The majestic sea turtle is a symbol of our oceans and an animal synonymous with the tropics. These graceful aquatic reptiles are one of the region’s biggest draws, and many people plan their Costa Rican vacation to come view them, either in their aquatic habitat, or during their incredible nesting activities.
Watching hundreds of sea turtles climb out of the sea to nest is a moving and unforgettable experience, but it can be a challenge to fit into your vacation schedule because, like any natural phenomenon, it can be unpredictable. Sea turtles of different species nest in Costa Rica in limited numbers all year, but the Green Season between May and November is when the magic really happens.
What kind of sea turtles nest in Costa Rica?
While visitors tend to consider them all the same, there are actually five species of sea turtle in Costa Rica: green, leatherback, olive ridley, hawksbill and loggerhead. The olive ridley are the most prolific, and can be found nesting at beaches throughout the year. They’re most famous for their arribada, when they emerge from the ocean to nest by the tens of thousands.
The other four species of sea turtles are classified as endangered or vulnerable. The leatherback is the world’s largest sea turtle, with a leathery shell that averages around 8 feet long. There are actually two species of green turtle that nest in Costa Rica, one on the Caribbean side (Chelonia mydas) and one on the Pacific side (Chelonia agassizli), though the Caribbean turtle is more common here. Then there is the hawksbill, which nests alone instead of en masse like other sea turtles. Declining numbers has made this turtle an increasingly rare sight. The loggerhead is equally rare, and only occasionally spotted in a few select locations on the Caribbean side.
The best times to see sea turtle nesting
We’ve mentioned before that watching sea turtles is a great rainy season activity. August through November is actually the best time to encounter all kinds of sea turtles. Greater numbers of them tend to come ashore to nest during this time of the year, particularly on the Pacific side where the rainy season is more pronounced. Peak nesting times for the turtles is as follows:
- Olive Ridley: August – November
- Leatherback: November – January on the Pacific, March – April on the Atlantic
- Green: October – February on the Pacific, July – September on the Atlantic
- Hawksbill: March – October
- Loggerhead: May – August
Sea turtle nesting usually takes place at night, when the turtles are spared from the heat of the sun. Although a sea turtle’s lifespan can stretch over 100 years, their odds aren’t great to begin with due to natural predators on land and at sea. But decades of over-exploitation by humans, who hunt the turtles for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, has left many populations on the brink of extinction. Access to most nesting sites is therefore usually restricted, and can only be visited together with an authorised guide. For the turtles’ protection, always go through an official tour and follow their instructions closely.
Also, don’t count on making plans too far in advance when searching for sea turtles. Most tours will only take bookings from a few days beforehand, so they know when and where nesting activity is happening.
The best places to watch sea turtles nesting
During this time of the year you don’t have to go far, as some of the most popular beaches for sea turtle nesting are located not far from your vacation rental.
For example, the mighty leatherback turtle can be seen not far from Tamarindo, at Las Baulas National Marine Park. Here the turtles home in on Playa Grande, the second-largest leatherback turtle nesting site in the world. This site is so renowned, in fact, that the park is even named after the leatherback—las baulas.
The Ostional Wildlife Refuge on the Nicoya peninsula is where to find the largest landing spot for the olive ridley turtles in Costa Rica: Ostional Beach. From August till December the Ostional arribada takes place, where hundreds of thousands of turtles clamber tenaciously up the beach during the darkest nights of the month. Because olive ridleys nest here all year round, Ostional Beach is the safest bet if you want to squeeze in some turtles on your Costa Rica vacation.
Another spot for olive ridley arribadas is Santa Rosa National Park. Here the turtles gather on Playa Nancite, a remote beach with limited access that requires a 4×4 and hiking. Leatherbacks and the occasional green turtle can also be spotted.
As one of the most well-protected conservation areas in the country, the Osa Peninsula naturally makes an ideal nesting habitat for sea turtles. Four species of turtle nest on the beaches here, making it one of the few places on the Pacific side to observe the rare hawksbill
On the Carribean side, the must-visit destination for sea turtles also celebrates them in its name: tortuguero, land of turtles. Tortuguero National Park is a remote conservation area only accessible by boat or plane. Its 20 miles of coastline are the largest green sea turtle nesting site in the Western Hemisphere. Tortuguero is also the best place to seek out the hawksbill, and the only place to find loggerhead turtles in Costa Rica.
If you’d like to experience this amazing natural wonder on your Costa Rican vacation but aren’t sure where to start, let us know!