Turtles in Costa Rica

Caribbean

Tortuguero National Park protects the Green Sea Turtle, seen June - October but mostly in September, the Giant Leatherbacks, seen March - July, and the Hawksbill, seen in July. No one is allowed on the beach after 6pm without a guide. 350 people are allowed on the beach per night, but even with these limits it does get crowded. You can also see turtles at Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Pacific

The most popular area is the Las Baulas Marine National Park between Playa Grande and Tamarindo. This park has evolved into perhaps the nation's best managed site. Leatherbacks come ashore from October to April; up to 100 per night at peak.

Other areas for turtle walks on the Pacific are Curu Wildlife Refuge, Ostiaonal National Wildlife Refuge, north of Playa Nosara, and Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa National Park.