Tortuguero National Park canoe tour: Wildlife in the canals

Paddle through narrow waterways where sloths hang overhead and caimans drift past

A guided canoe tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, where you paddle through humid tropical forest spotting wildlife. The tour runs 2.5 hours with a live guide in English or Spanish. Life jackets and oars are provided. Park admission is not included and must be purchased separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Tortuguero National Park canals

• Tour canals of Tortuguero National Park
• Observe wildlife in tropical forest

The experience

You paddle a canoe through the narrow waterways that thread through Tortuguero National Park, moving slowly enough to see the animals that live here. The canals wind through dense tropical forest, and the guide points out sloths hanging in the branches, caimans in the water, and birds moving through the canopy. The pace is set by the current and the wildlife. You're not rushing between stops, just moving through the forest as it reveals itself.

Life jackets and oars come with the tour, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Tortuguero National Park admission is separate, so you'll need to arrange that entry when you book. Public transportation options are available to reach the tour starting point if you don't have your own transport.

What’s included

• Life jackets and oars.
• a guided canoe tour through the park's canals with a live guide speaking English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 08:30, 11:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tortuguero Local Guide Cr

Is this one for you?You paddle the canoe yourself with the guide's direction, so this suits anyone comfortable holding an oar and moving at a slow pace through the water: no paddling experience needed, and the guide can help if you tire. If you prefer to sit while someone else does the work, look for a motorized boat tour instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

What kind of wildlife will I actually see paddling through Tortuguero's canals?

The canals run through humid tropical forest where sloths, caimans, and birds are common. The guide knows where to look and moves the canoe slowly so you have time to spot them as you paddle through.

Do I need to know how to canoe, or is this for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The guide handles navigation and can assist with paddling if needed. You're not expected to have canoe experience.

Is park admission included in the tour price?

Tortuguero National Park admission is not included in the canoe tour and must be purchased separately when you book.

How long does the whole tour take?

The canoe tour runs 2.5 hours from start to finish, moving through the canals at a pace that lets you watch for wildlife.

What's provided and what do I need to bring?

Life jackets and oars are included. You'll want to bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a camera or binoculars if you have them. Wear clothes that can get wet.