Direct lodge transfer · North canal route
Boat Transportation from La Pavona to Mawamba Lodge
Arrive directly at the private dock of Mawamba Lodge via the Tortuguero canals. Reliable boat transfer service with daily departures and complete luggage care.
(≈ $17 USD) · ₡7,500
Per person, each way
~50 min
Scenic river navigation
Private dock drop-off
No carrying bags in town
Daily departures
From La Pavona
Arrival logistics
How the boat transfer to the lodge works
You arrive at La Pavona dock by rental car or public bus. Our team meets you at the dock, provides a properly fitted life jacket, and loads your luggage carefully.
We navigate through the Suerte River and the Tortuguero canals. Unlike standard public boats that stop only in the village, our boat continues along the main canal directly to Mawamba Lodge’s private dock.
- Official direct fare: (≈ $17 USD) · ₡7,500 per person, each way
- Round-trip fare: (≈ $33 USD) · ₡15,000
- Children under 3 travel free
- Standard luggage and hand baggage included at no extra charge
Convenience
Direct drop-off at Mawamba’s private dock
Mawamba Lodge is located on the sandbar between Tortuguero lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, with no vehicle roads. Water transit is the only way in.
Stepping off right at the lodge’s private dock saves you from hauling suitcases through the village under tropical sun or rain.
- Direct arrival on Mawamba Lodge grounds
- Disembarkation assistance and luggage handover to lodge staff
- Canopied boats protecting against rain and river spray
Service clarity
Boat transportation, not hotel booking
Transporte Smith is an independent local boat operator. We provide the water transfer so you arrive safely and on time.
We do not sell rooms or manage Mawamba Lodge reservations. Your lodging must be booked directly with the hotel or your travel agent.
- Experienced local captains licensed on the Suerte river system
- Personal coordination and departure updates via WhatsApp
- Private charter boat available if your schedule requires custom departure times
Departures & coordination
Departure times & return coordination
Scheduled departures from La Pavona operate throughout the day (07:15, 09:15, 11:15, 12:45, 15:15, and 16:15), aligned with bus arrivals.
For your return trip from Mawamba Lodge back to La Pavona, we coordinate dock pickup in advance so you connect smoothly with your onward transport.
- Multiple daily departures from La Pavona to the canals
- Clear meeting point at La Pavona dock before boarding
- We recommend arriving 15 minutes before scheduled departure
