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
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
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
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
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
Overview
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
4 hours
4 years old & up
Small group
What you'll do
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.
Start times
-
MondayNot available
-
TuesdayNot available
-
WednesdayNot available
-
ThursdayNot available
-
Friday5:00 pm
-
SaturdayNot available
-
Sunday5:00 pm
What's included
- Bottle of water
- Snack
- Naturalist guide
- Transportation
- Entrance fee
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedSee alternatives
Scuba Diving at the Catalina Islands
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River
Embark on a Safari-style tour of the Corobicí River with a naturalist guide. Spend approximately 2 hours floating down the river on a raft boat, admiring the diverse ecosystem and spotting a wide variety of animals and plants. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, the tour's main highlight.
Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay
You will paddle out over the azure waters of Playa Tamarindo and eventually reach Capitán Island, located about a 20-minute paddle offshore. There, you'll have the opportunity to do some snorkeling and observe the underwater coral reef, which is home to exotic fish. After snorkeling, you'll return by kayak to the mainland. With short paddling distances involved, this trip is perfect for the entire family, or for introducing your children to kayaking.
Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo
Please note that transportation is not included, but can be added for an additional cost.
Self-Guided visit to Playa Conchal - The White Shell Beach
Traveler reviews
4.6
4.8
4.4
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries 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...
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...
Gulf of Papagayo Experiences
Show more Gulf of Papagayo experiencesSnorkeling at the Catalina Islands
Discover an underwater world on this half-day snorkeling tour off the Catalina Islands! From a local dive shop in Playa Flamingo, you'll take off on a diving boat for a...
Leatherback Turtle Nesting Experience
Witness the awe-inspiring arrival of endangered leatherback turtles at Playa Grande, where they have returned to lay their eggs for thousands of years. With an expert guide,...
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Soak up the sun and enjoy a sailing adventure on the Pacific Ocean! On this excursion, you'll depart from a landing dock in one of three locations: Playa Tamarindo, Playa...
Ziplining, Horseback Riding & Hot Springs at Hacienda Guachipelin
You'll have an exhilarating day at Rincón de la Vieja National Park! You'll start with an early morning pick-up from your hotel before transferring to the park. You'll spend the...
Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River
Embark on a Safari-style tour of the Corobicí River with a naturalist guide. Spend approximately 2 hours floating down the river on a raft boat, admiring the diverse ecosystem...
Costa Rica Experiences
Show more Costa Rica experiencesTabacon Hot Springs with Lunch or Dinner
Spend several hours at Tabacon Hot Springs, Costa Rica's most extensive network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, on this half-day excursion. Located inside a...
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God...
Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312...
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Venture into the cloud forest for an outdoor adventure that involves hiking, zip lining, and more. Start by boarding the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Treetopia Park Monteverde,...
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout...
Best of Gulf of Papagayo
Best of Gulf of PapagayoThe Best Turtle Nesting & Hatching Experiences in Costa Rica
One of the most popular experiences in Costa Rica is observing the mighty sea turtles. For thousands of years, several turtle species have used Costa Rican beaches to safely lay...
Best Places to Eat in the Gulf of Papagayo
On the north end of Costa Rica's Pacific coast lies the Gulf of Papagayo, a tropical beach-laden region that's still relatively undiscovered. As remote as Papagayo is, you'll...
Best Things to Do in the Gulf of Papagayo
Enjoy the incredible scenery of Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo, a large stretch of coastline offering some of the best beaches in the country. Set along the Guanacaste region,...
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in the Gulf of Papagayo
The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like...
Top Family Experiences in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers adventures suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Kids and adults alike love spotting wildlife, ziplining through cloud...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...
Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip