Sea Turtle Nesting Tours
Duration: 4-5 hours (evening/night tour)
Location: Playa Grande, Ostional, and Tortuguero
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Age/Experience : Ages 8+ recommended; no prior experience needed
Seasonal Considerations: : Leatherback (Oct-March), Green (Jul-Oct), Ridley (mass arrivals Jul-Dec), Hawksbill (Jun-Nov)
Included Services: Expert naturalist guide, transportation to/from beach, flashlights (with red filters), educational briefing
Experience one of nature's most remarkable phenomena as you witness endangered sea turtles nesting on Costa Rica's protected beaches. Our guided nighttime tours take you to prime nesting locations including Playa Grande, Ostional, and Tortuguero, where you'll observe these ancient creatures completing their instinctual nesting journey. This conservation-focused educational experience provides intimate glimpses into the life cycle of endangered leatherback, ridley, green, and hawksbill turtles, all while contributing to vital protection efforts. Under the moonlight and with the rhythm of the waves as your soundtrack, you'll create memories that last a lifetime while gaining a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.
What You'll See @ Sea Turtle Nesting Tours
Depending on the season and location, witness female turtles emerging from the ocean, digging nests in the sand, laying eggs, and returning to the sea. During hatching periods, you may observe baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean. The experience varies by season and turtle species, with opportunities to see the massive leatherback (the world's largest sea turtle), the endangered hawksbill with its distinctive shell, the olive ridley known for its synchronized mass nesting events called "arribadas," or the threatened green sea turtles. Beyond the turtles, you'll enjoy Costa Rica's stunning beaches under starlit skies and may spot nocturnal wildlife active along the shore.
Itinerary
Your experience begins with an evening meetup at the local conservation center where you'll receive an educational briefing about sea turtle biology, conservation challenges, and proper viewing etiquette. After this orientation, your small group will travel to the beach accompanied by certified guides. Once at the nesting site, you'll quietly walk along the shoreline, looking for turtles coming ashore or already nesting. When turtles are spotted, your guide will ensure responsible viewing opportunities that don't disturb the animals. If conditions permit and the turtle is in the appropriate phase of nesting, you'll approach carefully for closer observation. Throughout the experience, guides provide insight into turtle behavior and answer questions. The tour concludes with a reflective discussion about conservation and a return transfer to the meeting point, typically ending between 10 PM and midnight depending on turtle activity.
Highlights ofSea Turtle Nesting Tours
Depending on the season and location, witness female turtles emerging from the ocean, digging nests in the sand, laying eggs, and returning to the sea. During hatching periods, you may observe baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean. The experience varies by season and turtle species, with opportunities to see the massive leatherback (the world's largest sea turtle), the endangered hawksbill with its distinctive shell, the olive ridley known for its synchronized mass nesting events called "arribadas," or the threatened green sea turtles. Beyond the turtles, you'll enjoy Costa Rica's stunning beaches under starlit skies and may spot nocturnal wildlife active along the shore.
Meeting point:Local conservation center (varies by location)
Tour Guide Expertise
Our guides are certified sea turtle specialists, many with biology backgrounds and years of experience in marine conservation. Each guide has completed extensive training with organizations like MINAE (Ministry of Environment and Energy) and works closely with local conservation projects throughout the year. Beyond their scientific knowledge, our guides are skilled communicators who balance educational content with the emotional experience of witnessing these endangered creatures. They're expertly trained in minimal-impact viewing practices and emergency protocols to ensure both visitor safety and turtle protection. Many guides participate in research activities during nesting season, contributing to population monitoring and habitat protection efforts that directly benefit the species you'll observe.
"Our 8-day tour through Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio exceeded every expectation. The wildlife encounters were incredible—we saw sloths, toucans, and even a family of howler monkeys! Our guide Miguel's knowledge transformed what would have been a good vacation into an unforgettable experience."
Sarah Thompson
Chicago
The Pacuare River overnight expedition was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. Professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect balance of thrilling rapids and peaceful floats. Staying at the riverside lodge was magical—falling asleep to jungle sounds is something we'll never forget.
Mark Davidson
ancouver
Volunteering at the Pacuare Reserve for sea turtle conservation changed my perspective on eco-tourism. Two weeks of meaningful work alongside dedicated conservationists was both humbling and inspiring. Explore Costa Rica handled all the logistics flawlessly.
Emma Chen
Sydney
After years of dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, Explore Costa Rica made it happen seamlessly. From finding our perfect home in Perez Zeledon to navigating residency paperwork, their team supported us every step of the way. Six months in, and we're living the life we imagined!
Robert and Linda Gonzalez
Former Arizona Residents
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