Highlights of Tortuguero National Park

Wildlife & Marine Exploration

Tortuguero's vast waterways and dense forests are teeming with wildlife. Guided boat tours through the canals offer sightings of manatees, caimans, crocodiles, and many bird species. The park's beaches are prime nesting grounds for green sea turtles, with the best viewing times between July and October.

Here’s a summary of some of the wildlife you could see on your adventure to Tortugero National Park.

Mammals

• Jaguars: Though elusive, jaguars roam the park, often preying on sea turtles.
• Manatees: These gentle giants are found in the park's canals and lagoons.
• Monkeys: Four species of monkeys inhabit the park: howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, and the endangered Geoffroy’s spider monkey.

Birds

• Bird Species: Over 400 bird species, including toucans, herons, macaws, and the endangered great green macaw, can be found here.
• Seasonal Migrants: Many migratory birds make Tortuguero their temporary home during certain times of the year.

Reptiles and Amphibians

• Sea Turtles: The park is famous for its sea turtles, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles. The nesting season, from July to October, is a huge reason for visiting.
• Caimans and Crocodiles: These reptiles are commonly seen in the park's waterways.
• Frogs and Lizards: Numerous species of frogs, including the poison dart frog, and various lizards inhabit the rainforest.

Aquatic Life

• Fish: The park's rivers and canals are home to a variety of fish species, crucial for maintaining the aquatic ecosystem.
• Sharks: Bull sharks have been known to enter the freshwater canals, adding to the park's diverse aquatic life.