Samara Sea Turtle Nesting

A Magical Night with Costa Rica’s Giant Sea Turtles! Every year between June and January, several species of sea turtles return to the beaches of Nicoya to nest under the cover of darkness. This special night tour takes you to witness one of nature’s most incredible events—massive sea turtles crawling ashore to lay their eggs, and tiny hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean.

Seeing these ancient marine creatures in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most unforgettable things to do in Costa Rica.   

Types of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, making it one of the best places on Earth for turtle nesting and conservation.

Olive Ridley Turtle: The most common nesting turtle in Guanacaste, famous for mass nesting events called arribadas.

Green Sea Turtle: Large herbivorous turtles known for their beautiful shells and important role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds.

Leatherback Turtle: The largest sea turtle in the world, reaching over 2 meters long and weighing up to 900 kg.

Hawksbill Turtle: Critically endangered and known for their striking patterned shells.

Loggerhead Turtle: Less common in this region but occasionally seen nesting in Costa Rica.

All of these species are protected, and Costa Rica is a global leader in sea turtle conservation.

Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Near Samara – Turtles Return Year After Year

Depending on the season and turtle activity, your tour may visit one of several important nesting beaches near Samara:

Playa Camaronal: A key nesting site for Olive Ridley and other turtle species.

Playa Corozalito: Known for frequent Olive Ridley nesting activity.

Playa Ostional: World-famous for its arribadas, where tens of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest at the same time—one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events.

Sea turtles are incredibly loyal to their nesting beaches, returning year after year to lay their eggs where they were born.

Best Sea Turtle Guides in Samara

You’ll head out at night wearing dark clothing with expert bilingual guides who are deeply involved in local conservation efforts. They’ll teach you about turtle behavior, nesting cycles, hatchlings, and the threats these species face—while ensuring all viewing is done responsibly and with minimal disturbance.

A guided tour significantly increases your chances of seeing nesting turtles or hatchlings, and provides insights you simply wouldn’t get on your own. September and October are typically the peak months for nesting and hatching activity.

This is wildlife tourism done right—educational, respectful, and truly awe-inspiring.

Book Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Sea Turtle Nesting Experience in Samara Today

If you’re visiting Costa Rica between June and January, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. Book with The Real Deal Tours for trusted guides, ethical wildlife viewing, and the best turtle nesting tours near Samara.