The most popular lowland waterway trip goes up the Caribbean Canals, which run along the Atlantic coast north from the port of Moín to the communities of Parismina, Tortuguero, and Barra del Colorado. Most travelers head to Tortuguero National Park, where an important sea turtle nesting beach, vast expanses of lowland rainforest, and swampy yolillal palm forests are protected.

A trip down any stretch of the canals is a true jungle adventure, offering opportunities to spot such animals as crocodiles, three-toed sloths, oropendolas and boat billed herons.