Your Direct Connection to Tortuguero
Tortuguero Shuttle & Boat Service
No Rental Car Needed
Daily transportation from/to San José, La Fortuna, and Puerto Viejo with seamless connections.
Select your route below to check availability and book online
SHUTTLE TO TORTUGUERO
Pick up from San Jose, La Fortuna & Puerto Viejo
(includes Cahuita, Cocles & Manzanillo)
SHUTTLE FROM TORTUGUERO
Drop off at San Jose, La Fortuna & Puerto Viejo
(includes Cahuita, Cocles & Manzanillo)
Important Information
If your hotel is not listed or located along these routes, please contact us via email or WhatsApp to check if additional fees apply.
How Your Journey Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1
Morning Pickup
Early morning pickup from your hotel or meeting point in San José, La Fortuna, or Puerto Viejo.
Step 2
Rest Stop & Connection
A scheduled stop in Guápiles/Siquirres to connect routes, use restrooms, and stretch or grab snacks.
Step 3
Arrival at the dock
At the dock, your driver connects you directly with our boat coordinator and handles your arrival.
Step 4
Riverboat Transfer
Smooth transition onto the covered riverboat for the final scenic leg to Tortuguero.
Good to Know
* Driver Language: Drivers speak functional English to guide you through stops. Dock coordinators will manage the final boat boarding.
* Comfort & Vehicles: All vehicles feature full air-conditioning. Please keep small valuables in a carry-on bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. All our shared shuttle routes combine ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicles with the riverboat transfer from the dock straight into Tortuguero village.
Travel times include both the ground drive and the 1.5-hour boat ride from La Pavona:
- San José to Tortuguero: ~5 to 6 hours total.
- La Fortuna to Tortuguero: ~5 to 6 hours total.
- Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero: ~5 to 6 hours total.
Each passenger is allowed 1 standard suitcase or large backpack (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg) and 1 small personal item/carry-on (daypack or handbag). Please inform us in advance if you travel with oversized gear or extra bags.
We offer comprehensive hotel pickup coverage along our primary route corridors:
- San José & Surrounding Corridors (SJO):
- Airport / Alajuela Area: Starting from Hampton Inn Airport (Boulevard area near Denny’s) through downtown San José.
- West Area (Route 27 / Lindora): Starting from Four Points by Sheraton and covering major hotels along Route 27 & La Sabana.
- East Area (Curridabat / Tres Ríos): Starting from Hyatt Place Pinares Curridabat along the Florencio del Castillo corridor.
- Downtown & Highway 32: Direct pickup at all major hotels in downtown San José and along Highway 32 heading toward Guápiles.
- La Fortuna: Main hotel corridor spanning from Tabacón Thermal Resort to downtown La Fortuna.
- Puerto Viejo / South Caribbean: Main coastal road hotels spanning from Cahuita through Puerto Viejo, Cocles, and Manzanillo.
If your hotel or Airbnb is located outside our primary route coverage, contact us via WhatsApp or email before booking. We will coordinate the nearest official meeting point or arrange a custom connection.
Departures are scheduled early in the morning (typically between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on your pickup hotel). Because vehicle and boat capacities are limited, we strongly recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee your seat.
Yes. We operate daily two-way connections. You can select single-way or round-trip connections between Tortuguero and San José, La Fortuna, or Puerto Viejo directly in the online booking widget.
Our riverboats are fully equipped with covered roofs and protective side curtains to keep both passengers and luggage safe and dry during tropical rain showers.
