WHAT MAKES OUR
TOURS DIFFERENT?
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
This is why we offer a comprehensive tour experience, taking care of all the details so that you can learn and enjoy with no need to worry about anything.
DROP OFF
IN NOSARA
At the end of your tour, receive a gift bag which includes: reusable bag, sticker and Certificate of Visitation. Additional merchandise for sale.
MEET WITH
AN EXPERT
Learn about this phenomenon from a NatGeo Explorer. Learn about sea turtles by watching aerial and underwater footage. Learn about cutting-edge research for sea turtle conservation.
TOUR ON
THE BEACH
Walk with your guide to the beach. With no wait time, witness the arridadas, the unique natural phenomenon of mass sea turtle nestings on the Ostional beach. Headsets are available upon request, to allow you to hear your guide better.
DRIVE TO
OSTIONAL
Take a short drive to Ostional where you will meet your local guide and sea turtle expert. Educational materials are available. Comfortable 30-minute ride each way. No need to worry about road conditions.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
SUPPORT A
GOOD CAUSE
WORRY FREE
BOOKINGS
EXCLUSIVE
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
EVERYTHING
IS INCLUDED
USEFUL INFORMATION
TOUR SCHEDULE
Tour duration: 2 hours
Start time: typically 5-7 am or 3-8 pm
You’ll receive confirmation of your tour date and time via email.
30 min - Drive to Ostional
1 hr - Tour on the beach
30 min - Drive back to Nosara
RULES & REGULATIONS
Sea turtle tour groups are limited to 9 visitors per guide. Larger groups will be split up accordingly.
White lights are strictly prohibited on the beach at night.
Only tour guides are allowed to use a red light.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
Touching or handling sea turtles, hatchlings, and eggs is strictly prohibited.
TIPS FOR TURTLE TOURS
Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes early.
Wear comfortable, dark clothing.
Wear closed toed shoes.
Bring rain gear (May-November).
We strongly encourage you to leave your camera and cell phone at home (or in your pocket).
Research shows you will have a more memorable experience this way.
HOW IT WORKS
THE ARRIBADA IS A NATURAL PHENOMENON THAT CANNOT BE PREDICTED. OUR BOOKING PROCESS INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD THAT YOU WILL SEE THE TURTLES.
BOOK A TOUR
Click the Book A Tour Button
Pick your preferred date for the tour.
Enter a date range to join the waiting list.
BOOK A TOUR NOW. WE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
When you book with us, you will pick a tour date and also enter a range of dates for which you are available to see the arribada. You will be added to a waiting list for the full duration of this date range. We will do our best to book your tour on the day requested, weather and turtles permitting.
Once the arribada is confirmed, you will automatically get placed into a tour group and receive confirmation of your tour date and time. In the case that an arribada does not occur within your date range, you can choose to either go on a solitary turtle tour or get a full refund.
WAIT LIST & EMAIL CONFIRMATION
You will receive a confirmation email.
Your spot on the waiting list is reserved.
You will receive confirmation of the date and time of your tour closer to your tour date.
ARRIBADA CONFIRMED
Your tour is confirmed.
Arribada event is confirmed.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no charge.
ARRIBADA DOESN'T OCCUR
Your tour is confirmed.
Arribada event is not confirmed.
Solitary turtle tour or cancellation at no charge.
THOUSANDS OF
TURTLES TOURS
Join us on an awe-inspiring educational experience to witness the arribadas, thousands of turtles nesting at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Book a tour and we’ll take care of the rest.
Duration: 2 hrs (tour times vary, start times typically 5–7 am or 3–8 pm)
Meeting Point: your hotel or vacation rental
Price: $150 flat fee + $35 per person
Download our WCA Thousands of Turtles Tours brochure to learn more.
***TOURS ARE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE***
We'll be back in 2024!
Please see our FAQ page for information on how to coordinate your own sea turtle tour.
DUE TO COVID-19: We are offering private tours only to offer our customers the best experience possible while limiting the spread of disease. Transportation is not included in tours at this time but you will have the option to add private transportation to your booking. Otherwise, your tour host will wear a mask and ride in your vehicle with you.
