Turtle Nesting Tour
Turtle Nesting Night Tour
Witness Tortuguero’s most moving ritual: under starlit skies, a mother turtle prepares her nest and lays ~60–100 eggs before returning to the Caribbean.
- Season: Jun–Nov
- Peak: Jul–Oct
- Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- $50 pp
- 🛰️ Professional tracking teams patrol multiple km and signal active nesting
- 🧭 Beach divided into numbered sectors; groups assigned by National Park lottery
- 👣 Rotating small groups to avoid disturbance (max 10 guests per guide)
- 🔴 Red-filtered observation lights • Silent approach protocol
- 🚤 Motorboat transfer if the assigned sector requires it
Briefing & Sector Assignment
Same afternoon, the Park’s lottery assigns your station & sector. Your guide reviews rules and safety.
Trackers Locate a Turtle
Rangers and spotters sweep the coastline and notify guides when nesting begins.
Call & Silent Approach
Your group is called. Walk quietly with red light only; keep distance and follow your guide’s lead.
Nesting Observation
During the nesting trance, you may observe chamber digging and egg-laying (~60–100 eggs) before she returns to sea.
Schedule & Duration
- Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Duration: ~3 hours (depends on sightings)
Includes
- Marine-biology turtle specialist (certified guide)
- Red observation lights
- Motorboat transport (sector-dependent)
Not Included
- National Park entrance fee (if applicable)
- Photography equipment
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Dark, non-reflective clothing
- Biodegradable insect repellent
- Camera (no flash)
- Waterproof footwear
- Light rain jacket (weather-dependent)
Essential Rules
- No white light and no flash from cameras or phones at any time.
- Keep ≥ 5 m / 16 ft from turtles; never touch sand near the nest or the animal.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Wildlife sightings vary naturally. Times and sectors may change due to Park operations and weather.