Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this Tamarindo Turtle Nesting tour, you will have the rare chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles, dig their nests, lay their eggs, and sometimes even see the babies hatching and making their way out to sea! The professional tour guide will take you walking along some remote beaches just North of Playa Grande in search of the turtles as they arrive and dig their nests in the sand!
Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, we prohibit the use of flashlights or flash on your cameras, but you may take pictures. A special red light will be provided by the guide that does not disturb the turtles.
Turtles can be seen year round, but November to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
Available options
Group Tour from Tamarindo
Shared Group Tour<br/>Starting points:<br/>Escuela De Matapalo, Escuela de Matapalo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Matapalo, Costa Rica<br/>Native's Way Costa Rica - Tours and Transfers, 200 meteres south of Diria, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica<br/>Provincia de Guanacaste, Huacas, Costa Rica<br/>Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Private Tour & Transportation
Private Tour & Transportation<br/>Starting points:<br/>Conchal Beach, Guanacaste, 95XQ+R8P playa conchal, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica<br/>Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica<br/>Playa Grande, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica<br/>Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica<br/>Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
What's included
Private Tour: pick up from Pinilla, JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, Grande
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Local taxes
Shared Tour: Pickup and drop-off from Native's Way Office
Detailed itinerary
1
Leaving just after sunset, you will meet at our office and your guide will take you to a protected beach located 30 minutes away.
2
You will have the chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles laying their eggs at a series of secluded beaches near Playa Grande. You could possibly see the Leatherback turtles, but it is rare.
Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, the local guides prohibit the use of flashlights or flash on your cameras, but you may take pictures. A special red light will be provided by the guide that does not disturb the turtles.
Turtles can be seen year round, November to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
3
Pick up Drop off $20 fee per booking
Included in Private Tour
4
Pick up Drop off $20 fee per booking
Included in Private Tour
5
Pick up Available for Private Tour
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Pick up Available for Private Tour
7
Pick up Available for Private Tour
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup (Shared Tour)
Shared Tour: Pick up from Tamarindo/Langosta Hotels and Private Residences ($20 fee per booking)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
79 reviews
5★
48
4★
14
3★
6
2★
6
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.2
113 reviews
5★
70
4★
17
3★
14
2★
8
1★
4
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children under 5 years old are not permitted to attend this tour. We need to remain very quiet and often there are extended periods of simply waiting and observing
There is not a long hike, however there are times where we move from one beach or viewing point to another. Standing around patiently is normal for this tour.
Please reconsider booking if you have mobility issues, difficulty seeing in the night, recently undergone surgery, or have current physical injury
The turtle season generally extends from Mid-November to Mid-April, however since this is a natural phenomenon, the season can start, slow or end without specific reason.
A minimum of 6 people are required to operate. If we have not reached the minimum we will contact you 1 or 2 days before your tour to offer other options.
Not permitted for children under 5 years old
Meeting point
Only Available for Private Tour
Important notes
What to wear:
- Please wear dark clothing in order to avoid disrupting the turtles in their nesting process. We recommend long pants and shirts, and secure shoes that can get wet. If you do not have long pants/sleeves, we recommend using bug repellent. The path to the beach is not always well groomed and it is important you are comfortable walking in the sand. Flip Flops not recommended.
What to bring:
- insect repellent
- camera (flashes are not permitted)
- refillable water bottle
- easy snack (food is not provided)
Shared Tour Transportation Info:
Tamarindo Meeting point - 5:30pm @ Native’s Way Office -https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBnGvXnPPUo1X7VQ7 - This is the first meeting point. Pick up from your hotel or private residence in Tamarindo Langosta can be added for a $20 fee per booking.
Huacas Meeting point- 5:50pm @ Huacas Food Truck Park -https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZzDscbiDomr3Qpm7 - If you are coming from Conchal, Flamingo, Playa Potrero or Brasilito, you can meet here and either join the transportation or follow our van (Pick up is between 5:50 & 6:00pm depending on traffic)
Matapalo Meeting point- 6:00pm @ Matapalo Public School -https://maps.app.goo.gl/6u6aPYGzzf9fdbwQ6 - If you are coming from Playa Grande, you can meet here and either join the transportation or follow our van. (Pick up is between 6:00 & 6:15pm depending on traffic)
Private Tour: Pick up will be assigned between 5:30pm - 6:00 pm. Included from JW Marriott/Pinilla, Tamarindo, Langosta, Grande, Flamingo, Conchal
About Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a vibrant coastal town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, renowned for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and lively nightlife. It's a popular destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise.
Top Attractions
Tamarindo Beach
A long, sandy beach known for its great waves, perfect for surfing and sunbathing. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Playa Langosta
A quieter beach located just north of Tamarindo, known for its beautiful sunsets and turtle nesting sites.
Nature
Half day
Free
Las Baulas National Marine Park
A protected area for the endangered leatherback turtles, offering guided night tours during nesting season.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice and beans, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. Often served with tortilla chips or patacones (fried plantains).
Appetizer
Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free
Casado
A typical Costa Rican lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Popular Activities
Surfing
Snorkeling
Hiking
Beachcombing
Sunbathing
Spa treatments
Local markets
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures. The weather is perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and exploring the nearby national parks.
24-32°C
75-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tamarindo is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
Getting there
By air
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport • 40 km (25 miles)
By bus
Liberia Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most affordable way to get around but can be infrequent. They are best for short distances within the town.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Tamarindo Town
Langosta
Day trips
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
A stunning national park with volcanic activity, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Offers hiking, waterfalls, and mud baths.
Las Catalinas
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming, car-free coastal village with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary)
Tamarindo International Film Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder season for fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Rent a surfboard or take a surf lesson to experience Tamarindo's famous waves.
- Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
- Try local street food for a budget-friendly and delicious meal.
- Book tours and accommodations in advance during peak season.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
