Turtle Nesting (July to October)
Tortuguero is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the western hemisphere. Four of the seven world sea turtle species come to Tortuguero to lay their eggs.
The evening Tortuguero sea turtle nesting tour features green turtles, which visit us between July and October. Turtles lay their eggs at night to avoid predators. The Tortuguero National Park regulates guided walks during this time, so participation conditions apply.
To witness this event, participants must join a locally guided tour and can sign up in reception, the latest at 2:00 pm on the day they want to come.
WHAT TO BRING
Black clothings (Colors reflect on turtles and sacras them away), closed strapped sandals, or closed shoes, raincoat or poncho (black or dark colored).
TOUR PRICE
$45 USD + 13% VAT per person
TOUR TIMES
Tour departs either at 8 or 10 pm, but times are defined by the National Park in a ballot and will be informed to tour participants accordingly.
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Turtle Hatching (September to Early December)
Two months after the turtles lay their eggs, the baby sea turtles emerge from their sandy nests and make their way to the sea. It is an impressive moment to watch! Possibly up to 100 hatchlings can emerge at once to start their new lives.
Since the baby turtles do not like to go out when the sand is hot, they will leave their nests early in the morning between approximately 5:30 and 6:00 am, or in the afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. To observe them, you only need to walk from the lodge along the beach at these times, paying particular attention to any turtle nests you may see. Please do not touch or pick up the turtles.
This is an activity that you can do on your own time, and it is free. The best time to see this phenomenon is between September and mid-December. If you visit us in September and October, which also coincides with the Caribbean summer, you can observe the sea turtles nesting and also the baby turtles hatching.
When walking the beach make sure to walk towards town.
OUR SEA TURTLE GUIDELINES
Do not pay anyone who offers to find you a nest. This is a natural process, and no one should disturb the turtles, much less open or touch nests. Please only use regulated guided tours by certified guides.
Do not touch the nests.
Do not touch the turtles at any time. The turtles must recognize the beach where they are born since they will return here in 30 years to nest. Touching the turtles disorients them.
There are wild predators, and this is a natural process. We must not interfere in nature.
There is no cost to observe the turtles hatching. Just, be at the beach at the right time, during the season. To have an opportunity of seeing them, you should be in Tortuguero between September and early December and if you’re here September or October, you might have an opportunity of seeing both events, nesting at night and hatching on day time.