Turtle Nesting

Durations

1 Week

Difficulty

Easy

Min Age

0

Experience the Stunning Beauty of Sea Turtles

This tour, available in various parts of Costa Rica, is a tourist favorite. It’s uncommon in most other countries, so it’s a big draw when vacationing in Costa Rica. But, of course, some might argue a Costa Rica trip is not complete until you’ve seen sea turtles.

Highlights

Enjoy a Turtle Nesting Tour in Costa Rica

Sea turtle nesting tours in Costa Rica offer a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most remarkable events. The country’s beaches serve as important nesting sites for five of the world’s seven sea turtle species: Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. Guided tours allow visitors to watch female turtles come ashore at night to dig nests, lay eggs, and carefully cover them before returning to the ocean. Expert guides ensure minimal disturbance while explaining the life cycle and conservation efforts that protect these endangered animals.

Top Sites for Turtles

Key nesting areas are found on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. On the Pacific side, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Camaronal, and the Osa Peninsula host Leatherbacks, Greens, and Olive Ridleys at different times of year. On the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge provide vital nesting grounds for Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. Peak nesting seasons vary by species and location, but tours are available year-round, with timing adjusted to coincide with nesting activity.

Activities

ATV Riding

Campfire

Hiking

Fishing

Exploring

Photography

Navigating

Rafting

What a Turtle Tour Involves

Tours typically last two to three hours and may include transportation from nearby accommodations. Participants are advised to wear dark clothing, bring insect repellent, and follow strict guidelines (like avoiding flash photography and remaining quiet) to avoid disturbing the turtles. Some tours also offer the chance to observe hatchlings making their way to the ocean, a memorable experience that highlights the importance of conservation.

Visiting a sea turtle nesting site gives travelers a firsthand look at Costa Rica’s dedication to wildlife protection. These experiences combine education, adventure, and the opportunity to connect with one of the country’s most iconic natural events. Whether witnessing a single turtle on a quiet beach or a mass nesting event, guests leave with a deep appreciation for these ancient marine creatures and the ecosystems that sustain them.

Gallery

FAQS

Does Costa Rica have sea turtles?

YES!

Some popular places to see sea turtles nesting and hatching include Tamarindo, Tortuguero, and Ostional.

 

Sixty days after the eggs are laid.

Year-round

 

There is a chance you’ll see a sea turtle while swimming or snorkeling, but this is not a specific tour offering as it’s not predictable.

 
In Costa Rica, as in most of the world, sea turtles are endangered because of poaching. However, there are laws and conservation efforts in Costa Rica to protect them.

The location, temperature, and ecosystem play a role in why turtles come from so far away, swimming up to 1,500 miles, to lay their eggs in Costa Rica. Turtles may travel far away to forage and mature, but they return to the same place they were born to deposit their eggs.

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