Getting Here Is Part of the Adventure
Transport & Transfers
We arrange private transport from anywhere to anywhere in Costa Rica. Safe, comfortable, and hassle-free — let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy the adventure.
We arrange private transport from anywhere to anywhere in Costa Rica. Safe, comfortable, and hassle-free — let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy the adventure.
Tortuguero is accessible only by boat or small aircraft — there are no roads. Most guests fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) and then take a scenic transfer that combines an air-conditioned van with a memorable 45–90 minute boat ride through the jungle canals. The boat portion is often one of the highlights of the trip: you glide past towering trees, howler monkeys, and kingfishers before arriving directly at our dock.
We also arrange private transfers, shared shuttles, and can coordinate with regional flights or domestic airlines when available. All transfers are door-to-door and include luggage assistance and the required canal boat segment. Many guests bundle transfers with one of our Stay & Tour packages for convenience and savings.
All transport is arranged through our front desk or trusted local partners. Let us know your flight details and we’ll handle the rest.
From Tortuguero, the only departure is to La Pavona (mainland boat dock). From La Pavona you can continue to Tortuguero or connect to mainland transfers below.
Private boat
₡65 000
Flat rate per leg · choose your date and departure time when you book your stay.
Public (shared) boat
₡5 000 / person / one way
Departures 07:00–16:30 (hourly, last boat 4:30 pm). Please arrive 25 minutes before departure. Select date when booking.
Select a route we have pricing for. For multiple stops, custom destinations, or routes not listed, .
Boat routes: Tortuguero ↔ La Pavona only · Mainland routes shown when priced in our system
Transport Sjo to Tortuguero before 1pm
Private transportation from downtown San Jose to La Pavona. Shared boat to the Tortuguero pier. Departure no later than 1 p.m. Transportation is for two people. The return trip is the same price and can be booked at the hotel. (If your hotel is not in downtown San Jose, the price may change.)
Transport Sjo to Tortuguero after 1pm to 4pm
Private transportation from downtown San Jose to La Pavona. Private boat to the Tortuguero pier. Departure no later than 1 p.m. Transportation is for two people. The return trip is the same price and can be booked at the hotel. (If your hotel is not in downtown San Jose, the price may change.)
Approximately 3.5–4.5 hours total door-to-door (van + boat). We monitor your flight and adjust pickup accordingly. Private and shared options available.
A beautiful alternative route (often 4–5 hours). Less traffic than the SJO route for some travelers and pairs well with a few nights on the Nicoya Peninsula.
We can also help coordinate charter flights to the Tortuguero airstrip or boat pickups from nearby lodges. Just tell us your plans and we’ll make it seamless.
Transport SJO to Tortuguero (before 1pm)
Private transportation from downtown San José to La Pavona. Shared boat to the Tortuguero pier. Departure no later than 1 p.m. Transportation is for two people. The return trip is the same price and can be booked at the hotel. (If your hotel is not in downtown San José, the price may change.)
Transport SJO to Tortuguero (after 1pm – 4pm)
Private transportation from downtown San José to La Pavona. Private boat to the Tortuguero pier. Transportation is for two people. The return trip is the same price and can be booked at the hotel. (If your hotel is not in downtown San José, the price may change.)
When you book direct with us, we’ll send a simple transfer form. Share your flight times and any special requests (early arrival, extra luggage, dietary needs on the road) and we take care of everything.