Costa Rica is well-known for its sea turtle conservation efforts, and there are several locations along the country’s coasts where you can witness turtle nesting. Some of the most popular turtle nesting sites in Costa Rica include Tortuguero, Ostional, and Montezuma.
Tortuguero: Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the world. You can see various species of sea turtles nesting here, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles. The nesting season typically runs from July to October.
Ostional: Ostional Wildlife Refuge, on the Pacific coast, is known for the arribada phenomenon, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The arribada occurs from July to December.
Montezuma: Montezuma, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is another place where you can witness sea turtle nesting, particularly the olive ridley turtles.
In the articles we will talk about the turtle experience in Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Guanacaste which involve turtle nestling and turtle hatching, two different events in the same location.
The Ostional Wildlife Refuge, established in 1984, serves as a vital shield against poaching activities aimed at sea turtle eggs. This refuge stands as a cornerstone in the broader Sea Turtle Conservation effort in Costa Rica. However, what truly distinguishes Ostional Beach is the sheer magnitude of its arribadas, or ‘mass arrivals.’ These gatherings are of such grand proportions that the beach is virtually inundated with countless turtles during its peak. This influx is so overwhelming that, regrettably, the initial eggs often become unintentional casualties, trampled by the subsequent waves of turtles. Consequently, local communities are permitted to responsibly harvest a portion of the eggs, helping strike a balance between conservation and local needs
Turtle Nestling :
Turtle nesting in Ostional, Costa Rica, is a unique and incredible natural phenomenon known as the “arribada.” The arribada is a massive nesting event where thousands, and sometimes even tens of thousands, of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs simultaneously. This synchronized nesting behavior is a spectacular sight and a true wonder of nature.
The arribada in Ostional primarily involves the olive ridley sea turtles. These turtles are known for their small size and olive-colored shells. They are one of the most common species to participate in arribadas in Costa Rica.
The arribada in Ostional typically occurs from July to December, with the peak months being September and October. During this time, the turtles make their way to the beaches of Ostional to lay their eggs.
Olive ridley turtles are nocturnal nesters, so the arribada usually takes place during the nighttime between the times of 8pm and 4am. Visitors have the opportunity to witness these turtles coming ashore to dig nests and deposit their eggs in the sand.
The nesting beaches at Ostional are closely monitored and protected by local communities and conservation organizations. Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the turtles and their nesting sites.
The hatching :
After 45-60 days of the turtles nestling , the eggs hatch.
When the sea turtle eggs hatch, the baby turtles make their way out of the nests and head towards the sea. This is a critical and vulnerable stage in their life cycle, as they are highly susceptible to predation and environmental challenges.
Similar to the nesting behavior, sea turtle hatchling emerge from their nests primarily at night, also somethime we can see the event early in the morning. Their journey from the nest to the ocean is a fascinating sight, and visitors are often encouraged to observe this process with minimal disruption.
Protection Program:
Ostional has become a popular destination for eco-tourism, allowing tourists to experience the arribada while also learning about sea turtle conservation efforts. There are guided tours available and guards , and visitors can participate in the turtle protection programs.
SINAC also reminded the population that extracting eggs without authorization “will be criminally prosecuted before the corresponding authorities.”
Reservations should be made before arriving at Ostional to ensure there are available guides. Visitors are encouraged to follow the instructions of the SINAC Park Rangers, the beach guards of the Ostional Development Association (ADIO), and community guides.
If you plan to witness the arribada in Ostional, it’s essential to act responsibly and follow the guidance of local authorities and tour operators. Minimizing disturbances to the turtles and their nesting sites is crucial to their survival.
How to make the tour
If you’re looking to experience this wonder of nature you basically have two options:
Tours: You can opt for guided tours that will transport you to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. Numerous companies and hotels offer Ostional Turtle Tours, and the cost typically ranges between $50 and $100 for the round trip to and from the refuge.
Drive: If you prefer to reach the refuge by car, there are a few important considerations. The roads can be challenging to navigate, especially during the dry season, and even more so in the middle of the rainy season. Keep in mind that the ideal time to witness the Arribada is in the midst of the rainy season, so exercise caution when driving.
Regardless of your chosen approach, it’s crucial to understand that guides are mandated by law to accompany you within the Refuge area. These guides typically possess a proficient command of English and will incur an approximate cost of $15 USD per adult.
Watching the arribada in Ostional is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a profound connection with nature and a chance to support sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Remember to check the specific dates and regulations with local authorities or tour operators before planning your visit.
Let us know how would you like experience this lifetime event in Costa Rica and we’ll guide you to get there.
