Playa Nancite
Good to Know
Playa Nancite, nestled within Santa Rosa National Park, is globally renowned for its spectacular "arribadas" where thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore to nest. This awe-inspiring natural event occurs monthly during the rainy season, with peak activity observed between July and November, particularly in September and October. Visitors can witness up to 75,000 turtles laying eggs over just a few days, a truly ancient and profound spectacle.
Playa Nancite is most famous for being a beach that receives arribadas by nesting olive ridley turtles. This occurs every month of the rain season and when it does, turtles come in by the thousands to lay eggs over a few day period. The beach is located within Santa Rosa National Park and visitors can obtain a map of the park at the entrance to find a direct route to Playa Nancite. As the beach has been declared a research site, visitors will need to obtain a permit from the ranger station.
It is truly amazing to witness such a practice that has been carried out for thousands of years. Up to 75,000 turtles can make their way upon these shores in just a few days. Nesting occurs between the months of July to November. The busy months are September and October where there can be thousands of turtles on the land at one time; the timing of the month and day are associated with moon.
Facts
Playa Nancite along with Ostional Beach are the largest nesting sites in the world where the arribadas takes place.
Driving Distances
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Playa Nancite famous?
Playa Nancite is famous for its "arribadas," a phenomenon where thousands of olive ridley turtles arrive to nest and lay eggs over a few days. It is one of the largest nesting sites in the world for this event, alongside Ostional Beach.
When is the best time to see nesting turtles at Playa Nancite?
Nesting occurs monthly during the rainy season, from July to November. The busiest months, when thousands of turtles can be observed, are September and October, with timing influenced by the moon.
Is a permit required to visit Playa Nancite?
Yes, as Playa Nancite has been designated a research site within Santa Rosa National Park, visitors must obtain a permit from the ranger station.
Where is Playa Nancite located?
Playa Nancite is located within Santa Rosa National Park. Visitors can obtain a map of the park at the entrance to find a direct route to the beach.