Turtle Nesting
- Costa Rica
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
- Four species of turtles lay eggs in Costa Rica, so you have more chances to see one.
- Families, groups, and anyone can observe this experience in Guanacaste, Nicoya, the Central Pacific, the Osa Peninsula, and the Caribbean.
- Tourists have called this type of tour emotional and even transcendental.
- Immerse yourself in the majesty of this natural occurrence by leaving your phone behind. Cameras are not allowed while turtles are nesting because the flash affects them.
- Chances to see a turtle nesting at different points of the year, depending on the location and turtle species.
Enjoy a Turtle Nesting Tour in Costa Rica
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!
Where can you see sea turtles in Costa Rica?
Some popular places to see sea turtles nesting and hatching include Tamarindo, Tortuguero, and Ostional.
When do sea turtles hatch in Costa Rica?
Sixty days after the eggs are laid.
When can you see sea turtles in Costa Rica?
Year-round
Can you swim with sea turtles in Costa Rica?
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.
Are sea turtles endangered in Costa Rica?
Why do thousands of sea turtles arrive in Costa Rica every year?
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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