Costa Rica: Hundreds of thousands Olive Ridley Sea Turtles
Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Hundreds of thousands of olive ridley sea turtles flock to Ostional, Costa Rica, each year.
Ostional Sea Turtle Arribada Tour in Costa Rica
This tour offers an opportunity to witness tens to hundreds of thousands of female Olive Ridley sea turtles arriving at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to lay eggs, ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Highlights
- Large gatherings of sea turtles in Costa Rica
- Ostional National Wildlife Refuge beach access
- Observation of Olive Ridley sea turtle arribada events
- Experience the natural nesting process of sea turtles
- Potential to see hundreds of thousands of turtles during peak arribadas
Description
At Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, massive groups of female Olive Ridley sea turtles arrive monthly, often within a few days, to lay their eggs. This phenomenon, known as an arribada, may be influenced by sea currents, beach orientation, and sand type. Arribadas provide 'strength in numbers,' enhancing the survival chances of both females and their eggs.
The largest recorded arribada at Ostional occurred in 1995 with approximately 500,000 turtles. While current arribadas may not match this number, visitors can still expect to see substantial turtle gatherings during the event.
Includes
- Guided viewing of sea turtles nesting during the arribada
- Opportunity to observe turtles digging nests, laying eggs, and returning to the sea
- Informative commentary on turtle behavior and conservation efforts
- Optional transportation and pickup can be added to your booking
The arribada happens once or twice monthly, usually a few days before the new moon between August and December. Confirm the arribada dates before booking, as the event lasts only 3-4 days each month. Note that sightings depend on natural conditions and the number of turtles may vary.
Important Information
- Contact via WhatsApp for questions: +506 8617 2668
- Arribada occurs 1-2 times monthly, mainly a few days before the new moon from August to December
- Check arrival times before booking to ensure the event is happening during your visit
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, a flashlight with a red filter, and arrive prepared for evening conditions. Book early and verify arribada dates to secure your spot during the narrow event window.
