La experiencia
Acerca de este tour
Adult (11 and older): $68 / Child (ages 5–10): $68
Step into a world of wonder on our Corozalito Turtle Nesting Tour, a 3½-hour nighttime adventure that brings you face-to-face with one of nature’s most ancient rituals. Each month, during a brief three-day window dictated by tides and moon phases, olive ridley turtles return to the very sands where they were born to dig nests and lay eggs. Your bilingual guide will monitor nesting forecasts and confirm your exact meeting time before whisking you from your hotel in Sámara or Carrillo to the Corozalito or nearby refuge.
Under the gentle glow of red lights (designed to protect the turtles’ sensitive eyes), you’ll walk along the shoreline in respectful silence, witnessing females laboring through the surf and covering their nests. The unpredictability of the arribada—number of turtles ranging from a few solitary visitors at Camaronal to hundreds at Ostional—adds a spine-tingling element of anticipation. Between sightings, learn about local conservation efforts, the remarkable life cycle of olive ridleys, and how communities safeguard this fragile ecosystem. This intimate encounter with Costa Rica’s coastal wildlife will leave you deeply moved and inspired by the perseverance of these ancient mariners.
- Lugar de salida y regreso
Departure is from your hotel in Sámara or Puerto Carrillo.
If you are arriving from another location, you’re welcome to meet us at our office. We’re located across the street from Roots Bakery, on Sámara’s main road.
- Hora de salida
Based on previous turtle activity reports, the approximate starting time is usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Bueno saber
Qué está incluido
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Round-trip transportation Round-trip transportation is included in Sámara and Puerto Carrillo downtown areas.
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Bilingual guide (English/Español).
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Refuge entrance fee
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Red-light torch lamp For ethical night viewing.
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Snacks Light snacks and bottled water.
No incluido
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Insurance
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Tips
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Additional services
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Excludes anything not specifically listed as included.
Qué llevar
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Dark-colored clothing Please wear dark clothing to prevent scaring nesting sea turtles.
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Mosquito repellent
Paso a paso
Itinerario
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Pickup & Departure
Your guide collects you from your hotel lobby in Sámara or Carrillo at the designated time. During the short transfer, learn about the region’s coastline and the turtles’ migratory patterns.
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Refuge Arrival & Orientation
Arrive at Corozalito (or Camaronal) Refuge. After a brief talk on olive ridley biology and nesting behavior, receive red-light torches and review beach etiquette to ensure minimal disturbance.
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Nesting Observation
Stroll the moonlit beach under red illumination, watching turtles emerge from the surf, carve their nests, deposit eggs, and laboriously cover them. Your guide points out key behaviors and answers questions in English or Español.
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Snacks & Discussion
Mid-tour, pause for light refreshments—water, iced tea, and fresh fruit—while discussing local conservation initiatives and how you can support turtle protection efforts.
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Return & Drop-off
After the nesting experience, board the vehicle for the return drive, arriving back at your hotel with memories of this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Antes de reservar
Preguntas frecuentes
We accept payment in Costa Rican colones (CRC) or US dollars (USD). You're welcome to pay in either currency – just let us know your preference in advance, if possible.
We love sharing nature with our guests, and we do our best to provide the best possible experience. However, it's important to remember that wildlife sightings and water visibility can never be guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding!
If our staff determines that weather conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for the tour, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Safety comes first.
Cancellation and prepayment policies may vary depending on the tour operator. Our policy is as follows: Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the activity are eligible for a full refund. If you cancel between 36 and 48 hours before the activity, a 50% refund will be issued. Cancellations made less than 36 hours before the activity are non-refundable.