Private Shuttle From La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks) to La Fortuna (Arenal)
Need to get from La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks) to La Fortuna (Arenal)? 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’ll organize the pick-up right at the La Pavona docks, where boats arrive from Tortuguero. We can drop-off at hotels, vacation rentals, the airport, rental car agencies, and more. All we need is your hotel name, vacation rental location, or other drop-off location.
⚠️ Important: Coordinating Your Boat & Shuttle
You must coordinate your boat departure from Tortuguero with your shuttle pick-up time at La Pavona. The boat ride from Tortuguero to La Pavona takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on water levels.
Example timing: If you take the 9:00 a.m. boat from Tortuguero, you’ll arrive at La Pavona around 10:30-11:00 a.m. Schedule your shuttle pick-up for 11:00 a.m. to allow time for the boat arrival and collecting your luggage.
Boat Schedule From Tortuguero to La Pavona
Public boats depart Tortuguero at: 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Important: It is best to buy your boat tickets in advance (the day before) at the small office/window near the docks in Tortuguero.
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 La Pavona docks when your boat arrives.
Shuttle Duration and Included Stops
The drive from La Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks) to La Fortuna 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 Pavona (Tortuguero Boat Docks) to La Fortuna, 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 pay for it separately: ₡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.
Liam O. (Verified Customer) –
All our tranafers arranged two weeks in costa rica were on time, and the drivers were helpful and knowldegable