1 Day Wildlife Experience in Costa Rica

Turtle Nesting Tour (July to October)

Tortuguero is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the western hemisphere, where four of the world’s seven sea turtle species come to lay their eggs. From July to October, you can witness this magical natural event, featuring green turtles that arrive to nest on the beaches under the cover of night.

The evening sea turtle nesting tour offers a rare opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Turtles lay their eggs at night to avoid predators, and the Tortuguero National Park regulates all guided walks during this season to ensure their protection. Participation is only allowed through a locally guided tour.

This tour offers a truly unforgettable experience while supporting local conservation efforts and protecting these endangered sea turtles.

Baby Sea Turtle Hatchlings (September to December)

Two months after sea turtles lay their eggs, the baby turtles emerge from their sandy nests and make their way to the sea—a truly spectacular moment to witness. Sometimes, up to 100 hatchlings can emerge at once, all beginning their journey towards the ocean and their new lives.

Since baby turtles avoid the heat of the day, they typically leave their nests early in the morning between 5:30 and 6:00 am, or in the late afternoon between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. To observe this incredible event, all you need to do is take a peaceful walk along the beach during these hours, keeping an eye out for any turtle nests. While watching, please remember not to touch or disturb the turtles.

This activity is free, and you can enjoy it at your own pace. The best time to witness this natural phenomenon is from September to mid-December. If you visit during September or October, you might have the chance to see both nesting turtles at night and baby turtles hatching during the day—an unforgettable experience that coincides with the Caribbean summer.

Sea Turtle Guidelines

  • Do not pay anyone offering to show you a nest. Turtle nesting and hatching are natural processes that should not be disturbed.

  • Only participate in regulated tours with certified guides for a responsible experience.

  • Do not touch or disturb the nests.

  • Do not touch or handle the baby turtles. They must imprint on the beach where they hatch, as they will return here in about 30 years to lay their eggs. Touching them can disorient them.

  • This is a natural process, and predators are part of the cycle. We must not interfere with nature.

There is no cost to observe the turtles hatching—just be on the beach at the right time during the season. To increase your chances of seeing them, visit Tortuguero between September and early December. If you come in September or October, you may even get the rare opportunity to see both nesting at night and hatching by day.

Your Local Impact

Baby Sea Turtle Hatchlings (September to December): Supporting Tortuguero National Park and Conservation Efforts

When you participate in this experience, the cost of your tour goes directly towards the preservation and protection of Tortuguero National Park (TNP), a vital conservation area in Costa Rica. Located in the northeast, TNP is internationally recognized for safeguarding the most important green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere.

Your visit helps fund essential conservation programs and supports ongoing research that protects not only sea turtles but a variety of endangered species. By joining this tour, you are actively contributing to the preservation of one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically rich regions.

Ecological Importance of Tortuguero National Park

Turtle Conservation: TNP protects the nesting beaches for four species of sea turtles: Green (Chelonia mydas), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta).

Tortuguero National Park also serves as a sanctuary for endangered species, including manatees (Trichechus manatus) and jaguars, while safeguarding diverse ecosystems like the rare Yolillal (Raphia taedigera) habitat, vital for regional biodiversity.

By visiting the park and witnessing the baby sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean, you are directly supporting these conservation efforts. Your visit not only offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also helps protect the natural world and its inhabitants for future generations.

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