Costa Rica Turtle Nesting

Costa Rica's pristine beaches provide vital nesting grounds for four magnificent sea turtle species: Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley. For thousands of years, these ancient creatures have returned to these shores under the cover of darkness, continuing a timeless cycle of life.  Witnessing a sea turtle nesting or hatchlings emerging from the sand is a truly awe-inspiring experience, and Costa Rica offers a variety of accessible locations to witness this natural wonder. Here are some of the most remarkable nesting sites:

Playa Nancite: Nestled within the remote reaches of Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste, Playa Nancite is a primary nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Though reaching this secluded beach requires a 4x4 vehicle, a hike, and permission from the ranger station, the reward is an opportunity to witness the incredible phenomenon of arribadas, where thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from July through November.

Las Baulas National Park:  For an easily accessible turtle encounter, head to Playa Grande in Guanacaste, home to Las Baulas National Park. This protected beach is a primary nesting site for the majestic Leatherback turtle, the largest reptile on Earth.  From mid-October through mid-February, you can witness these gentle giants emerge from the ocean and lay their eggs under the starry sky.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge:  Just north of Nosara, Ostional Wildlife Refuge offers another incredible opportunity to witness Olive Ridley arribadas.  These mass nesting events, occurring monthly from May through November, bring thousands of turtles ashore, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.

Camaronal Wildlife Refuge:  Located south of Samara, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge is a haven for sea turtles year-round.  While Olive Ridleys are the most common visitors, nesting from May through November, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles also frequent these shores at various times of the year.  With a bit of luck, you might even witness nesting turtles almost every night from February through December.

Finca Barú Wildlife Refuge:  On the South Pacific coast, Finca Barú provides a protected nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles from July through November.  This private reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness these ancient creatures in a tranquil and pristine setting.

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park:  The remote beaches of the Osa Peninsula, including Playas Llorana, Corcovado, Sirena, Madrigal, Carate, and Matapalo, offer nesting havens for Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and East Pacific Green turtles.  Many of these beaches lie within Corcovado National Park, requiring overnight permits for access, but the reward is an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures in a truly wild setting.

Tortuguero National Park:  Perhaps the most famous turtle nesting site in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast welcomes Atlantic Green turtles from mid-July through mid-October.  Witness these gentle giants emerge from the ocean and lay their eggs on the protected beaches of this pristine park.

Cahuita National Park:  Playa Vargas in Cahuita National Park hosts four species of sea turtles throughout the year.  Atlantic Green turtles nest from July through October, Leatherbacks from March through July, and Loggerheads and Hawksbills from February through May, offering diverse turtle encounters throughout the year.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge:  On the southern Caribbean coast, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge provides a haven for several turtle species, including the impressive Leatherback, which nests here from March through May.  This remote refuge offers a unique opportunity to witness these gentle giants in a less-crowded setting.

Embrace the Magic: Witness the Miracle of Sea Turtle Nesting in Costa Rica

From the mass arribadas of Ostional to the secluded beaches of Corcovado and the accessible shores of Tortuguero, Costa Rica offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most awe-inspiring events.  By choosing responsible tours and respecting these ancient creatures, you can contribute to their conservation and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.  So, plan your trip, embrace the wonder, and witness the magic of sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica!