Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know

If there’s one place in Costa Rica that truly stole my heart, it’s Tortuguero National Park. Located on a small island off the Caribbean coast, it’s a gem that is truly underhyped. Since there isn’t a lot of information out there about visiting as a solo female backpacker, I’m here to give you all the details that I wish I knew before I went.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Tortuguero National Park, especially if you’re heading there solo:

Visiting Tortuguero National Park:

1. The sunrises are worth waking up for…

I visited Tortuguero in July, and the sun rose every day at 5:30am. The sun rises over the ocean — a spectacular sight any time of year. Since it was the rainy season, the clouds often covered the sun, and I didn’t see vibrant colors, but it was magical nonetheless. The mist from the waves, paired with the gentle sunrise glow, made for a peaceful scene that was definitely worth the daily 5am wake-up call.

2…but the sunsets over the river slay, too.

Although the sunrise in Tortuguero had its magic, so did the sunsets, which reflect beautifully off the river. There are a few restaurants and cafés that have riverside seating where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the sunset.

My favorite spot was El Patio, which had delicious Caribbean-style Costa Rican food and an awesome view. The sun set at 6pm each night, so I snagged the closest table to the water’s edge around 5:30pm. Another great spot is right next door at Buddha Café, which is a little fancier and has a great selection of wine and desserts.

You don’t have to grab a table at a restaurant to watch the sunset, though. Head to the park at the edge of town or sit at the main dock for an equally sweet view.

3. You can’t swim at the beach.

Due to strong rip currents and big waves, it isn’t safe to swim at the beach in Tortuguero. You won’t see anyone in the water, and there are no lifeguards to help out in case you are in danger. I was surprised that I didn’t see any signs explicitly saying to stay out of the water, but locals warned me not to go in. I took that as enough of a reason to obey, though I was temped because of the heat.

Even though you can’t swim here, the beach is still a chill spot for hanging out. There are plenty of palm trees to relax under, and I saw hardly anyone else here in the mornings.

4. You have to take a boat to get there.

As Tortuguero National Park is on an island, it makes sense that…