Tracy C.
This was absolute highlight of our trip! Our tour guide was so amazing and knowledgeable
Costa Rica · Your next adventure
Sea Turtle Observation at Corozalito Beach
Your experience
Good to Know
Corozalito Beach in Costa Rica serves as a crucial sanctuary for three endangered sea turtle species: the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Black. Guided night tours, available year-round but optimal from June to early January, offer a rare opportunity to witness turtles nesting and hatchlings emerging. Visitors are requested to wear dark clothing and refrain from using lights or cameras to protect the delicate nesting process. These tours not only provide fascinating insights into local ecology but also directly support vital conservation efforts.
About the tour
Corozalito Beach holds a special place in Costa Rica's heart as the nesting ground for three of the world's seven sea turtle species: the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Black. These majestic creatures, declared endangered, find solace in the untouched shores of Corozalito, where conservation efforts strive to protect their precious natural habitat.
In the sanctuary of Corozalito, the harmony of nature is delicate, and bright lights and noise can disrupt the nesting process, causing the turtles to abandon their efforts and return to the sea empty-handed. To ensure the safety and success of this vital nesting ground, we kindly request that visitors wear dark clothing and refrain from using cameras or any other sources of light during their visit.
While sea turtles nest at Corozalito year-round, the peak season from June to early January offers the best opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. Join us on a guided night tour, where you'll have the rare chance to witness firsthand the miracle of life as turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings emerge, beginning their journey to the sea.
For nature enthusiasts, this experience is unparalleled, providing an intimate glimpse into the wonders of wildlife conservation. A guided tour not only enhances your chances of witnessing nesting and hatching but also supports local conservation efforts and the tireless work of dedicated organizations and activists.
Itinerary:
Our journey begins at 7 pm as we pick you up for an unforgettable adventure to Corozalito. Led by our experienced guide, you'll learn fascinating facts about the area's ecology and conservation efforts while silently awaiting nature's spectacle.
Respecting the space and sensitivity of the nesting turtles, we offer drinks and snacks to sustain you during our vigil. As the night unfolds, prepare to be mesmerized by the magic of nature as turtles embark on their journey of life and survival.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of Corozalito Beach and its invaluable role in preserving the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem. It's not just a tour; it's a journey of discovery and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
What to Bring
Rain gear, closed shoes for hiking, dark clothing, and insect repellent.
Includes
Transportation, guide, cookies, drinks.
Location and Availability
Available in: Samara and Carrillo, Nosara, Punta Islita
Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.
Tour Times
19:00
Tour Type
- Nature
- Learning/Family
Explore the location on the map
Location
Latitude: N 9° 50' 53.64" (9.848234)
Longitude: W 85° 22' 41.97" (-85.378326)
Recent Reviews
Overall
91%
Expectations
91%
Experience
92%
Guides
92%
Logistics
92%
Value
92%
Donna T.
Amazing! Exactly what we wanted to see! Guides were very knowledgeable and kind. the ltitle snack afterwards was a welcome surprise.
Cynthia M.
It was on my bucket list, and I saw a turtle laying eggs.. It was only 1/2 hour or so from our hotel - so not a long trip.
Callie W.
Guide Christopher, again, amazing. We had to leave early because of rain. The roads were challenging
Callie W.
The guide - Christopher was excellent
Jennifer R.
Small group on the beach so it made the viewing even better.
Jennifer R.
Pure magic!
Tushar M.
Leonardo was punctual and explained all about turtle nesting on our journey. Luckily, We were finally able to see one turtle digging for a nest just as we were about to leave after more than an hour on the beach. Unfortunately weren’t able to see it lay it’s eggs because it was quite late and perhaps because it felt insecure in its first spot. Still it was great to watch how nature behaves in the wild.
Janelle N.
This was an amazing experience! We were able to view the whole egg laying process for an Olive Ridley turtle. Amazing to see her dig a precise, deep hole, lay her eggs, then return to the sea. The sad part was that there were so many racoons around and by the time we returned from watching her re-enter the sea, they had already opened the nest and were eating the eggs. Heartbreaking and may be difficult for sensitive children. Regardless, a really great experience, just our family of 5 with the guide.
Eduardo B.
Unfortunately did not see turtles laying eggs, however, saw many baby turtles heading toward the water. Best experience of the tour.
Elizabeth B.
Another excellent tour!!!
Rachel H.
