Private Air Transfer to Tortuguero
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
30 minutes
99 km / 61.5 miles
Travel Time by Ground
3.5 hours
135 km / 84 miles
Tortuguero Highlights
Turtle Nesting
Experience one of the world's most important nesting sites for endangered green sea turtles (July-October), along with leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles, with guided night tours to witness this remarkable natural phenomenon
Extraordinary Canal Networks
Explore the famous Tortuguero canals by boat, kayak, or canoe through a labyrinth of waterways surrounded by lush rainforest, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat
Incredible Biodiversity
Encounter an astonishing variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, caimans, river turtles, iguanas, and over 400 bird species in one of Costa Rica's most ecologically diverse national parks
Tortuguero Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Viejo | 30 minutes | Coastal flight along the Caribbean shoreline with views of beaches, rainforests, and the Tortuguero canal system |
| Arenal Volcano | 40 minutes | Journey from the volcanic highlands to coastal lowlands with views of Lake Arenal, rainforests, and banana plantations |
| San José | 35 minutes | Scenic flight from the urban center over the Braulio Carrillo mountain range to the Caribbean lowlands with dramatic elevation changes |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Airstrip
Most fixed-wing aircraft land at Tortuguero Airstrip, a small regional airport serving the northern Caribbean coast. This rustic airstrip features basic facilities including a small waiting area. The airstrip is located approximately 5-10 minutes by boat from most accommodations in the Tortuguero area. Many lodges provide their own boat transportation from the airstrip.
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Excellent visibility with calm air conditions
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Early arrivals accommodated with breakfast and canal tour access until room is ready
Layover Recommendations
Best flying conditions occur in early morning; arrive at departure airport 30 minutes before flight time
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Perfect for early morning arrivals to LIR/SJO
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Arrive just in time for standard check-in at most properties
Layover Recommendations
Allow extra time for connection during busy period at customs
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Mid-day international arrivals can still comfortably get to their destination
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Immediate check-in with welcome cocktail; evening wildlife viewing still possible
Layover Recommendations
Tortuguero Airstrip does not operate after dark; last flights must arrive before sunset
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Tortuguero Worth The Visit?
Roadless and accessible only by boat or the small airstrip, Tortuguero is a village sandwiched between Laguna Penitencia and Laguna Tortuguero. This skinny peninsula is part of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s premier wildlife destinations.
We recommend flying from San José since it takes just 30 minutes and the views of the canals are impressive; this flight will save you a tremendous amount of time on the road and in boats.
With distinctive Afro-Caribbean cultural influences, Tortuguero offers a different take on Tico life.
The village serves as a base station for wildlife researchers because of its prime location for biodiversity—11 distinct habitats—in the surrounding rainforest, mangroves, lagoons, and beaches. Tortuguero National Park has more than 60 mammal species. It’s also where the endangered green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Well north of Limón, there are no banks and only one ATM in the village. Many of the merchants only accept cash, so be prepared.
Available From International Airports
Tortuguero Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 35 minutes by Helicopter: 40 minutes | Scenic flight over Costa Rica's central mountain ranges and Caribbean lowlands with spectacular views of rainforests, rivers, and vast banana plantations |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 20 minutes by Helicopter: 25 minutes | Brief coastal flight along the Caribbean shoreline with views of beaches, banana plantations, and lowland rainfores |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport in Tortuguero, Costa Rica?
Tortuguero is served by Tortuguero Airport, a small domestic airstrip located just outside the village, on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast.
IATA code: TTQ
ICAO code: MRBTThis airstrip is the main air access point for travelers visiting Tortuguero National Park, famous for its canals, rainforest, and sea turtle nesting sites.
How far is Tortuguero Airport from major hotels and attractions?
The airport is located about 3 km (5–10 minutes by boat) from Tortuguero village. Most eco-lodges and hotels are within 10 to 20 minutes by boat from the airstrip.
Transfers are typically provided by your lodge and should be coordinated in advance, especially if you’re staying in a river- or canal-access property.Are there rental car offices at Tortuguero Airport?
No. There are no car rental offices in Tortuguero or at the airport. The region is accessible only by air or boat, and once there, transportation is exclusively by foot or boat.
Most travelers rely on lodge-organized transfers or water taxis.
Why fly to Tortuguero instead of driving?
Getting to Tortuguero by land requires a 2–3 hour drive followed by a 1–2 hour boat ride through jungle canals.
Flying takes only 30 to 60 minutes depending on your departure point and allows you to skip the boat ride and long drive entirely.
Plus, flights to Tortuguero offer stunning views of rivers, wetlands, and rainforest from above—making your journey part of the adventure.How long is the flight to Tortuguero from Costa Rica’s main international airports?
- Flights from San José (SJO) to Tortuguero: approximately 30 minutes
- Flights from Liberia (LIR) to Tortuguero: approximately 1 hour
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Tortuguero—saving you hours of ground and water travel.
Can you fly from Tortuguero to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Tortuguero is well connected to the domestic flight network, making it easy to continue your journey across Costa Rica without returning to San José.
Popular flights from Tortuguero include:- Flights from Tortuguero to San José (SJO)
- Flights from Tortuguero to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Flights from Tortuguero to Tamarindo
- Flights from Tortuguero to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from Tortuguero to Santa Teresa (Cobano or Tambor)
- Flights from Tortuguero to Nosara
- Flights from Tortuguero to Drake Bay
- Flights from Tortuguero to Puerto Jiménez
Is there transportation or taxis available at Tortuguero Airport?
Yes, though ground transportation in Tortuguero works differently than in most destinations:
- Hotel or lodge boat transfers (recommended): Most accommodations offer complimentary or pre-arranged boat pickups directly from the airport dock. Be sure to confirm your transfer details in advance.
- Water taxis: Local boats can take you to Tortuguero village or nearby lodges in 5 to 20 minutes.
- No taxis or cars: Tortuguero is a vehicle-free zone—all transportation is done by boat or on foot.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.