water
Kayak
Solo or tandem kayak through the canals — more independence than the canoe, similar wildlife access.
- Duration
- ~2 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Year-round
- Price
- $45.20 pp (incl. IVA)
Good for
- The adventurous
- Couples
Departure times
- 6:00 a.m.
- 9:00 a.m.
- 2:00 p.m.
What it is
A kayak tour through the Tortuguero canals with a naturalist guide. These are special river kayaks, and the tour usually runs in canals where motorboats don’t go — quiet water, close to the wildlife. Single or tandem; you set the pace.
Best for
The adventurous, who want to be in control of the boat. We offer it for older children, from age 10, and knowing how to swim is recommended.
Good to know
The kayak goes into Tortuguero National Park (canales sector) — the park entrance ticket is required and not included (serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr).
Other experiences
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water
Boat tour
A guided motorboat tour through Tortuguero National Park canals — the easiest, broadest way to see the canopy from the water.
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wildlife
Night hike
A short boat ride from the lodge to our private reserve, then a guided walk after dark. Less about what you'll spot than about what it feels like — the rainforest at night, all around you.
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land
Tortuguero Hill Hike
A guided climb up Cerro Tortuguero — an extinct volcano, and one of the few on this side of the country — for a spectacular Caribbean panorama, with rainforest flora and fauna along the way.
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water
Canoe
Quieter than the motorboat — paddle the smaller side-canals where engines aren't allowed and wildlife stays put.
-
land
Jaguar Trail walking tour
A guided walk on the Jaguar Trail (Sendero del Jaguar) inside Tortuguero National Park — flat boardwalk and forest path through prime wildlife habitat.
-
water
Laguna del Cuatro — private boat tour
A private half-day into a hidden corner of Tortuguero: by boat from Mawamba to a remote lagoon, a wood-fired Caribbean welcome with a local family, and kayaking on still water. Available from June 15.
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wildlife
Turtle nesting
A night on the protected beach to witness a green sea turtle nest, on the same sand where she was born — the experience that gave Tortuguero its name. Protection first; a sighting is never guaranteed.
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wildlife
Turtle hatchlings
Not a tour — a free, do-it-at-your-own-pace moment. Being right on the beach at Mawamba means you can simply walk out at the right hour and watch hatchlings find the sea.
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water
Fishing
Sport fishing in Tortuguero's fresh-water canals — snook and tarpon the main catch. Run by local fishing experts; we arrange it for you. Catch-and-release encouraged.
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wellness
Massages
Restorative massages in a private garden sala — recovery for a tired body after a long day on the canals, surrounded by forest and birdsong.