Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
The Best Places, Seasons and Tours from Paradise Lodge Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most important nesting destinations for sea turtles. Every year, thousands of turtles return to the country’s beaches to lay their eggs, often on the very same shores where they hatched decades earlier.
For many visitors, encountering sea turtles is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences Costa Rica has to offer. From Paradise Lodge Costa Rica, you have several opportunities to observe these fascinating animals, whether on nesting beaches along the Pacific Coast or during snorkeling and diving trips to Isla del Caño.
When Can You See Sea Turtles in Costa Rica?
Sea turtles can be observed throughout the year in Costa Rica, but nesting seasons vary by species.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Nesting Season: July to December
The Olive Ridley is the most common sea turtle on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and is famous for the spectacular “Arribada” phenomenon, when thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Nesting Season: July to October
Green sea turtles are frequently encountered along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica.
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Nesting Season: October to February
The leatherback is the largest sea turtle species in the world and one of Costa Rica’s most iconic marine animals.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
A rare and critically endangered species occasionally found along Costa Rica’s coastlines.
The Famous Ostional Arribada
One of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles takes place at Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula.
During an Arribada—Spanish for “arrival”—tens of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles emerge from the ocean over the course of a few days to nest on the same beach.
Scientists believe that moon phases, tides, ocean currents and weather conditions all play a role in triggering these mass nesting events. The largest Arribadas often occur around the new moon, although nature ultimately follows its own schedule.
Witnessing an Arribada is truly one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in the world.
Moon Phases and Turtle Nesting
Many sea turtles prefer dark nights for nesting, making the days around the new moon particularly favorable for turtle watching.
However, turtles can be observed throughout the nesting season, and exact timing varies depending on environmental conditions. This unpredictability is part of what makes every turtle encounter so special.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Southern Costa Rica
Several conservation organizations work to protect sea turtles along Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific coast.
One of the most active projects is the Reserva Playa Tortuga near Ojochal. Biologists and volunteers monitor nesting beaches, protect nests, collect scientific data, and help increase hatchling survival rates.
Visitors can join educational tours by prior arrangement and learn more about sea turtle conservation efforts in the region.
A particularly rewarding experience is participating in a public turtle release, where newly hatched baby turtles are released into the Pacific Ocean. Since these events depend entirely on natural hatching cycles, dates cannot be scheduled far in advance.
At Paradise Lodge Costa Rica, we stay in contact with the team at Reserva Playa Tortuga and are happy to share current information and upcoming opportunities with our guests.
Sea Turtles at Isla del Caño
Sea turtles are not only found on nesting beaches—they are also among the highlights of snorkeling and diving trips to Isla del Caño.
Located off Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific coast, Isla del Caño is one of the country’s most important marine reserves and offers excellent underwater visibility and abundant marine life.
Sea turtle encounters are extremely common here, and it is rare to complete a snorkeling or diving trip without seeing at least one turtle.
The species most frequently observed include:
- Green Sea Turtles
- Loggerhead Sea Turtles
In addition to turtles, visitors regularly encounter:
- White-tip reef sharks
- Large schools of barracuda
- Jacks and snappers
- Eagle rays
- Seasonal visits from giant oceanic manta rays
- Dolphins and migrating humpback whales
For marine wildlife enthusiasts, Isla del Caño is one of Costa Rica’s premier snorkeling and diving destinations.
Experience Sea Turtles During Your Stay at Paradise Lodge Costa Rica
Nestled in the mountains near the famous Nauyaca Waterfalls, Paradise Lodge Costa Rica is perfectly situated for exploring the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region.
We are happy to provide our guests with information about:
- Current sea turtle nesting activity
- Ostional Arribada forecasts and updates
- Public turtle releases
- Visits to local conservation projects
- Snorkeling and diving tours to Isla del Caño
- Seasonal whale and dolphin watching opportunities
Because many wildlife events depend on weather, tides, and natural conditions, local information is often the best way to maximize your chances of unforgettable encounters.
A Wildlife Experience You’ll Never Forget
Whether you’re watching a nesting sea turtle under the stars, releasing baby turtles into the ocean, or swimming alongside a graceful turtle at Isla del Caño, Costa Rica offers unforgettable opportunities to connect with nature.
For many guests at Paradise Lodge Costa Rica, these encounters become some of the most cherished memories of their entire journey.
