Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience, Gulf of Papagayo

Witness one of nature's most amazing sights, as you watch green sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on the beach

Mark P.

Apr 09, 2023
This was great and a memorable experience (and a short trip from our hotel). First, it is rare to hire on any beach at night with... Read more

Alyssa F.

Apr 04, 2023
I had never done an experience like this. Moses was in contact with our groups, giving us the best chance of seeing turtles. We saw nine.... Read more

Joseph M.

Feb 21, 2023
We went out at night and saw mothers coming up on the beach to dig holes and lay their eggs. We also saw baby turtles coming... Read more

Sabrina S.

Feb 10, 2022
Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He helped us to find a taxi for the way back which was really great. We saw lots of... Read more

See all reviews (5) arrow_downward

Overview

Witness hundreds of green sea turtles coming onshore to lay their eggs. First, you'll register at the ranger station before waiting for the turtles to come onshore. Once they do, you'll observe as they dig a hole in the sand and lay between 65 to 90 eggs before covering the nest with sand to protect their offspring.

Highlights

Register at the ranger station with your passport
Wait for the turtles to come onshore and observe them digging a hole in the sand
Witness the mother turtles laying between 65 to 90 eggs
Observe as the mothers cover their nests with sand to protect their offspring
Hope for the survival of the pacific green turtle species

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours

Recommended for
4 years old & up

Group
Small group

What you'll do

This evening, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness one of mother nature's most incredible phenomena, the green sea turtle nesting. Your tour begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned van, which will take you to Playa Minas.

Upon arrival, you'll need to register at the ranger station with your passport before waiting for the turtles to come onshore to nest. Although the tour's departure time will be based on the tides and park rangers' predictions, the turtles operate on their schedule, so you may have to wait for some time.

However, your patience will pay off, and you'll soon witness the incredible spectacle of the green sea turtles coming onshore to lay their eggs. You'll follow the local tour guides to the beach, where you'll observe the enormous mother turtles digging a hole in the sand and laying between 65 to 90 eggs.

As the mothers cover their nests with sand to protect their precious offspring from predators, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most beautiful moments. After a 60-day incubation period, the tiny hatchlings will emerge and make their way to the ocean, becoming yet another small hope for the pacific green turtle's survival as a species.

Discover more family excursions in Costa Rica and other unique experiences in the Gulf of Papagayo.

Start times

Monday

Not available
Tuesday

Not available
Wednesday

Not available
Thursday

Not available
Friday

5:00 pm
Saturday

Not available
Sunday

5:00 pm

What's included

Bottle of water
Snack
Naturalist guide
Transportation
Entrance fee

See alternatives

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Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

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Please note that transportation is not included, but can be added for an additional cost.

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(2)

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Traveler reviews

5 total ratings, 5 with reviews

4.8 out of 5

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
4.6

Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8

Transport
4.4

Mark P.

Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2023

This was great and a memorable experience (and a short trip from our hotel). First, it is rare to hire on any beach at night with no man-made light around and it was great to see so many stars. But most importantly, we saw both adult sea turtles coming ashore to try and lay eggs as well as some newly hatched turtles heading to the ocean. That is a once-in-a-life time wildlife sighting. Read more

Alyssa F.

Mundelein, IL | Reviewed on Apr 04, 2023

I had never done an experience like this. Moses was in contact with our groups, giving us the best chance of seeing turtles. We saw nine. It was great. He was very respectful of them, teaching us to be as well. Read more

Joseph M.

Grand Lake, CO | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023

We went out at night and saw mothers coming up on the beach to dig holes and lay their eggs. We also saw baby turtles coming to the surface of the sand and making their way to the ocean - how special to see this whole process. We learned so much about turtles - informative and educational. Read more

Jaya C.

Hermosa Beach, CA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2023

We really wanted to do this adventure and we’re lucky to see a few turtles coming offshore. Couple didn’t nest but one did and we saw it digging in sand and laying eggs. It was surreal experience. You’re involved a car drive to a place and then a van drive with a group to a beach. Guide at the beach was knowledgeable but little rude. He was watching out for wild life which is very admirable but would have helped to know some of the rules/things before hand. Read more

Sabrina S.

Denver, CO | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2022

Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He helped us to find a taxi for the way back which was really great. We saw lots of turtles! Read more

Itineraries with Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience

Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero & Puerto Viejo - 7 Days

Perfect for travelers looking to hike and observe wildlife, this itinerary starts and ends in San José and includes many of the Caribbean coast's best destinations—including a famous sea turtle nesting site in Tortuguero and Cahuita National Park. Compared to the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean side tends to be less crowded, with more cultural diversity. From nature treks to pristine beaches, this itinerary offers something for everyone who wants to experience splendid scenery with a laid-back feel.

Costa Rica Nature Tour: Tortuguero, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, & Corcovado - 14 Days

This two-week nature tour is all about Costa Rica's biodiverse national parks. Begin in Tortuguero, where, depending on the time of year, you can embark on a nighttime turtle nesting tour. In Monteverde, explore the cloud forests via the hanging bridges and ziplines. Manuel Antonio provides the best of both worlds—rainforest and beach scenery–while a tour of the famous Corcovado National Park is a bucket list field trip for nature enthusiasts.