We did not see turtles on the first night but were able to redo our tour the next night for free. Tour was great and saw hatchlings release as well.
Mary-Ellen Q.
Again, Romel was the guide and also the driver. The drive was much longer, about 2 hours each way. However, the period we spent with Romel watching the Sea Turtle lay her eggs at Camaronal Beach was exceptional. What an experience. Romel and the other guides present were so protective of the mother turtle. While we were only two, we kinda joined another larger group there and listened to that guide as well as Romel explain what was happening. I took many pictures, including video of the actual egg laying. On the way back to Nosara I was so tired from the full day that I actually fell happily asleep and missed feeling the potholes.
Peter G.
Amazing experience. Saw turtles laying eggs. It is quite a long drive from Samara but well worth it.
This was excellent. Just two of us and saw three separate turtles.
Russell S.
Bernie the tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot from him. We were very early on in the season and didn't get to see any turtles coming up from the ocean to lay eggs, but we did get to witness the facility releasing newly hatched babies onto the beach. That was very cool. This tour requires a lot of walking on the beach in the dark - and I do mean a lot! Also, the trip out to the refuge is through the deep jungle in the pitch dark. A little summary at the beginning on what the drive is like would have been helpful as well. Overall, fun trip.
Christel K.
This was very special. It was a warm and windy night - but no rain. The moon was out, so it wasn't all that dark and there was an almost mystical atmosphere to the beach. First, we walked up and down for quite a while without spotting a turtle and I was already starting to try and manage my disappointment. However, there is a conservation centre on the beach and they told us that they would be releasing baby turtles that night and that we could watch them make their way into the sea. This really was really quite something! After that it was getting late and the kids were really tired, but we decided to give the beach one more patrol - but without much hope of seeing a big turtle. But lucky us: there it was - two in fact! It was an amazing sight to see these wonderful animals dig their holes and lay their eggs. Very, very special. Regarding the guide, we did several guided nature tours in Costa Rica and I have to say that this guide wasn't quite up to the standard all the other ones had. He would answer questions but not really say too much when not asked and I also felt that there was a bit of a language barrier. It was ok though.
Katie C.
It was a wonderful experience.
Danielle P.
Once in a lifetime. Absolutely amazing.
Matt K.
A highlight for me.
Meg R.
The only reason I rate our overall experience as a bit lower is simply because we didn't see turtles and that can't be helped by anyone. Otherwise, everything else about the tour was great. The workers and volunteers at Camaronal Beach are doing such great conservation work - it was worth paying for the tour even if we didn't see turtles in order support this important cause.
Gillian I.
Didn't know it was so late at night...kids were tired and a bit unprepared for 3 hours, so late in the evening. But, we were lucky to see a turtle, so this was great.
David H.
For reference I would let people know that you can only use a red light on the beach when looking for a viewing the turtles. The tour only had 2 red light flashlights available for the whole group.
Berny and Gilbert were great. Berny educated us on much of Costa Rica and the turtles. He was very knowledgeable. We waited a couple of hours until we saw the turtles. What an experience it was to see her lay her eggs! It was well worth the wait. The only problem was the road was a little crazy. We drove through a river that felt a little scary and I got car sick on the way back. No fault of anyone's. For those seeking an adventure, they would love the crazy road! I would do it again and just take medicine next time. It was great!
Didn't see any turtles due to being off season and walking the beach in the dark was a little disorienting but guides were very knowledgeable (and a little apologetic but the lack of turtles were out of their control) and thoroughly explained every bit of the process the turtles go through.
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Before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sea turtle species can be observed at Corozalito Beach?
Corozalito Beach is a vital nesting ground for three endangered sea turtle species: the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Black.
When is the best time to visit Corozalito Beach for sea turtle observation?
While sea turtles nest year-round, the peak season from June to early January offers the best opportunities to witness nesting and hatching during guided night tours.
What should visitors bring for the guided sea turtle tour at Corozalito Beach?
Visitors should bring rain gear, closed shoes for hiking, dark clothing, and insect repellent. The use of cameras or any light sources is prohibited during the tour.
What is included in the Corozalito Beach sea turtle observation tour?
The guided night tour includes transportation, an experienced guide, cookies, and drinks. It begins at 7 pm.
The people behind your vacation
Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds
- Highly trained Costa Rica vacation specialists
- Personal customer service and concierge services at the highest level
- TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition for service
- Ranked #1 in its TripAdvisor category
Make this tour part of your Costa Rica vacation
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