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Where to Watch Sea Turtle Nesting

Costa Rica is one of the best countries in the world to see sea turtles in their natural habitat — especially during nesting and hatching seasons. Most sightings happen on the coast, and the best experiences are usually through guided tours that protect the animals and follow local wildlife regulations.

🐢 Top Places to Watch Sea Turtles in Costa Rica.                                                         🌴 Tortuguero National Park (Caribbean Coast)

• Famous for green sea turtle nesting — especially July to October. 
• Nighttime tours led by certified guides are the only legal way to see turtles nesting. 

🌊 Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Pacific – Nicoya Peninsula)

• One of the world’s best places to witness “arribadas” — mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. 
• These events typically occur between July and December, peaking around lunar cycles. 
• Local guides organize night tours when arribadas are happening. 

🐢 Playa Grande & Las Baulas National Park (Guanacaste)

• Known for leatherback turtle nesting from October to March. 
• Guided night walks are available but strictly regulated. 

🏖️ Camaronal & Corozalito (Near Samara / Nicoya)

• Good locations for seeing Olive Ridleys and other species almost year-round. 
• Some tours leave from Sámara that take you to the best sections of beach for turtle activities. 

🌺 Southern Pacific & Osa Peninsula

• Remote beaches like those near Corcovado National Park, Playas Matapalo, and Playa Llorona are less visited but have nesting turtles. 

🐢 Caribbean South: Gandoca-Manzanillo & Cahuita

• You can see turtles (Green, Hawksbill) and occasionally nesting from March through July.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit for Turtle Watching

• Olive Ridley (Arribadas): July–December (peak with lunar cycles). 
• Green Turtles: July–October on Caribbean beaches like Tortuguero. 
• Leatherbacks: October–March along Pacific coasts such as Playa Grande. 
• Hatchlings: Often several weeks after peak nesting, anytime turtles lay eggs.

🐢 Tips for Sea Turtle Watching

• Always go with a certified guide. It’s required in many parks to protect the turtles and meet legal regulations. 
• Tours are usually at night (nesting is nocturnal). Guides use red-light flashlights to avoid disturbing turtles. 
• Seasonality matters. Without the right timing, you might miss nesting or hatching activity, so check local reports or guide updates before planning your visit. 
• Respect conservation rules—no lights, no noise, and maintain distance from the turtles and nests.