Costa Rica Sea Turtles

Considered the birthplace of ecotourism, Costa Rica’s coast is home to dozens of important nesting beaches for four turtle species—leatherback, green, hawksbill, and olive ridley.

SEE Turtles supports the work of local organizations to protect critical nesting habitat. This country offers travelers exceptional opportunities to view nesting turtles in areas with pristine rain forests and diverse cultures.

Sea Turtle Hotspots

Las Tortugas Research Station: A leatherback turtle conservation project located south of Tortuguero on the northern Caribbean coast.

Osa Peninsula: The best protected part of the country, this spectacular peninsula is home to foraging grounds for green turtles and hawksbills and nesting beaches for olive ridleys. 

Sea Turtle Species in Costa Rica

Leatherbacks: On the Caribbean, they nest from March to July. On the Pacific, they nest from September to March.

Greens: Nest from June to October along the North Caribbean, especially Tortuguero. 

Olive Ridleys: Along the Pacific, they nest throughout the year, though on many beaches the nesting is concentrated from July to November.

Hawksbills: Nest in Cahuita National Park in September & October and can be found foraging in the Golfo Dulce.

Learn more:

• Latin American Sea Turtles

• Sea Turtles, Dolphins, & Scarlet Macaws (TurtleBlog)
  

Destinations:

• Mexico

• Galapagos

• Belize

Photo Credits: Neil Ever Osborne