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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
Go SEE Turtles
Costa Rica Leatherback Volunteer Vacation (10 and up). Price: $1,375 per person. Spend 5 nights working with researchers on giant leatherback conservation. Dates from March to July.
Undiscovered Caribbean (all ages). Price: $2,750 per person. Join Wildland Adventures to explore the unique cultural and natural features of Costa Rica. Dates from March to June.
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!
Custom tours for your group or family.
Learn about School Field Trips.
Already planning a vacation and want advice on turtle watching? Contact Us!
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.
When to SEE Turtles
Leatherbacks: On the Caribbean, they nest from March to July. On the Pacific, leatherbacks nest from September to March. There are beaches on both coasts where people can join turtle walks.
Greens: Nest from June to October along the North Caribbean, especially Tortuguero.
Olive Ridleys: Along the Pacific, they nest throughout the year, though on many beaches the nesting is concentrated from July to November.
Hawksbills: The best time to see hawksbills in Cahuita in the water is September and October, though sitings are rare.
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| ©Neil Osborne Neil Osborne A young hawksbill makes its way to the ocean after its release by local researchers. |
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| ©Neil Osborne Neil Osborne A green turtle returns to the Caribbean after nesting. |