Central America
Costa Rica
Province of Limon
Puerto Limon
Puerto Limon Attractions
Tortuguero Canal
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Tortuguero Canal

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Tortuguero Canal
4.5
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Restaurante Rancho Búfalo
10
4.8 km$$ - $$$
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
423 reviews
Excellent
240
Very good
121
Average
49
Poor
10
Terrible
3
Chris J
Chester, UK557 contributions
Really interesting day trip
Feb 2023 • Couples
Took a cruise day trip for a boat ride on the Tortuguero canals and a rain forest tour on foot.
The forest tour was interesting with a very informative guide. The canal trip lasted much longer, therefore better than expected with plenty of wildlife to see.
Great trip and I would recommend it.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMB_GA
Atlanta, GA1,154 contributions
Canal Tour is a Must!
Apr 2023 • Couples
Really fun experience exploring this canal on a boat tour. Got to be really close to the water and see all of the wildlife. Monkeys, sloths, lizards, and tons of birds. Boat tour guide was nice enough to stop and let us take all of the pictures while pointing out the wildlife as well as giving us some background on the area. The water was murky, but you could tell this was an area where nature was allowed to thrive!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,187 contributions
Primary Artery of Transport Providing Exotic Sightings
Mar 2023 • Couples
Although appearing to be a natural river, our boat-tour guide informed our group that the Tortuguero Canal was actually created by workers from the wood working industry in the 1940’s. Boat tours along this wide canal, provide ample viewing of crocodiles, monkeys, tropical birds and vibrant flowers, as well as a vast variety of trees and other species. We were blessed with more abundant sightings of birds, monkeys and other exotic creatures, than on our prior Peruvian Amazon River excursion.
Located within the Tortuguero National Park, situated in Northeastern Costa Rica, this remote area is accessible only by boat or small plane. Tortuguero Canal is bordered by dense rainforests, receiving an average of 250 inches of rain per year, which appeared to have all fallen during our 3 day visit!
We had an enjoyable stay at the eco friendly Aninga Lodge across the Canal from Tortuguero Village (on the Caribbean Sea), and later enjoyed a walking tour through the small, colorful village. We witnessed laughing native children laying on a flat piece of wood, being pulled behind a small boat, on the crocodile-infested waters.
Our visit to this richly diverse area of Costa Rica was the highlight of our journey.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn M.
98 contributions
Great wildlife viewing
Jan 2023
Lots of wildlife to view in guided boats.

Tortuguero Village is touristy, and I was told it is not safe at night.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ontario76
Sherwood Park, Canada1,101 contributions
Good casual cruise down the waterway with wildlife sightings
Feb 2023
There are multiple boats going at any time, and the drivers/guides let each other know what wildlife is where. That maximizes your chances of spotting things. The bush is also interesting. Sloths are, well, slow and not noisy either, but you will probably see a few (with help). Birds and monkeys too. We found a crocodile where a dog used to be....
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa S
New York City, NY45 contributions
Exceeded my expectations
Feb 2023 • Friends
This exceeded my expectations. I know wildlife is unpredictable but the day we were there we saw families of wild monkeys in the trees, sloths, iguanas and lots of birds. It was really net, not to long and exceeded my expectations.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,274 contributions
Great experience - good wildlife
Feb 2023
Visited as part of a Princess cruise excursion. The canals are a great place to spot wildlife and we saw sloths, various birds, monkeys and a few different iguanas. Sadly no crocs or big cats in evidence but still a great experience.
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeoAxion
Detroit, MI541 contributions
Touristy, but fun!
Dec 2022
Somewhat touristy and curated for cruise passengers, nevertheless, still an enjoyable experience overall. Got to see a bunch of wildlife and the boat tour was quite relaxing.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
24 contributions
Fabulous
Jan 2023
Had a couple of longish high-speed boat journeys here, in and out of our hotel opposite the village. Also a couple of slow, quiet trips in open boats in the side channels spotting wildlife - caimans, turtles, monkeys, sloths, and many birds. Lush and jungle-fringed, this is a great place for wildlife-spotting.
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Noll
Lisbon, Portugal16 contributions
Torteguero canals in costa rica
Jan 2023 • Couples
Saw three sloths close up and several monkeys up in the trees; a small caiman. The facility is friendly and excellent. In Costa Rica all animals are protected by law so they are plentiful and happy wherever you see them. A pleasure to be an observer to such an important initiative. Went on the canal tour with relax tours.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tortuguero Canal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Tortuguero Canal