Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
BOAT
The journey by boat from Moín to Tortuguero can take anywhere from three to five hours,
depending on how often the boat stops to observe wildlife (many tours also stop for
lunch). Indeed, it is worth taking your time. As you wind through these jungle canals,
you're likely to spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, two- and three-toed sloths and an amaz-
ing array of wading birds, including roseate spoonbills.
Tourist boat schedules exist in theory only and change frequently depending on demand.
If you're feeling lucky, you can just show up in Moín in the morning and try to get on one
of the outgoing tour boats (there's often at least one departure at 10am). But you're better
off reserving in advance, particularly during slower seasons when boats don't travel the
route on a daily basis. If the canal becomes blocked by water hyacinths or logjams, the
route might be closed altogether. Call ahead for departure times and reservations.
One-way fares generally run between US$30 and US$40 to Tortuguero, or between
US$25 and US$30 to Parismina. Two recommended agencies are
Tortuguero Wildlife
master sloth-spotter William Guerrero and his wife, Martha, and
All Rankin's Tours
(
8815-5175, 2709-8101;
www.greencoast.com/allrankin
)
, run by longtime local resident Willis
Rankin. Both are ideal for leisurely rides to Tortuguero; Rankin also offers package deals
including accommodations in his rustic lodge near Tortuguero's airstrip. Another outfit that
arranges transport on various boats is
ABACAT
(Asociación de Boteros de los Canales de Tor-
tuguero;
8360-7325)
. For additional operators, see the Tortuguero section.
BUS
Tracasa buses to Moín from Puerto Limón (US$0.60, 20 minutes) depart from Terminal
Caribeño hourly from 5:30am to 6:30pm (less frequently on Saturday and Sunday). Get off
the bus before it goes over the bridge. If driving, leave your car in a guarded lot in Limón.
