Getting to Tortuguero -- worth the trip?
 

My family (teens 14 and 17 and husband) are traveling to CR in late July/early August and already have decided to spend some time in Arenal and Manuel Antonio, in that order. We will be there for 10 days. We're huge nature and wildlife lovers, and I would love to squeeze in a side trip to Tortuguero to see the turtles nesting. I just can't figure out how to fit it into the trip because it seems difficult to get into and out of. If we were to do it, is it easier to go straight from San Jose when we arrive, or from Arenal of Manuel Antonio? Do we drive or fly in? And would one night be enough?

Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. As a side note, I also looked into going to the specific coast to watch the leatherbacks nest, but we won't be in CR during the right moon phase, so Tortuguero is our only option.

Thanks in advance!

* meant to say Pacific Coast above, nit specific. :)

I went there as a 16 year old with my family (2 teenaged brothers as well) and i LOVED it, it was so unique and it was definitely difficult to get to but worth it.

We rented a car and drove from San Jose.

Most people that go to Tortuguero stay at one of the lodges there since the area is isolated. Usually the lodges arrange your transportation for you. Since it's canal based, you can only drive so far, and then you have to boat in, or you can fly from SJO. We boated in and flew out in the interest of time, but the boat ride in is really amazing. Most everyone goes from San Jose, but we went from Arenal just because it fit into our schedule. We saw a lot of wildlife - toucans, crocs, lots of monkeys, roseate spoonbills, caimans, otters and other widlife. Most people stay two nights. We stayed at the Tortuga Lodge, and it was fantastic. Pack something dark to wear if you're going out to see the turtles. I'd expect some rain in July.

I've been to Tortuguero three times and love it - definitely worth the hassle of getting there. I would do it first from San Jose, then go on to Arenal and Manuel Antonio.

As VG says, most people do a package. We have always gone with Modesto and Fran Watson as have several other long-time Fodorites. http://www.tortuguerocanals.com/ We stay at Laguna Lodge - great grounds, two pools, small cabins, but very clean.

Fran is American, while Modesto is from Nicaragua. She usually answers e-mail and could advise you on driving in via their transport and flying back out to save time.

Wildlife (other than turtles) will generally include three species of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, basilisk lizards, herons, frogs. IMO, it's the second best area (after the Osa Peninsula) for wildlife viewing.

Hello! You may fly, it would be faster but you will see less of Costa Rica, but if you want to try the trip driving just be aware of the weather avoid driving by night if you don't know well the way to avoid getting lost.