Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle, which finds its way onto the brown-sand beaches every year.
Its territories protect not only the turtle-nesting beach, but also the surrounding forests, canals and lagoons. Everything in Tortuguero centres on the waterways and access is by boat or air only. Its peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being in one of the most remote places on Earth attract nature lovers, yet the area has managed to develop a low-density tourism system, perfect for a getaway to Costa Rica.
A visit to Tortuguero offers great opportunities to spot wildlife in varied habitats which include tropical rainforest, mangroves, wetlands and traditional coastal environments.
The best way to see the alligators, iguanas, howler monkeys, boa constrictors and the myriad of bird life is to explore the tranquil waterways and canals that run inland from the coast by small boat. All the lodges include boat trips.
For many, the highlight of a visit to this reserve is the chance to see the giant green turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs, from July to October. The hatchlings emerge from the nest in November at the latest. Leatherback turtles can also be seen from March to June.
As these carefully preserved nesting sites are very vulnerable, great care is taken to minimise human impact and conserve the environment for the turtles. Due to the seasonal nature of these tours, most lodges charge an additional fee for turtle-watching night trips.

Manatus Lodge
Manatus Lodge is situated by the river in Tortuguero and is a lovely 12 room property. Nicely furnished rooms are equipped with 2 queen size beds, a mini bar, cable television, air conditioning and private solarium. Guests can dine at the restaurant where Caribbean fusion food is served and after, enjoy drinks at the Morpho bar. Facilities at Manatus include: a spa offering massages and treatments...
Mawamba Lodge
Mawamba Lodge is set amidst the lush jungle in Tortuguero National Park, between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero canals.The lodge has 58 rustic style rooms, two docks for easy access to canal trips and a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi. Many excursions are included at Mawamba Lodge such as nature trails, kayaking and night tours.Guests can also explore the national park via the canals for specta...
Pachira Lodge
Pachira Lodge is situated within 14 acres of lush tropical surroundings and is perfectly located only 5 minutes from the Tortuguero National Park.There are 88 nicely decorated guest rooms with a tropical feel, a Spa, swimming pool and a buffet style restaurant. In the park, guests can go on the canopy tour which includes: 11 platforms, 4 suspension bridges and a Tarzan swing.July through to Septem...
Evergreen Lodge
Ideal for guests who wish to be immersed in the diverse wildlife of Tortuguero National Park is Evergreen Lodge.The 55 rustic jungle style bungalows have been built to coexist with the environment yet provide a comfortable and spacious base. This jungle lodge has a good restaurant, a bar in front of the lagoon, a refreshing turtle-shaped swimming pool and tropical gardens.The lodge also has canal ...
Tortuga Lodge
Tortuga Lodge is located inside the Tortugero National Park in the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.This is a truly wonderful location which allows guests to be able to see 300 species of birds, monkeys, storks and otters.Offering rustic elegance, the lodge offers 26 standard rooms and 1 penthouse, each with ceiling fans and either a terrace or a balcony. .The lodge includes a botanic garde...
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