Sea Turtles in Costa Rica: Where & When to See Them
Costa Rica sea turtles: what you need to know before you go
If you’re dreaming of seeing a sea turtle up close in the wild, Costa Rica is one of the best places on Earth to make it happen. With five of the world’s seven sea turtle species nesting along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the country has become a prime destination for wildlife lovers, families, and adventurous couples alike. But where should you go? When is the best time? And what kind of turtle can you expect to see?
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to plan your sea turtle experience in Costa Rica:
the best beaches and national parks to spot them
the nesting seasons for each turtle species
tips for ethical turtle watching
how to book a turtle tour (and why you should)
a FAQ with practical travel advice
Let’s dive in, pun intended.
Sea turtle species you can see in Costa Rica
You might think a turtle is just… a turtle. But in Costa Rica, you’ll meet some real celebrities of the marine world. Costa Rica is one of the few countries where you can spot five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Four of them nest regularly on its shores, and each one has its own “season,” preferred coast, and quirks that make the experience feel unique. Here's how to tell them apart and where (and when) to catch them in action. Here are the stars of the show:
Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Famous for “arribadas”, massive synchronized nesting events that bring thousands of turtles to the beach at once (yes, thousands!).
Where: Pacific coast, especially Ostional and Santa Rosa National Park
When: Year-round, best from August to November
How to recognize: Small to medium size, olive-colored shell, heart-shaped carapace
Best place to see: Ostional Beach, especially around the waning moon
Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
They are herbivores and can live up to 80 years. Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites in the entire Western Hemisphere.
Where: Mostly Tortuguero (Caribbean coast)
When: From July to October, with peak nesting in August and September
How to recognize: Large and round body, smooth dark greenish shell, small head
Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Largest turtle in the world, diving champions (up to 1,200 meters deep), and sadly critically endangered. Fun fact? Leatherbacks can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. That’s basically the size of a small car… or a sumo wrestler.
Where: Both coasts, but especially at Playa Grande, Gandoca, and Tortuguero
When: October to March on Pacific coast ; March to July on Caribbean coast
How to recognize: Giant size (can reach up to 2 meters long!), soft leathery shell with ridges, black with white spots
Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Considered one of the most beautiful sea turtles, but also one of the most threatened due to illegal shell trade.
Where: Warmer, coral-rich areas like the South Caribbean (Gandoca-Manzanillo) and parts of the Pacific
When: From March to October
How to recognize: Small to medium size, overlapping amber and brown shells, pointed beak
Can you see loggerhead turtles?
Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) have been rarely spotted in Costa Rican waters, mostly passing through. They don’t typically nest here, so they're not commonly included in turtle tours.
Best places in Costa Rica to see sea turtles in the wild
Costa Rica isn’t huge, but the variety of turtle-watching spots is impressive. Depending on the time of year and which coast you’re on, here are the best locations to catch these ancient mariners in action.
1. Tortuguero National Park (Caribbean coast)
This place is a must if you’re traveling between July and October. It’s the number one nesting site for green turtles in the entire Western Hemisphere. You’ll need to stay in or around the tiny village of Tortuguero, which is only accessible by boat or small plane, no cars here.
Best time to visit: July to October
Main species: Green turtles
Tour price: Around $30-$40 for a guided night tour
Kid-friendly? Yes, as long as they can stay quiet and awake late
Pro tip: Wear dark clothes and don’t use flash photography, it stresses the turtles out, and it’s illegal anyway.
My experience: Lying silently on the beach, hearing the waves crash while a turtle lays 100+ eggs just feet away? Goosebumps.
2. Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Pacific coast)
The only thing more breathtaking than seeing one turtle? Seeing thousands of them crawl ashore at once. That’s what happens during an arribada, when Olive Ridley turtles synchronize their nesting by the thousands.
Best time to visit: Peak season is August to November, around the new moon
Main species: Olive Ridley
Tour price: $25-$35 for a night tour with local guides
Family-friendly? Yes, with older kids
Pro tip: Arribadas usually start 2-3 days before the new moon, check with local tour operators in Nosara or Samara.
I’ve been to Ostional during an arribada, it was like watching nature's version of Times Square at midnight. Total chaos. Totally unforgettable.
3. Playa Grande (Las Baulas National Marine Park)
Just north of Tamarindo, this beach is famous for leatherback turtle nesting. It’s highly protected, with access strictly controlled at night.
Best time to visit: October to February
Main species: Leatherback turtles (the big ones)
Tour price: $25-$35
Accessible? Yes, but keep in mind tours happen at night and you must book through authorized guides
Family-friendly? Older kids and teens will love it
I once waited 3 hours to spot a leatherback here… and it was worth every mosquito bite.
4. Santa Rosa National Park (Nancite Beach)
Santa Rosa National Park is a home to another massive arribada site, but far less accessible. This one’s for the hardcore adventurers.
Best time to visit: Same as Ostional, August to November
Main species: Olive Ridley
Access: Restricted; special permits required
Pro tip: If you’re not into hiking and roughing it, stick to Ostional
Best beaches in Costa Rica to see sea turtles (with map and tips)
Costa Rica has dozens of turtle nesting sites, but a few stand out for their accessibility, biodiversity, and consistent activity. Whether you're traveling with kids, as a couple, or with adventure-hungry friends, these beaches offer unforgettable encounters, without requiring expert-level gear or logistics.
