Visiting A Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary

Costa Rica is a tourism destination for thousands of visitors each year, but this Central American country attracts more than just the two-legged variety! One of Costa Rica’s most endearing visitors is the sea turtle. Year after year, these slow-moving creatures return to Costa Rica’s beaches to lay their eggs and hatch their young. This spectacular display has given rise to a Costa Rica turtle conservation movement, which is closely tied to the country’s status as an ecotourism powerhouse.

One of the most popular times of year to see the turtles in Costa Rica is during the arribada, or the annual arrival of hundreds of thousands of nesting turtles. This mass nesting event happens between August and October, with the greatest influx of turtles arriving to lay their eggs under the new moon each month. If you want to see this incredible event, visiting a Costa Rica turtle sanctuary should be on your bucket list!

What Kind of Turtles Can I See in Costa Rica?

If you’re planning to view turtle hatching in Costa Rica, learning about the dynamic reptile is a good idea.

Costa Rica is home to five species of sea turtle:

• The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
• The Green Sea Turtle
• The Loggerhead Sea Turtle
• The Hawksbill Sea Turtle
• The Leatherback Sea Turtle

All five of these species are endangered. Before Costa Rica turtle conservation efforts were implemented, Green Sea Turtles were hunted for their meat and eggs and were almost extinct. However, in 1955 the government launched a protection program in Tortuguero and a Costa Rica turtle sanctuary to protect the endangered creature was proposed as a solution.

Today, turtle hatching in Costa Rica takes place along much of the country’s coastline. However, if you want to guarantee a sighting during your visit to see Costa Rica wildlife, it’s a good idea to visit a protected reserve with a professional guide!

Planning Your Trip Around Turtle Hatching Season

Sea turtles are one of Costa Rica’s biggest tourist attractions. If you want to see turtle hatching in Costa Rica, however, it’s important to know two things: one, where to go to see the arribada, and two, when to go. Here is a breakdown of the six best Costa Rica turtle sanctuaries and national parks for tourists to visit, and the best time of year to visit each:

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #1: Corcovado National Park

Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is a popular destination for visitors who want to see turtle hatching in Costa Rica. Four species of turtles can be found resting on the park’s remote beaches throughout the year: The Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green Sea Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. Visitors can watch hatchlings make their way out to the ocean during the following times:

• Leatherback Sea Turtles: March – September
• Hawksbill Sea Turtles: July – October
• Green Sea Turtles: July – October
• Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: June – December

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #2: Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is one of the most popular destinations for viewing sea turtles in Costa Rica. Since 1959, Costa Rica turtle conservation efforts have had a long-standing presence in the park, where the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) conducts research and conservation efforts. The park is internationally recognized as the most important green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere, with the turtles, the beach, and all nearby habitats under protected status.

Best time to visit Tortuguero for green turtle hatching in Costa Rica: July – mid-October (peak season: August – September)

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #3: Santa Rosa National Park

Located in the Guanacaste region, Santa Rosa National Park is home to the annual mass arribadas of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Each October, thousands of Olive Ridleys make their way to the park’s Nancite Beach, where they nest. Because of this activity, Santa Rosa National Park is considered an important Costa Rica turtle sanctuary and plays a key role in Costa Rica turtle conservation.

Best time to visit for the Olive Ridley arribadas: September – October

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #4: Hermosa Beach

Located on the Central Pacific coast, Hermosa Beach is one of the lesser-known Costa Rica turtle sanctuaries. The fine black sand on the beach is a popular nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Visitors can arrange a nesting tour with a guide, and – if you’re lucky – witness the turtles hatching and making a mad dash toward the ocean!

Best time to visit Hermosa Beach: July – December

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #5: Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a haven for many native species, but the refuge is also an important player in the Costa Rica turtle conservation movement. Four of the five species of turtles found in Costa Rica make the annual trek to the Refuge for nesting: The Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle.

Best time to visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: March – July

Costa Rica Turtle Sanctuary #6: Ostional Wildlife Refuge

This protected Costa Rica turtle sanctuary is located in the Nicoya Peninsula. Each year, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles flock to the Refuge to nest. This particular arribada occurs during the rainy season. If you are brave enough to handle the weather, you can see the hatchlings make their way to the ocean 45 days after the eggs are carefully hidden among the shoreline’s sands.

Best time to visit Ostional Wildlife Refuge: September – October

Sea Turtles and Costa Rica Turtle Conservation

Most turtle nesting and hatching sites in Costa Rica can only be accessed through carefully designated entry points with a guide. This is to protect the turtles and the annual turtle hatching in Costa Rica. If you are planning to visit a site with a guide, just know that your visit plays a critical role in supporting Costa Rica turtle conservation! The simple fact that people want to see this incredible phenomenon provides economic incentives to protect nesting sites and habitats, while generating revenue for local communities.

Discover Sea Turtles with Gondwana Ecotours

Planning a trip to Costa Rica to see sea turtles can be daunting, but Gondwana Ecotours makes it simple! If you’re interested in supporting local economies through ecotourism, look no further than Gondwana. Their guides are experts in finding the best Costa Rica turtle sanctuaries to visit and will guarantee a one-of-a-kind adventure for you. Support Costa Rica turtle conservation and enjoy a trip of a lifetime with Gondwana Ecotours!