Costa Rica Sea Turtles

Considered the birthplace of ecotourism, Costa Rica’s coast is home to dozens of important nesting beaches for four turtle species—leatherback, green, hawksbill, and olive ridley. SEE Turtles works with local organizations to protect critical nesting habitat. This country offers travelers exceptional opportunities to view nesting turtles in areas with pristine rain forests and diverse cultures.

Check out our videos & slideshows.

Sea Turtle Species

Leatherback: One of the largest reptiles on earth, these giants can be found on beaches along both coasts.

Green: The North Caribbean is the most important nesting area in the Western Hemisphere, and there is some nesting along the Pacific coast.

Olive Ridley: There are numerous nesting beaches along the Pacific coast, including two beaches home to the famous "arribada", a mass nesting event.

Hawksbill: Mostly found along the Caribbean, their primary home is in the reef in Cahuita National Park.

Featured Nesting Beaches

• Cahuita National Park
  
• Las Tortugas Research Station
• Osa Peninsula

Go SEE Turtles

Costa Rica Leatherback Volunteer Vacation (10 and up). Price from $1,125 per person.  Spend 5 nights working with researchers on giant leatherback conservation.  Dates from March to July.

Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Adventure (all ages). Price from $1,995 per person.  Sea turtles, macaws, humpback whales, and jaguar research. Dates from Jan-April & July-Nov.

Want something long-term?  Volunteer!

Learn about School Field Trips.

Contact us for advice on turtle watching.

How Conservation Tourism Helps

• Tour guiding provides an alternative to illegal harvesting of eggs and turtle meat for sale.
• Building small-scale tourism companies in the country will build support for efforts to protect important habitat from unsustainable coastal development.
• Income from visits will help to fund important research and conservation efforts.