walk or turtle nesting tour (July–October only). The package includes kayaks or a silent electric canoe, paddles, life jackets, binoculars, flashlights and ponchos. A live guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian. You can do all three activities in one day or split them across two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tortuguero by water, land, and night

• Kayak or canoe tour in canals
• Hike on the Jaguar trail
• Night hike or turtle nesting tour

The experience

The water channels are the entry point. You paddle a single or double kayak (or ride in an eco-friendly electric canoe built for up to ten people), while your guide points out the flora and fauna hidden in the mangroves and along the banks. The paddles, life jackets and binoculars are provided, and the canoe runs silent, so the wildlife stays close and unalarmed.

The Jaguar trail hike happens during daylight, when the rainforest canopy opens up discoveries at every step. Your guide walks you through the unique ecology of the region and explains what you're seeing as you move through the jungle. Rubber boots and ponchos are available if the ground is wet.

At nightfall, the rainforest transforms. A night hike lets you experience the sounds and movements of nocturnal wildlife as darkness falls. From July through October, you can swap the night hike for a turtle nesting tour instead: an experience most visitors come to Tortuguero specifically to witness. Flashlights are included for both versions. The whole package takes roughly seven hours, though you can split the activities across two separate days if that suits your schedule better.

What’s included

• Single or double kayaks with aluminum paddles.
• silent electric canoe (up to ten people) as an alternative.
• life jackets.
• binoculars for the hikes.
• flashlights for the night activity.
• ponchos and rubber boots if needed.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We are located 175 meters south from the main dock of Tortuguero, the same way to the park's office on the riverside; you will see a sign and a lot of kayaks from the sidewalk.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tortuguero Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the kayak option if you want to paddle yourself through the channels. Choose the canoe if you'd rather sit and let the guide navigate while you focus on spotting wildlife. Both reach the same stops and include the same hikes and night activity, so the choice is about how you move through the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

Can I choose between kayaking and canoeing, or is one included?

You pick either kayaking or canoeing when you book. The kayak option gives you a single or double kayak with paddles and a life jacket. The canoe option is a silent electric canoe that holds up to ten people. Both come with the same guide, the same hikes, and the same nighttime activity.

When can I see sea turtles nesting?

Turtle nesting tours run from July through October only. Outside those months, the nighttime activity is a rainforest walk instead. The nesting season aligns with when sea turtles come ashore in Tortuguero to lay eggs.

What's included in the kayaking package?

Kayaks or canoe, paddles, life jackets, binoculars for the hikes, flashlights for the night activity, and ponchos or rubber boots if needed. The guide is included. The national park entrance fee ($15 plus tax) is separate and paid at the gate.

How long does the whole experience take?

The full package runs about seven hours if you do all three activities in one day. You can also split them across two days if you prefer a slower pace.

Is this suitable if I've never kayaked before?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants can sit on an adult's lap in the kayak or canoe. The guide will show you how to paddle and manage the boat on calm water channels.