Hey, nature lovers! 
If there’s one Costa Rican experience that will leave you speechless, it’s witnessing the incredible arrival of sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Every year, these ancient mariners return to the very beaches where they were born, to lay the next generation of eggs. It’s one of nature’s most mesmerizing events, and guess what? You can be part of it.
Let’s dive into why this is a must-see and how you can experience it responsibly!
What’s the Big Deal About Sea Turtles?
Sea turtles are the ultimate world travelers. Some swim thousands of miles across oceans, navigating with an innate sense of direction that would make any GPS jealous. In Costa Rica, the Pacific coast becomes their nesting paradise, with species like:
- Olive Ridley Turtles
- Leatherback Turtles
- Green Turtles
Each species has its own nesting season, but the Olive Ridley takes center stage during an event called the arribada (Spanish for “arrival”). Imagine thousands of turtles crawling ashore at once—it’s like nature’s biggest, most heartwarming flash mob.
Where and When Can You See Them?
Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches are turtle central, and a few key spots stand out for their nesting activity:
- Playa Ostional (Nicoya Peninsula):
Famous for its massive arribadas, where Olive Ridley turtles come ashore by the thousands, sometimes for several nights in a row. These events happen year-round but peak during the rainy season (August to December). - Playa Grande (near Tamarindo):
A top spot for endangered leatherback turtles, the largest of all sea turtle species. Nesting happens between October and March, with nighttime tours offering a front-row seat to these gentle giants laying their eggs. - Playa Hermosa (near Jaco):
Another fantastic spot, especially for green and Olive Ridley turtles.
Pro Tip: Timing is everything! Turtles usually come ashore at night, guided by the moonlight. Plan a visit during a nesting season for the best chance to see this miracle in action.
Why It’s So Special
Watching a sea turtle emerge from the waves, slowly haul herself up the beach, and carefully dig a nest to lay her eggs is pure magic. It’s a moment of connection—with nature, with time, and with the delicate balance of life on Earth.
And let’s not forget the hatching process! If you’re lucky enough to visit during hatching season (a couple of months after nesting), you’ll witness tiny baby turtles scrambling toward the ocean. It’s equal parts adorable and inspiring.
How to Experience It Responsibly
We get it—seeing sea turtles is a bucket-list item. But it’s essential to protect them while enjoying the show. Here’s how to do it right:
- Book a Guided Tour: Local guides know how to observe turtles without disturbing them. Plus, many tours support conservation efforts.
- Stay Quiet and Low-Key: Keep noise and movement to a minimum so you don’t stress the turtles.
- No Flash Photography: Turtles rely on moonlight to navigate. Flashlights and cameras with flashes can disorient them. If needed, use a red light.
- Respect Nesting Zones: Don’t get too close or touch the turtles. And always follow the instructions of your guide.
By being mindful, you’re helping to ensure future generations can enjoy this experience, too.
The Bigger Picture: Conservation Matters
Sea turtles face challenges like habitat loss, plastic pollution, and climate change. Costa Rica has been a global leader in turtle conservation, with protected areas like Las Baulas National Marine Park and Ostional Wildlife Refuge. When you visit these places and support local guides, you’re contributing to these efforts.
Some programs even let you participate in hands-on conservation work, like monitoring nests or releasing hatchlings—a truly unforgettable experience.
Why You Should See This Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
The arrival of sea turtles on Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches is more than just a wildlife encounter—it’s a reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. Whether you’re watching a leatherback dig her nest under a starry sky or cheering on baby turtles as they make their way to the ocean, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
Ready to plan your turtle adventure? Head over to Xturi.com to find guided turtle tours and eco-experiences that will bring you up close (responsibly!) to this natural wonder. Let’s protect the turtles while soaking up all the awe and inspiration they bring.
See you on the beach—quietly, of course!
The Xturi Team 
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