If you want to see sea turtles in their natural habitat, knowing Costa Rica turtle season is key. The season runs from July to December and during this time, thousands of turtles come to nest on the country’s protected beaches. Watching a turtle slowly make its way to lay eggs or seeing tiny hatchlings crawl into the ocean is a magical experience.
Planning your visit around the Costa Rica turtle season ensures you don’t miss these moments. Many travelers combine turtle watching with catamaran tours along the coastline, making it both a wildlife adventure and a chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning beaches. Timing your trip right will make your visit unforgettable.
Overview of Costa Rica Turtle Season
There is no specific calendar of the turtle season in Costa Rica.It depends on the species and area. Although nesting may occur throughout the year, some months are active and have a high influx of newborns. Those months are:
- July to December: Peak season for green turtles and leatherbacks.
- September to November: Mass arrival of olive ridley turtles, when thousands nest together.
- Hatchling season: Starts a few weeks after nesting that gives travelers a chance to witness baby turtles entering the sea.
Whale watching often overlaps with turtle nesting months. Find out the best time to see whales in Costa Rica and plan your trip around two incredible wildlife experiences in one visit.
Turtle Species in Costa Rica
There are four key turtle species that reside in the country of Costa Rica with their time and place of nesting. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Olive Ridley Turtles
- Famous for mass arrival at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
- Best months: September to November.
Leatherback Turtles
- The largest sea turtles in the world.
- Nesting season: March to July on the Caribbean side and October to February on the Pacific side.
Green Turtles
- Most common in Tortuguero National Park.
- Nesting season: July to October.
Hawksbill Turtles
- Rarer but still spotted in Costa Rica.
- Seen year-round, with more activity on the Caribbean side.
Planning your trip around turtle nesting? See the best time to visit Costa Rica so you can match turtle season with ideal beach days and ocean conditions.
Best Places to See Turtles in Costa Rica
The sea turtles can find their heaven in Costa Rica. Where they enjoy some of the best opportunities to view these marine animals in their natural habitats. Different beaches have different experiences and activities. Some beaches have nestings and some have hatchling releases. Knowing which beach to visit really enhances your chances of sightseeing.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is considered to be one of the most famous turtle-watching sites in Costa Rica. The park is the nesting ground of green sea turtles, with thousands of them coming yearly between July and October. Guided night journeys give tourists the chance to view turtles arriving to lay eggs on shore in silence. The whole experience is really outstanding because of nature.
Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Ostional is a small town on the Nicoya Peninsula that is known worldwide due to the arribadas of the olive ridley turtles, large-scale nesting activities. During which tens of thousands of turtles nest the beaches simultaneously. They usually happen in the period of September-November and it is one of the greatest natural spectacles in Costa Rica.
To make your visit to Ostional even more memorable, Book your private deluxe catamaran tour and enjoy the Nicoya Peninsula coastline while witnessing the olive ridley turtles in comfort.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Las Baulas is the location where the huge leatherback turtles are found. The park has preserved one of the biggest nesting areas of the leatherbacks in the Pacific. Between October and February, these beaches have these giant turtles, which nest at night. They sometimes weigh up to more than 700 kilograms making the experience very awe-inspiring.
If you want to enjoy the best turtle-watching beaches from the water, check out our guide on catamaran tours in Costa Rica and see the coastline like never before.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge
Gandoca-Manzanillo is the most appropriate location where you may view the endangered hawksbill turtles on its Caribbean coast. The number of these turtles is less but very significant in the ecosystem. The refuge is not only a place to nest but also an opportunity to see hawksbills swimming on the coral reefs around the place. It adds an additional theme to the place.
After visiting Costa Rica’s top turtle beaches, you may want to add more experiences to your itinerary. Take a look at things to do in Costa Rica and find popular tours to add to your trip.
Tips for Turtle-Watching Tours
It is so magical to watch turtles but it is a responsibility. This is the way to ensure that your experience is eco-friendly and respectful.
- Always book with a licensed guide or conservation group.
- Wear dark clothing to avoid disturbing turtles.
- No flash photography and only red lights are allowed.
- Stay quiet and keep a respectful distance.
- Be prepared for rain, as many nesting tours take place during wet months.
If turtles sparked your interest in wildlife, there is much more to see on the water. Learn about wildlife commonly seen on Costa Rica boat tours and what you might spot during your trip.
Catamaran Tours and Turtle Watching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica coasts are ideal in the daytime to have catamaran adventures which include snorkeling, dolphins and magnificent coastal views. During the night you can take part in guided turtle tours to observe nesting turtles or small hatchlings heading to the sea.
If you love being on the water, take a look at the best Costa Rica boat tour experiences for ocean lovers and see which trips pair perfectly with turtle watching along the coast.
It is a combination of the best of the marine life and waters in Costa Rica making it a complete and memorable experience. You should surely add it in your bucket list for the best experience on water
If you want to enjoy this side of Costa Rica, book your shared catamaran tour with us today and make your trip even more special.
Best Time to Plan Your Visit
The right time to visit depends on which turtles you want to see. Here’s a quick guide:
- Olive Ridleys: Best from September to November (arribadas).
- Leatherbacks: Pacific side: October to February; Caribbean: March to July.
- Green Turtles: Peak nesting in July to October.
- Hawksbills: Possible sightings year-round, mostly on the Caribbean side.
Since the rainy season overlaps with Costa Rica turtle season, pack waterproof gear and plan your tours in advance. If you need more ideas for fun activities, check out this guide on what to do in Costa Rica.
Final Thoughts
The Costa Rica turtle season is one of the most wonderful natural occurrences. It offers you a close up of the circle of life. Tortuguero, Olive ridley at Ostional or leatherback at the Pacific coast. Whichever beach you are in, it is never enough to enjoy.
You can also have a couple of nights in a turtle watching excursion and a full-day catamaran trip to make your trip even greater. These experiences combined can be described as the ultimate combination of adventure, relaxation and opportunity to experience the marine life of Costa Rica.
Ready to enjoy Costa Rica turtle season? Book your catamaran tour today and experience turquoise waters, warm breezes and amazing marine life. Have questions or want to reserve instantly? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll take care of everything for you!
FAQs
What time of day are sloths most active in Costa Rica?
Sloths are slow animals and they spend most of the day sleeping. Their most active period is during the hours of the mornings and late afternoons as they are climbing, feeding or roaming amidst trees.
What month is best for turtle watching in Costa Rica?
September is usually the best month. Nesting activity is at its peak, especially on Pacific coast beaches and sightings are very common.
Where can you see olive ridley arribadas?
Ostional Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula is the best place. Thousands of olive ridley turtles nest there together, mostly from August to November.
Do turtles nest year-round in Costa Rica?
Yes, turtles nest year-round, but the highest activity happens between July and December depending on the species and beach.