Tortuguero means "land of turtles". From July to October, green sea turtles nest on our beach every single night.
Tortuguero is the most important green sea turtle nesting site in the Western Hemisphere. Every year, thousands of female turtles return to the same black-sand beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs.
The seasons
- •Green sea turtles: July to October, with peak nesting in August and September.
- •Leatherbacks (baula): April to June — the largest turtle in the world, sometimes over 500 kg.
- •Hawksbills: occasional nesters throughout the season.
How the night tour works
Turtle watching is strictly regulated to protect the animals. Tours run at night with certified local guides in small groups (max 8 guests). No flashlights, no phones, no photos on the beach — your guide receives word from spotters when a turtle begins laying, and only then does the group approach.
What you'll see
Watching a 150 kg green turtle dig her nest, enter her laying trance and cover her eggs is one of the most moving wildlife encounters on Earth. Many guests call it the highlight of their entire Costa Rica trip.
Booking
The turtle tour is included in our Turtle Tour Package, or can be added to any stay between July 1 and October 1. Hatchling releases sometimes happen at dawn late in the season — ask the front desk.
Planning your Tortuguero trip?
Book direct and we'll arrange tours, meals and transport for you.
