Blog Terranova Costa Rica Travel Design

TURTLE NESTING SEASON IN TORTUGUERO

The turtle nesting season in Tortuguero happens every year from July to September. During this time, thousands of green sea turtles make their way to the beaches of Tortuguero to lay their eggs.

It's a spectacular sight to see these massive turtles emerge from the water and make their way up the beach under the moonlight.

Visitors to Tortuguero during this time have the opportunity to witness this incredible natural event and learn about the biology and conservation efforts surrounding the green sea turtles. It's a truly unforgettable experience and one that should not be missed!

The night tour to watch turtles

The night turtle nesting tour in Tortuguero is an incredible two-hour experience that takes you to the protected nesting grounds of the green sea turtles. You'll begin your journey in the evening and travel by boat to the beach where the turtles come to lay their eggs. The tour is conducted at night, as this is when the turtles emerge from the water and make their way up the beach to lay their eggs under the moonlight.
As you watch the turtles, you'll be able to witness the incredible spectacle of nature as the turtles use their flippers to dig a hole in the sand and lay their eggs. You'll be amazed by the sheer size of the turtles, which can weigh up to 500 pounds! The guide will provide you with interesting and informative commentary about the nesting process and the biology of the green sea turtles.

After the turtle has finished laying her eggs, she will carefully cover the hole with sand before returning to the ocean. You'll then have the opportunity to watch the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and make their way towards the ocean. This is an incredible sight to behold, as the tiny turtles race towards the water and begin their journey of life in the ocean.

Overall, the night turtle nesting tour in Tortuguero is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. With the guidance of a knowledgeable guide and the incredible natural beauty of the area, this tour is a must-do for any nature lover or adventure seeker.

When to see the turtles in tortuguero

The best time to see turtles in Tortuguero is from early July to late September. This is the time when hundreds of turtles come to nest and lay their eggs.

By September, the little baby turtles are hatching, so you may see both phenomena if you come in September.

September is a great time to come to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica as it is quite sunny and dry and quite empty as it is the lowest part of the green season.

If you are coming to see the green sea turtles in Tortuguero, please read on the following instructions.

SOME GUIDELINES TO SEE THE TURTLES IN TORTUGUERO

Tours to see the turtles in Tortuguero are organized through your resort with a qualified guide. The experience must be done at night and takes around two hours.

It is very controlled by the national park and the turtle conservationists, so there are some guidelines to follow:

No beach walking at night

No beach walking without a permit, especially at night. Tortuguero has a path parallel to the ocean, the jungle, and the town. Please use it.

Wear dark clothing and shoes

Night tours need dark clothes. Blue, brown, grey, or black garments and shoes absorb light.

Turtles won't nest if they notice light activity on the beach.

NO PHONES, NO CAMERAS, NO PHOTOS

Because of possible flashes no cameras or any devices are allowed in the beach while turtles are nesting.Turtles won't nest if they notice light activity on the beach.

do not disturb the turtles

Be silent and mindful of the process you will be witnessing. Turtles can be vulnerable to several predators and they are very elusive if there is noise or violent movements in the beach.

TORTUGUERO EXPERIENCE

To wrap it up:

The north caribbean side of Costa rica is beautiful and quite exotic, with frequent wildlife sightings and gorgeous landscapes if you are a nature lover, a photographer or a birdwatcher it's a must! Find when is the best time for you to know tortuguero and count on your Terranova Travel Designer to tell you all details. reserve your trip now! 