Costa Rica Turtle Nesting Map
Good to Know
Discover Costa Rica's prime sea turtle nesting beaches with this comprehensive map. Learn about the distinct nesting habits and seasons for various species, including Olive Ridley, Green, Pacific Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. This guide details where and when to witness these incredible natural events across the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
This map shows the most commonly used beaches for nesting sea turtles in Costa Rica. Click here to read more about Costa Rica sea turtles and their nesting habits.
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Costa Rica Sea Turtle Nesting Habits
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles
Santa Rosa National Park and Playa Nancite: Year round, but the best months are May through October.
Ostional Wildlife Refuge: Year round, but the best months are May through October.
Camaronal Wildlife Refuge: April through November.
Hacienda Baru (and Playa Matapalo): mid-July through mid-October.
Green Sea Turtles
Tortuguero National Park: mid-July through mid-October.
Pacific Green Sea Turtles
Playa Naranjo: October through March.
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Playa Naranjo: mid-October through mid-February.
Playa Grande: mid-October through mid-February.
Tortuguero National Park: March through May.
Cahuita National Park, Manzanillo: March through July.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles
October through March in each location.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Tortuguero National Park: July through October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find nesting sea turtles in Costa Rica?
Nesting sea turtles can be found on various beaches across Costa Rica, including Santa Rosa National Park (Playa Nancite), Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, Hacienda Baru, Tortuguero National Park, Playa Naranjo, Playa Grande, Cahuita National Park, and Manzanillo.
When do Olive Ridley sea turtles nest in Costa Rica?
Olive Ridley sea turtles nest year-round at Santa Rosa National Park (Playa Nancite) and Ostional Wildlife Refuge, with peak activity from May through October. They also nest at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge from April through November, and Hacienda Baru from mid-July through mid-October.
What are the nesting seasons for Leatherback sea turtles in Costa Rica?
Leatherback sea turtles nest from mid-October through mid-February at Playa Naranjo and Playa Grande. In Tortuguero National Park, their nesting season is March through May, and at Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo, it's March through July.
Which sea turtle species nest in Tortuguero National Park?
Tortuguero National Park hosts Green Sea Turtles (mid-July through mid-October), Leatherback Sea Turtles (March through May), and Loggerhead Sea Turtles (July through October).