One of the undeniable highlights of Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline is the famous Tortuguero National Park. It's not just one of the world's most important locations for nesting sea turtles, but it also offers a swath of mysterious surrounding rainforest laced by waterways. The best way to explore this system of canals is to take to the waters in a boat guided by a professional naturalist. 

If you opt for a morning boat cruise, you may see animals foraging their first meal of the day, including troupes of spirited howler monkeys nibbling on tender leaves. Or, catch a glimpse of northern jacana waterfowl perched atop islands of water hyacinth in search of insects and miniature shrimp. Along the riverbanks, you may see caiman quietly waiting for the next meal.

In the afternoon or evening, a different jungle world opens up and includes egrets and tiger herons moving toward their nests, plus white-faced capuchin monkeys leaping through the branches. Finally, as the afternoon light dims, the noise of the forest comes to a peak, and then—as if on cue—all becomes quiet.

The adventure is different depending on the time of day, but this beautiful national park offers the same scenery no matter the hour. Enjoy gliding through remote backwater creeks and lagoons, cruise to inlets and riverbanks where wildlife is abundant, and let your qualified naturalist help you spy the best of flora and fauna in the park. 

Discover more wildlife excursions in Costa Rica and other experiences in Tortuguero.