Costa Rica's wildlife is known for its diversity, and this also applies to the diversity of sea turtles. In Costa Rica, you can see four species of sea turtles. To know when to come to see the nest of each Costa Rican turtle is quite complicated, but take a look at the map below. This is the perfect time to see these amazing creatures. While you can see them appear periodically throughout the year, there are also several peak seasons where you will have a higher chance of seeing them. In the Caribbean, nesting rituals are best experienced from March to October.
Safety and protection of turtles in Costa Rica
The turtles are an amazing spectacle and well worth it if you get the chance. But what many people don't know is how endangered they are. Almost all species are listed as endangered, and their meat, shells and eggs fall victim to poaching. That is why organizations like the Corcovado Foundation and many others make special efforts to protect them. When you go to see them lay eggs or hatch, you're actually helping them stay safe from threats.
Where to find turtles
Areas such as Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita are home to a wide variety of sea turtles. One of the most famous areas, which currently has a lot of tourists, is the Ostional Wildlife Sanctuary. It's worth noting that Santa Rosa National Park may not be the best place to spot turtles. Playa Nacite receives the most marine visitors, but is also not open to the public. You have to get a special permit to pass through the park to enter this beach.
Wildlife sanctuary
Beach turtles Most visitors come here to see turtles as many turtles come ashore. The Ostional Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste. In the afternoon, you can see groups of turtles arrive at the beach, where a licensed guide will tell you about the nesting process of olive turtles. You can see turtles digging a nest, laying eggs, closing the nest, and returning to the sea. The local community was allowed to collect some eggs for research purposes and as a food source. In the morning, you can see turtle eggs hatching and watch the baby turtles begin their long journey to the sea. However, not all of them succeed, and you can help them drive away dogs and vultures.
Rangers patrol along the beach to ensure you visit the reserve with a licensed guide. In order to successfully complete the nesting process, nesting turtles must have all the necessary protection.
Tortuguero
Take a boat tour on the Totuguero Canal and you'll see many different species in Costa Rica. You'll see crocodiles, caimans, birds, and yes, a lot of turtles! Totuguero is a great place to see green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles.
Monte Cristo
The Corcovado Foundation supports two turtle conservation projects on the Osa Peninsula. This project takes great pride in protecting this endangered species by protecting their natural habitat, deterring poachers, and respecting their natural processes.
Playa Grande and Las Paulas
Playa Grande is not only a surf resort, but also home to Las Boras National Marina Park. It's a great place to see leatherback turtles. Although condominium development began before the area was listed as a national park, these developments must now comply with strict regulations. For example, one of the things that disturbs turtles is bright lights. That is why all houses along the coast have very dim and colored lights.