As part of their relentless efforts to improve customer experience, Böëna is expanding its passenger boat service to Tortuguero and Tortuga Lodge to include a new over-water route on the Río Parismina River.

Now, guests can board Böëna’s private riverboat shuttle at the Caño Blanco docks, only 3:30 hours from downtown San Jose or just one hour from Pacuare Lodge’s Siquirres River raft take-out.

Juan Molina, Tortuga Lodge’s lead naturalist guide and shuttle boat transportation coordinator, says the Caño Blanco route provides a whole new experience for visitors. One that starts the moment they step aboard and enter the quiet waters and pristine surroundings of the Río Parismina River.

“As long as the river conditions and improved customer experience continue favoring the Caño Blanco route, it will be the lead access point from now onward,” he says. “Nonetheless, the La Pavona Docks will remain part of Böëna’s transportation network as an alternative.”

For a faster, streamlined travel experience, visitors can also opt to fly to Tortuguero on Böëna’s executive-configured Cessna Caravan, Xplore Air. Seating up to six passengers, the brand-new aircraft and two highly experienced pilots are available for customized charter flights across Costa Rican territory.

Xplore Air’s flight from San Jose to Tortuguero is a short 25 minutes and lands directly across the canal from Tortuga Lodge. Böëna recommends combining a one-way Xplore flight to/from Tortuguero with a one-way Caño Blanco boat service to not miss the enchanting experience of traveling the Parismina River.

About Caño Blanco’s Río Parismina

Río Parismina flows north towards Tortuguero through areas of jungle and marine waters that are frequented by wild animals, including tapirs, jaguars, and manatees. Although spotting one of those elusive creatures is a rare treat, the reduced riverboat traffic on the Parismina River usually results in more wildlife sightings for visitors than La Pavona, notably monkeys, reptiles, sloths, and marine birds.

Travel time is approximately thirty minutes longer than from the La Pavona Docks; however, the Parismina River is much wider and straighter making the trip smoother for passengers. Likewise, the onboard Böëna guide has more opportunities to point out interesting landmarks and wildlife.



About Caño Blanco’s services and amenities

Although smaller than the La Pavona Docks, Caño Blanco offers similar amenities and customer services. Visitors, tour buses, and travel agencies have access to 24/7 secure parking, bathrooms, a small restaurant serving snacks, a souvenir/goods shop, and a money exchange service.

In addition, Caño Blanco’s docks are above-water and made of concrete, facilitating access to the shuttle boats and safer boarding and disembarking conditions for passengers.

Comparatively, the drive from San Jose to La Pavona is approximately 2:45 hours, and San Jose to Caño Blanco is approximately 3:15 hours—only a thirty-minute difference.

Please note that once drivers reach the Siquirres turn-off to Caño Blanco, the remaining distance is paved with ballast/gravel. However, the road is flat, regularly maintained, and can accommodate all vehicle or bus types year-round.



2023 Caño Blanco & Tortuguero Passenger Boat Schedule

Shared boat schedule from Caño Blanco (arrival at Tortuga Lodge)

• 10:30 a.m. Depart Caño Blanco for Tortuga Lodge
• 12:00 p.m. Approximate arrival at Tortuga Lodge

*We recommend guests arrive at the dock at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
**The Caño Blanco private boat service must be reserved with Böëna’s Reservations Department at least 24 hours before check-in.

Shared boat schedule from Caño Blanco (departure from Tortuga Lodge)

• 08:30 a.m. Depart Tortuga Lodge
• 10:00 a.m. Arrive at Caño Blanco

*We recommend guests arrive at the dock at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
**The Caño Blanco private boat service must be reserved with Böëna’s Reservations Department at least 24 hours before check-in.



Böëna’s Private Boat Service is available between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

What this means for our valued partners & Travel Agencies

Combined Pacuare & Tortuga Lodge Experience: Transportation to the Caño Blanco dock is complimentary for guests combining the Pacuare Lodge and Tortuga Lodge experiences. Transportation is provided in a new 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser either directly from Pacuare Lodge or the Siquirres River raft take-out.

The Tortuga Lodge Full-Board Package includes lodging, taxes, 3 daily meals per night reserved, use of self-guided trails, and pick up and drop off at the Tortuguero airstrip. It does NOT include activities, boat transportation to/from Caño Blanco, transportation to/from San José, or alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of any kind.

The Tortuga Jungle Expedition Package includes shared round trip boat transportation Caño Blanco-Tortuguero-Caño Blanco, a bilingual guide, lodging, 3 daily meals per night reserved, afternoon coffee, tea & snacks/sandwiches, and the following experiences:

• Natural History Boat Excursion
• Twilight Tour of Tortuga Lodge Reserve (Minimum age: 7 years)
• A Journey into the History and Culture of Tortuguero Village
• Kayaking the Mystical Canals of Tortuguero (Minimum age: 9. Minors between 9 and 14 years old must share a kayak with an adult)
• Hiking Cerro Tortuguero (Participants must be in good physical condition)

This package does NOT include transportation to/from San José or alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of any kind.