The Tortuguero area on the East Coast of Costa Rica in the province of Limon is world-famous as an important nesting location for the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle.
This is a fantastic tour for all ages, and it is amazing to witness a process that has been happening for thousands and thousands of years. The season lasts about five months, from June to October. Traditionally July and August have the largest number of turtles coming ashore.
Your naturalist tour guide will pick you up at your lodging* and take you to the beach where you will look for the turtles coming ashore. When there is a mass arrival of turtles it is call and Arribada.
On the beach, your guide will explain the history of the area and national park and all about these amazing animals and be able to answer all your questions.
Once you find these ancient creatures you will witness them struggling to make it inland, after spending their life buoyant in the sea they do not walk well on land. It can be 2-4 years between nesting periods for these turtles.
On land, once they find the perfect place for their nest, they will dig a hole up to a meter deep using only their back flippers. Here they will lay hundreds of eggs and then cover the hole up and head back to see. The whole process may take over an hour and as much as two. It is spectacular to see especially if you are lucky enough to see hundreds or even thousands of turtles on the beach at the same time. But even if you only see one or two it is still very impressive and educational. Be aware, this is nature so there is a possibility that the turtles may not be there when you are.
If you are lucky may come across a nest of turtles hatching, breaking through the sand, and making their way out to the ocean. Baby turtles are usually only 2-3 inches long. The adults can be 1.5 meters (5 feet) long and weight 68-190 kilograms (150-419 pounds) with the largest being up to 395 kilograms (871 pounds)
Wear dark clothing so you do not distract the turtles, closed-toed shoes so you do not stub your toe on a rock, and bring a red flashlight.
Tour times change according to the activity of the turtles. Typically at 8 pm, and 10 pm.
If the Arribada is large there will be daytime tours available.
Adults $35
Children 3-12 $25
Children 0-2 $15
+ $20 park entrance fee (not included)
PRIVATE FAMILY OR GROUP TOURS ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST – CONTACT US FOR PRICING.
Tours include round trip transportation*, guides, red lamps
Wear light and comfortable dark clothing, hiking boots, shoes or sneakers, insect repellent, rain gear if needed. Bring a red lamp if possible.
*Not all lodgings are serviced
Booking in advance is highly recommended
100% refund if canceled at least 48 hours in advance
*** If you have a specific tour operator you would like to use please let us know. We work with all reputable companies and never upcharge. Our services are always free ***
