Costa Rica is home to five of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide, making it a prime destination for turtle enthusiasts. The country’s diverse ecosystems provide vital nesting sites and feeding grounds for these majestic creatures. In this guide, we’ll cover the best spots to see sea turtles, the peak nesting seasons, and Costa Rica turtle tours. We’ll also dive into the types of sea turtles in Costa Rica, their conservation status, and how you can get involved in helping protect these beautiful animals.
Types of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a sanctuary for five sea turtle species: the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green, and Loggerhead. Each species has unique features and plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
The smallest and most abundant of the five species, Olive Ridley turtles are famous for their synchronized mass nesting events, known as arribadas. These turtles are often seen on the Pacific coast, particularly in Ostional and Nancite.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
The largest of all sea turtles, leatherbacks can grow up to 180 cm long and weigh around 500 kg. They have delicate jaws, so they primarily feed on soft prey like jellyfish. Despite being strong swimmers, leatherbacks are vulnerable due to habitat loss and bycatch.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Known for their beautiful, colorful shells, Hawksbills are critically endangered. They are typically found around coral reefs, where they use their narrow beaks to feed on sponges. Unfortunately, their shells have made them a target for the illegal tortoiseshell trade.
Green Sea Turtle
Contrary to its name, this species has a brownish shell. Green turtles are mostly herbivorous, feeding on seagrass and algae. They are frequently seen nesting in Tortuguero National Park, which hosts the largest Green Turtle nesting population in the Caribbean.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
These turtles have strong jaws that allow them to crush hard-shelled prey like conchs and whelks. Their powerful heads give them their name, and they are commonly found in the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts of Costa Rica.
When Do Sea Turtles Hatch in Costa Rica?
After sea turtles lay their eggs, it typically takes about 45-65 days for them to hatch. In Costa Rica, the hatching season runs from April to December. Nesting starts as early as March for Leatherbacks and extends until October for Green and Hawksbill turtles. The rare Olive Ridley nests primarily between September and October.
During the peak months, you can witness both nesting mothers and the dramatic hatching of baby turtles racing toward the ocean, a truly mesmerizing natural spectacle.
Best Time to See Turtles in Costa Rica And Best Places
The best places to witness these amazing creatures depend on the time of year and the species. Here’s a quick guide to the top turtle-watching spots in Costa Rica:
1. Tortuguero National Park in the North Caribbean
Tortuguero is one of the most crucial nesting sites for Green Turtles globally. Leatherbacks and Hawksbills also nest here.
- Best Time to Visit: Green and Leatherback Sea Turtles nest from April to mid-December. From April to October, you can see nesting mothers, while baby hatchlings are more common from October to December.
2. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in the South Caribbean
Three different species lay their eggs on Gandoca beach: the Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill. The Leatherback population here has a larger number of nesting females compared to the Pacific coast, while the Green and Hawksbill are not as abundant.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, with the peak nesting season between April and May.
3. Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Ostional is one of the seven sites in the world that hosts the “arribada” phenomenon. During this natural event, tens of thousands of female turtles come to nest at the same time over the span of 1-6 days.
- Best Time to Visit: June to December. During the arribada, turtles nest 24 hours a day. In the dry season months of February to April, it’s rare to see turtles.
4. Nancite Beach in Santa Rosa National Park
Nancite beach is the second site in Costa Rica that hosts arribadas. However, it’s much more difficult to access as it’s in a remote part of Santa Rosa National Park. This beach is mainly reserved for researchers who need special permits granted by the Guanacaste Conservation area.
5. Guanacaste Leatherback Marine National Park (Las Baulas Marine National Park)
This park was specifically created to protect Leatherback Turtles in Costa Rica. Approximately 50% of female leatherbacks in the Western Pacific lay their eggs in this park. Although there has not been a huge number of nestings lately, it is still a significant site for the conservation of these majestic creatures.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February, with the peak season in December and January.
6. Gulf of Papagayo
The Gulf of Papagayo rich waters, numerous bays, and calm seas make it one of the best places to snorkel with turtles in Costa Rica. Sea turtles are often seen mating in the waters during the mating season.
- Best Time to Visit: June to November for mating season. You can also spot juveniles while snorkeling throughout the year.
7. Montezuma and Cabo Blanco Reserve
Montezuma doesn’t have a large population of turtles, but Hawksbill Sea Turtles nest on Playa Montezuma and Grande. This region also has a small sea turtle conservation center that releases baby turtles daily at 4 PM during nesting season.
The Cabo Blanco Reserve, located at the south end of the Nicoya Peninsula, connects with Playa Los Suecos, where there’s a chance to snorkel with turtles.
8. Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is home to the four main species of turtles (Hawksbill, Green, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback). These turtles nest in areas such as Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve.
- Best Time to Visit: April to November. Visitors can volunteer with turtles through Osa Conservation.
9. Caño Island Biological Reserve
Caño Island Reserve is a fantastic place to snorkel with turtles in Costa Rica. This biological reserve is known for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the country.
Here, you can see juvenile turtles feeding on the reef, making it a must-visit destination for turtle lovers.
10. Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge
Although Playa Hermosa is known for its great surfing waves, part of the beach is also protected due to turtle nesting that occurs. Occasionally, turtles even nest on Jaco beach, but this is extremely rare.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October for nesting season.
11. Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
This private reserve near Samara sees four species of turtles that lay their eggs on the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Conservation Status of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Out of the five species, Hawksbills are critically endangered, making them the rarest turtles to spot. Leatherbacks and Olive Ridleys are considered vulnerable, while Green and Loggerheads are classified as endangered.
Key Threats Include:
- Illegal Hunting and Poaching: Sea turtles are hunted for their shells, meat, and eggs.
- Bycatch: Sea turtles often get caught in fishing gear.
- Habitat Destruction: Coastal development, beach erosion, and pollution significantly impact nesting beaches and feeding grounds.
What’s Being Done to Help Save the Sea Turtles?
Costa Rica has implemented several conservation measures, such as:
- Protection of Nesting Beaches: Parks like Tortuguero and Las Baulas restrict access to beaches during nesting season.
- Beach Patrols and Hatcheries: Many organizations run hatcheries to protect nests from predators and poachers.
- Eco-Tourism and Volunteer Programs: Turtle tourism not only funds conservation efforts but also educates people on the importance of protecting these species. There’s also lots of volunteer programs in Costa Rica you can Apply.
Costa Rica Turtle Tours
The best places to take a turtle tour in Costa Rica include Ostional, Tortuguero, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, and Gandoca Wildlife Refuge. Hermosa beach near Jaco also offers turtle tours during nesting season. Depending on the location and whether transportation is needed, turtle tours typically cost around $50 USD per person. During these tours, you should wear dark clothing, avoid flash photography, and follow the guide’s instructions to protect the animals.
Plan Your Stay at The Castle of Oz and Enjoy a Costa Rica’s Nature
If you are staying at The Castle of Oz, located in Playa Hermosa, you can also arrange for a private turtle tour with the property manager! Experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s turtle nesting season and explore nearby turtle hotspots. When you book a stay at the Castle, we can coordinate these exclusive tours for you to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Ready to plan your dream vacation? Book directly through the owner for special rates, or find us on Airbnb for a convenient reservation and if you want to plan you dream wedding book a discovery call so we can help you plan. Witness the magical turtle nesting season while enjoying the luxury and privacy of our stunning villa. Reach out to us today to secure your dates!
Blogs of Reference, thanks to:
https://www.goeco.org/article/volunteering-with-sea-turtles-in-costa-rica
https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-wildlife-and-nature/sea-turtles-in-costa-rica