Ostional Beach Turtle Nesting Tour, Nicoya Peninsula

Marvel at the sight of hundreds or even thousands of olive ridley sea turtles as they come ashore to nest on the black volcanic sand beaches of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

Just 25 minutes from Nosara, Ostional is home to the world’s second-largest breeding ground for olive ridleys. Nesting can take place year round, but the mass arrival of turtles (‘arribadas’) usually takes place around the new moons from July to December, when countless turtles clamber ashore. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny hatchlings race to the ocean. Your local guide will provide insights into the habits and life-cycles of these fascinating creatures, and with luck you’ll have the chance to witness the turtles in action.