Canoe Tour Tortuguero
A quiet canoe ride through the canals, with time to observe wildlife up close
QUICK DETAILS
Available for an extra fee outside Tortuguero
- Coffee before the activity
- Binoculars
- Rain poncho
- Certified bilingual guides
- Insurance
- National Park entrance fee*
- Transportation from hotels outside Tortuguero**
*Purchased directly at the park.
**Can be requested while booking.
Canoe Tour Tortuguero
Explore Tortuguero on a guided canoe tour through its canal system, one of the most important protected areas in the country.
The canoe moves at a steady, quiet pace, which makes it easier to observe wildlife along the water’s edge and in the trees above. Your guide helps you spot birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals that are often difficult to notice on your own. They also explain how the rainforest and wetland ecosystems are connected.
Groups are kept small, with up to 10 people. The boats use a combination of paddles and electric motors, allowing you to move through the canals with minimal noise.
The focus of the tour is observation and understanding rather than covering long distances. It’s a straightforward way to learn how the ecosystem works while spending time on the water in a calm setting.
"“A Peaceful Way to Explore Tortuguero’s Canals"
I took a canoe tour in Tortuguero. It is a simple, quiet way to explore the canals. The canoe moves slowly with paddles and an electric motor, which helps reduce noise and makes it easier to notice wildlife.
We saw a mix of birds, a few monkeys, and some reptiles along the water. The guide helped point things out and shared binoculars when needed. They also explained how the canal system connects with the surrounding rainforest.
The pace is steady, with time to stop and observe rather than rushing through the area. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a low-effort activity focused on nature and observation.
-Sam H | January 2026
Take on an Adventure
Explore Tortuguero on a guided canoe tour, a good option for families who want a calm and accessible way to experience the rainforest.
The route follows the park’s canals at a steady pace and is suitable for children, as there is no hiking involved. Along the way, your guide helps you spot wildlife such as birds, monkeys, reptiles, and amphibians, and explains how the forest and canal systems are connected.
Create new Memories
This tour in Tortuguero is a simple way to spend time on the water while learning about the rainforest.
The canoe moves at a steady pace through the canals, with frequent pauses to observe plants and wildlife. Your guide points out details you might miss on your own and explains how the ecosystem works, following conservation approaches. The experience is calm and focused on observation, with time to notice how the landscape shifts between forest and waterways.
Transportation Available
If you are in Tortuguero, you must arrive at the Costa Rica Roots Tours office to begin the tour. If you’re staying at an accommodation outside Tortuguero, please follow the steps during the booking process so we can contact you with an exact transportation quote from your location.
Flexible Cancellation
Our flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour day. You can easily cancel online, directly from your confirmation email —no need to talk to someone, and no questions asked.
Tortuguero Canoe Tour generally runs through most weather conditions (including rain). However, if severe weather occurs (such as a thunderstorm), we will work with you to reschedule or issue a refund.
Planning Your Adventure
Ready to make your adventure dreams a reality? Don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime. Book your Tortuguero Canoe Tour today and prepare to have your breath taken away.
Booking Your Tickets
Limited slots are available due to capacity constraints at the park, so you must book in advance (everyone needs a reservation; walk-ins are not allowed). Don’t miss your chance to experience the beauty of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, in this unique way.
Your extraordinary experience awaits – secure your spot today and gear up for an adventure you won’t want to delay any longer! Book online now to reserve your spot and prepare for an experience you’ll discuss for years.
After booking online, you’ll get an immediate confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Included
What’s included
- Coffee before the activity
- Binoculars
- Rain poncho
- Certified bilingual guides
- Insurance
What’s not included
- National Park entrance fee
- Transportation from hotels outside Tortuguero
What to bring
For the Tortuguero Canoe Tour, you should bring:
- Bottle of Water
- Insect Repellent
- Comfortable Clothing
- Sunscreen
Can I go without a reservation?
All visitors must have a reservation. Walk-ins are not allowed due to the limited capacity the trail can handle.
There’s also a new government limit on the number of visitors each park can allow (which changed due to COVID-19). Click the “Book Now” button for real-time availability and reservations. If you’re trying to book and don’t see availability online, you may contact us (our contact information is at the bottom of this page) to see if we got any last-minute cancellations that may free up the spots you need
Can I cancel a reservation?
We have a flexible cancelation policy.
After you book online, you will get an automatic confirmation email. This confirmation email contains a “Cancel” button, so you can easily cancel online without talking to anyone (no need to provide explanations).
If you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity day, you will get a full refund (otherwise, there will not be a refund). For example, if your tour is on February 28 at 8:30 AM, you should cancel before February 27 at 0:00 AM to get a refund. You will not get a refund if you cancel on February 27 at 0:01 AM or later.
On the other hand, this activity generally operates under most weather conditions (including rain) unless it is risky for participants (such as during heavy thunderstorms). If you arrive at the park and the weather prevents us from letting you in, we can try to reschedule or give you a full refund.