Tortuguero National Park

Experience the feeling of being transported to a lush and verdant tropical paradise just a short flight across the mountains to the Caribbean Coast of this small country. As you come in to land, admire the network of canals that form this unique ecosystem that border the coastline that winds up towards Nicaragua. Even arriving by land is a great adventure as you can only arrive in this wonderful mangrove forest by boat, spotting Jesus Christ lizards, howler monkeys and a myriad of birds as you wend your way through the narrow channels.

Discover tranquil natural inland canals and an incredible diversity of wildlife surrounded by exotic mangroves. Paddle gently through natural water canals, kayaking, fishing and enjoying the wilderness, with its abundant flora and fauna. There is a small and fascinating little local town here and despite the short distance, the feel is already much more Afro-caribbean than in the highlands a short distance away.

As you wander along the trails around your lodge before breakfast, you might encounter a lively group of white-faced capuchin monkeys playing about in the trees above your head or watch a large iguana basking in the sun. Lodgings are generally a little more basic here on the Caribbean side than in other parts of the country but we can advise you on which lodge might suit you best, whether you are travelling as a family or would like more privacy as a couple.

From July to October, you can be privileged enough to witness one of nature’s most amazing spectacles – green turtles nesting along the beaches of Tortuguero. Hawksbills and loggerheads, less common, also nest along the Caribbean during the summer months. Sea turtles are most frequently seen when the females come ashore to deposit their eggs on beaches, usually at night.

Careful controls to avoid any disturbance to these creatures are in place and you can only venture out at night with one of the park rangers. Equally, if you get up early, head down to the beach behind the town to watch out for the tiny hatchlings trying to make it out to sea – both truly incredible natural phenomenon for adults and children alike.

If you would like to see magnificent sea turtles nesting at night and discover a wonderful region filled with exotic wildlife, then speak to us to talk about adding this to your perfect bespoke Costa Rica holiday.