Tortuguero National Park resides just south of the village by the same name. Accessible either by boat or plane, this small community has gradually developed as a direct result of the green turtles annual nesting process. Infact, this region is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle. The leatherback and hawksbill also nest along these beaches which parallel the inland canals.

A natural system of canals and navigable lagoons, of great scenic beauty, cross the park from the southwest to northwest forming the habitat for seven species of land turtles, the manatee or sea cow, and the crocodile. Also, a wide range of crustaceans and some 30 freshwater species of fish, including the gar, eel and bull shark inhabit these waterways. This region of Costa Rica is one of the rainiest and most biologically diverse regions in the country. Eleven habitats have been identified within the park, in addition to several species of trees, i.e. crabwood, banak, Santa Maria, bully tree and dove wood.

While in Tortuguero, the major portion of your time will be spent either watching leatherback turtles or viewing local wildlife along the many inland canals.

Departure will be either very early in the morning ( 5-6 a.m. ) or late in the afternoon ( 4-6 p.m. ), as the midday sun is quite overbearing. As well, the wildlife is much more prolific during those times; the wildlife tends to retreat under the forest canopy during the hot, sunny midday sun. Usually stable and dry, the canoes can accommodate up to 4-6 passengers, and provides an ideal opportunity to get close and personal with the many monkeys, lizards and birds along the canals. We use the slower, quieter canoes that will not disturb the animals instead of the as do the larger, engine powered launches.

This area of Costa Rica is the closest you will come to stepping into a time machine!



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