Top sea turtle nesting beaches
1. Tortuguero (Caribbean Coast)
Species: Green (mostly), leatherback, hawksbill
Best season: July-October (peak in September)
Access: Boat or domestic flight from San José
Vibe: Jungle meets beach, very remote, amazing biodiversity
Good to know: Guided tours mandatory; rain gear is your friend
2. Ostional (Nicoya Peninsula)
Species: Olive ridley (massive arribadas!)
Best season: Year-round, best from August to November
Access: Drive from Nosara or Santa Cruz; roads can get rough
Vibe: Rural, community-run, conservation-focused
Good to know: Arribadas occur during the waning moon; check lunar calendar
3. Playa Grande (Las Baulas National Park)
Species: Leatherback
Best season: October-March
Access: Easy drive from Tamarindo
Vibe: Well-protected, organized tours, close to amenities
Good to know: Very strict rules (including no beach access at night without a guide)
4. Gandoca (South Caribbean)
Species: Leatherback, hawksbill, green
Best season: March-July
Access: Long drive to Manzanillo, then guided trek or boat
Vibe: Wild, lush, off-the-radar
Good to know: Bring mosquito repellent and water shoes
5. Camaronal & San Miguel (Pacific Coast)
Species: Olive ridley, sometimes leatherback
Best season: July-December
Access: From Sámara or Carrillo, 4x4 recommended
Vibe: Quiet, laid-back surf towns with conservation energy
Good to know: Some local lodges support the turtle programs
Bonus tip: bring this up with locals
When you arrive in a coastal town, don’t hesitate to ask locals at your hotel or café if any turtle activity is expected. They often have the freshest intel, and might know a guide personally. It's the kind of word-of-mouth gold that’s hard to Google.
When to see sea turtles in Costa Rica: nesting seasons and tips
If you're hoping to witness turtles nesting or hatching, timing is everything. Different species come ashore at different times of the year, and they don’t exactly RSVP. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan your trip like a pro.
Nesting seasons by species
Green turtles (Tortuguero, Caribbean coast): July to October, with peak in August and September. Tours usually happen at night between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m.
Olive Ridley turtles (Ostional & Santa Rosa): Year-round, but best chance during arribadas from August to November. These mass nestings typically occur a few days before the new moon
Leatherback turtles (Playa Grande, Pacific coast): October to February. Night tours are available, but turtles can be elusive.
Hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (less common): Occasional sightings between May and November
Hatching season
Roughly 45-70 days after nesting, baby turtles begin to emerge. This means you can often witness hatchlings scuttling to the sea from September to March depending on the nesting date.
Watching a baby turtle make its first dash to the ocean? Trust me, it hits you right in the feels.
Tips for turtle timing success
Book early, especially in Tortuguero and Playa Grande. Tours sell out quickly in peak months.
Go with a certified guide. They know how to find the turtles without disturbing them.
Don’t count on moonlight. Some tours get canceled if there’s too much cloud cover or poor conditions.
Bring the right gear: dark clothes, waterproof shoes, patience, and a red-light flashlight if allowed.
Once, I waited 2.5 hours under a light drizzle in Ostional. Just when we were about to leave, boom, dozens of turtles crawled out of the waves. Worth every soggy minute.
How to join a turtle watching tour (and do it ethically)
If you're dreaming of seeing sea turtles up close, joining a local tour is the best and most respectful way to do it. But not all tours are created equal, and turtles are, well, sensitive creatures. Here's how to make the experience magical and responsible.
Where to book your tour
Tortuguero National Park (Caribbean): Most tours are organized by certified local guides or hotels. You’ll be assigned a specific beach section and time slot.
Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Nicoya Peninsula): Check with ASVO Ostional or local community-run programs. You might witness an arribada if you’re lucky.
Playa Grande (Las Baulas National Park): Reserve through park authorities or official tour operators in Tamarindo or Playa Grande itself.
Gandoca-Manzanillo, Santa Rosa, Camaronal: Less touristy but also offer guided experiences, ask around in nearby towns.
Most turtle tours cost between $20-$40 per person and include a guide. Some areas require an additional park entrance fee (like Tortuguero, $15).
Do’s and don’ts for turtle watching
Do:
Follow your guide’s instructions at all times
Wear dark, non-reflective clothing
Stay quiet and keep movements slow
Turn off your camera flash (most photography is banned anyway)
Stay behind the turtle during nesting
Don’t:
Touch the turtles or the eggs (ever)
Shine white lights or use your phone
Stand between the turtle and the ocean
Leave trash behind, bring it out with you
Visit nesting beaches alone at night
During one night tour at Tortuguero, we saw a massive leatherback lay over 80 eggs. The guide dimmed her red light and whispered to the group like we were watching a Broadway show. Nobody moved. Nobody breathed. It felt sacred.
Final tip: rent a car to reach the best nesting beaches
Most of the turtle nesting beaches are far from the main tourist hubs, with irregular bus service and rough roads. Renting a car in Costa Rica gives you the freedom to visit places like Ostional or Gandoca at your own pace, with your own schedule. And trust me, chasing moonlight on a turtle beach is way more fun when you’re not relying on a shared van at 5 am.