Private Shuttle From La Fortuna (Arenal) to La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks)
Need to get from La Fortuna (Arenal) to La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks)? Leave it up to our network of professional shuttle drivers. We’ve booked thousands of shuttle van transfers all around Costa Rica and would be happy to help you too. The drivers we use are reliable, friendly, and speak at least basic English. Read more about our shuttle booking service here.
Easy Pick-Up & Drop-Off
We can organize pick-up at hotels, vacation rentals, the airport, rental car agencies, and more. All we need is your hotel name, vacation rental location, or other pick-up location. The drop-off for this shuttle is La Pavona boat dock, where you can catch a public or private boat to Tortuguero.
⚠️ Important: Coordinating Your Shuttle & Boat
You must coordinate your shuttle pick-up time with the boat departure schedule below. The shuttle drops you at La Pavona dock, where you’ll then board a boat to Tortuguero (not included in shuttle price).
Example timing: To catch the 1:00 p.m. boat, schedule your shuttle pick-up for 8:30 a.m. from La Fortuna. This allows 3.5 hours for the drive plus time for stops and a buffer to arrive early at the dock.
Boat Schedule From La Pavona to Tortuguero
Public boats depart La Pavona at approximately: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Private boats leave at custom times and are usually arranged in advance through lodges in Tortuguero.
The boat ride to Tortuguero takes about 1.5 hours, sometimes longer depending on water levels.
Important: Public boat departure times are approximate, as boats may wait for the San Jose bus to arrive before departing. We recommend arriving at La Pavona at least 30 minutes before your intended boat departure. There’s a restaurant at the dock where you can wait comfortably.
Note: Large luggage is sometimes transported on a separate boat that follows the passenger boat. Your bags will arrive safely at the same time—this is standard practice for Tortuguero boats.
Shuttle Schedule
The shuttle pick-up time is completely customizable, available 24 hours a day. Just enter your preferred time on the form. The driver will arrive a few minutes early and be waiting at the hotel reception or outside the vacation rental house.
Shuttle Duration and Included Stops
The drive from La Fortuna to La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks) is approximately 3.5 hours. Up to 1 hour of additional time is included for stops to use the restroom, have a quick meal, pick up groceries, take pictures, etc.
The driver will be happy to recommend a restaurant or store along the way.
We can also help coordinate longer stops along the route to see an attraction. If you would like to make a longer stop, please let us know so that we can quote the additional hours of waiting time. Waiting time typically costs around $25-30 per hour. The driver can hold your bags securely in the van while you enjoy the tour or attraction.
Shuttle Price/Cost
Private shuttle from La Fortuna to La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks), starting at $286 (1-4 passengers). Our booking system will adjust the price based on the total number of passengers. Prices are plus tax (13%).
Public boat cost is NOT included and you must arrange and pay for it separately upon arrival: ₡4,000 (around $8) per person, one way.
How It Works
After you submit your private shuttle order, we’ll organize it with our favorite operator in that area, then send you an invoice. Once paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email and be ready to go!
A friendly, reliable driver will arrive on time and carefully transport you to your destination. This is a one-way service (not roundtrip). Our drivers use modern, air-conditioned vans/minibuses for a comfortable ride. We also ensure that the drivers/companies are licensed by the Costa Rican government and insured.
Since this is a private shuttle service, only your group will be in the vehicle—no other passengers.
Luggage is stored in the back. We size the van to account for 1 large suitcase and 1 medium carry-on bag per passenger (plus personal items). If you have more, just let us know so that we can send a larger vehicle.
Have a question? Send us an email at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com
Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
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