Tortuguero: Canoe Canal Tour with Wildlife Sighting

Summary

Quiet canoe ride, wildlife calls, hidden Tortuguero corners

You’ll slip quietly through Tortuguero’s jungle canals by canoe with a local guide who actually knows where to look for sloths and monkeys (and will probably make you laugh). Expect close-up wildlife moments, stories you won’t find in any brochure, and that feeling when everything goes quiet except for birdsong and your own heartbeat.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — not silence, exactly, but that thick, green quiet you only get in Tortuguero. Our guide, Esteban, handed me a paddle and grinned when I nearly dropped it into the water. The canoe felt a little wobbly at first (I’m not much of a paddler), but once we pushed off from the lagoon near the park offices, it was just us and this slow-moving world of tangled trees and water that looks black until the sun hits it.

We drifted along the main canal for a while. There was this moment when Esteban pointed up — two spider monkeys were picking their way across the branches overhead, tails swinging like jump ropes. You could hear them before you saw them: little rustles and a sharp call that echoed down to us. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared. Somewhere behind us, someone whispered “look!” and there was a flash of blue — kingfisher or maybe something rarer; Esteban knew every bird by its sound.

The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place (Esteban said it’s some flower that only blooms after rain). We slipped into one of those narrow side channels — honestly, I thought we’d get stuck — but he steered us through without even thinking about it. It’s wild how close everything feels here: caiman eyes just above the surface, herons standing so still you almost miss them. My arms got tired but I didn’t really care. At one point I tried to say “tortuga” in Spanish and Esteban laughed so hard he nearly dropped his paddle.

Two hours went by fast. When we finally turned back toward the lagoon, there was this golden light on the water and for a second everything felt hushed again except for some distant howler monkeys starting up their evening racket. I still think about that view sometimes — not sure any photo would do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tortuguero National Park canal tour

• Start at Tortuguero lagoon
• Travel along Tortuguero River
• Explore hidden canal areas
• Observe wildlife and vegetation
• Tour guided by accredited expert

Top questions

How long does the Tortuguero canal tour last?

The canal tour lasts around two and a half hours.

Is entrance to Tortuguero included in the tour?

No, entrance tickets to Tortuguero are not included in the tour price.

Are guides certified for this Tortuguero canoe tour?

Yes, guides are accredited by ICT and have extensive experience.

Is safety equipment provided during the canoe tour?

Yes, safety equipment is included for all participants.

Can infants join the Tortuguero canal tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Is this canal tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries.

Where does the canoe tour start in Tortuguero?

The tour starts from a lagoon in front of Tortuguero National Park offices.

What’s included

Your day includes safety equipment for everyone on board as you explore with an experienced local guide; note that entry fees to Tortuguero are not covered so bring some cash along before setting out from the lagoon near the park offices.