Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Head out into the Cosa Rican night in search of Green Pacific and Olive Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs on Playa Grande. During this evening tour from Tamarindo, you may even see baby turtles hatching, depending on the conditions. National park fees included.
- Evening tour to Playa Grande turtle nesting ground
- Watch turtles nest or baby turtles hatch
- Red light provided help you see the action without disturbing turtles
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
What's Included
- Local taxes
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Shared Tour: Pickup and drop-off from Native's Way Office
- Private Tour: pick up from Pinilla, JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, Grande
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup (Shared Tour)
- Shared Tour: Pick up from Tamarindo/Langosta Hotels and Private Residences ($20 fee per booking)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.5:30 pm
Itinerary
Meet your guide and group at the Native's Way tour office, located in front of La Oveja Negra Hostel, just west of the Banco Nacional in downtown Tamarindo. Meeting time is just after sunset. Turtles can be seen year around, but October to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
Travel to a protected beach, Playa Grande. Once there, climb out and spend time watching nature take its course: Green Pacific and Olive Ridley turtles laying their eggs. You may even see Leatherback turtles (very rare) or turtle eggs hatching and babies making their way to the sea.
Flash photography and flashlights are prohibited, but your guide will use a special red light that does not disturb the turtles.
At the conclusion of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel.
Travel to a protected beach, Playa Grande. Once there, climb out and spend time watching nature take its course: Green Pacific and Olive Ridley turtles laying their eggs. You may even see Leatherback turtles (very rare) or turtle eggs hatching and babies making their way to the sea.
Flash photography and flashlights are prohibited, but your guide will use a special red light that does not disturb the turtles.
At the conclusion of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel.
1
Native's Way
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Playa Mina
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Playa Tamarindo (Pass By)
Playa Langosta (Pass By)
Playa Conchal (Pass By)
Playa Flamingo (Pass By)
Playa Grande (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted to attend this tour. We need to remain very quiet and often there are extended periods of simply waiting and observing
- There is not a long hike, however there are times where we move from one beach or viewing point to another. Standing around patiently is normal for this tour.
- Please reconsider booking if you have mobility issues, difficulty seeing in the night, recently undergone surgery, or have current physical injury
- The turtle season generally extends from Mid-November to Mid-April, however since this is a natural phenomenon, the season can start, slow or end without specific reason.
- A minimum of 6 people are required to operate. If we have not reached the minimum we will contact you 1 or 2 days before your tour to offer other options.
- Not permitted for children under 5 years old
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Alyse_C
This was the best experience we had!!! Fabio and Irving were both amazing tour guides. They were so knowledgeable about turtles and their nesting process. We were able to see about 4-5 turtles and one give birth. It was a beautiful experience!
Reviews
4.2
based on 214 reviews
Timothy_M, Feb 2026
Our tour guide, Ivan was very informative and really worked hard going up and down the beach to locate turtles. We only saw one female travel up to the shore, but she ended up returning to the sea without laying any eggs.
That’s Mother Nature., you never know what will happen..
Benjamin_R, Feb 2026
We enjoyed this excursion, where you got to be very close to giant green sea turtles on the beach. We took our kids ages 6 and 8 and they did okay but definitely would be better for older kids 10+. There was about an hour drive from Tamarindo to the beach (second half on dirt road, but driver was good) and once you arrive at the beach there’s a fair bit of waiting and patience for the turtles to arrive. We saw 2 turtles start the nesting process but they were in a rocky location so they didn’t lay eggs by the time we left the beach at 8:30pm, and we saw another turtle climbing the beach on our way back — it seems like you’d have to get pretty lucky to see a turtle lay eggs so early in the night. Our guide Antony was knowledgeable and respectful of the turtles — he was even policing others in the beach to make sure they weren’t shining lights that would interrupt the nesting process. We saw one other Group on the beach but we were mostly alone with our group of about 15 people and the guide. It was fun seeing the turtles and the beach at night was beautiful. We arrived back in Tamarindo at 9:30pm
Doug_L, Feb 2026
Great to see the baby turtles. It was an experience to see the turtles come to lay eggs and watch them dig their holes.
Sabrina_B, Feb 2026
This experience was amazing. One of the coolest things I have seen. The tour guide are super knowledgeable about how to find the turtles. We saw Turtles building a nest, laying eggs and baby turtles hatching all in one night. I was blown away. I highly recommend.
Elise_T, Jan 2026
This was our first turtle egg-laying experience so I didn't know totally what to expect and I'm still not sure what is "normal" or "ethical".
I'll start with the positives: Our guide was really kind and a great educator. He was full of knowledge and was eager to share with us. The transportation to the beach was very comfortable. We were so lucky to see a turtle laying her eggs on the first beach that we arrived to that evening.
The less positives: It felt like there were too many people crowding around the turtle as she laid her eggs. People were disrespectful (getting too close, being too loud, using their flashlights after being told not to) and there were too many participants for our guide to keep track of and manage. There was also at least one other group of 15 who were there with us so we all got mixed in and it added to the chaos. I'm also not sure how I feel about the guides propping open the turtle with sticks.. I realize that is the only way that we are able to see the eggs dropping out but I am not sure about the ethics of it.
Overall, it was a really cool experience but I am not sure that I would do it again unless I was in a smaller group.
Stephanie_G, Jan 2026
We went into the tour knowing that there was a decent chance we wouldn't see turtles because every night is different and you can't predict what wildlife is going to do or where it will be, but we were ecstatic to see two turtles! We did spend quite awhile waiting for our guide, Ivan, to locate a turtle but it was such a gorgeous night sitting on the beach and stargazing that we didn't mind at all! It would have been worth it just for the incredible night sky! Ivan ended up taking us to a second beach to see a turtle who was in the process of nesting, and we were lucky enough to see a second turtle on her way back into the ocean as well! Please know beforehand that you might need to do some mild hiking to the beach to see the turtles and if your guide tells you to hurry so you can get to the location in time to see the turtle, out in some effort and HURRY!! Ivan was fantastic about finding us the nesting turtle, but there were people in our group who seemed to think we were just out for a casual night stroll despite being warned at the beginning of the tour about the potential for some rugged terrain and the need to walk very quickly. We got to see the turtle dig her next and lay more than 20 eggs before the biologists needed us to move out so they could scan her for GPS and relocate the eggs to a safer nesting area (her nest was in danger of the high tide). It was very nice to see the effort in protecting the eggs and this species. Absolutely incredible experience and we were thrilled with Ivan and his wife Esmeralda! Highly recommend!
ChunFai_L, Jan 2026
Tour guides are knowledgeable and helpful to answer our questions.
We saw 2 turtles nestling on beach and were lucky to see baby turtles going to the sea.
Nearly the end of the tour, we were amazed by the sky full of stars.
We are so happy to join this tour and will recommend to my friends.
T_W, Dec 2025
Dear native-tours operator!
Your organized turtle tour was an absolute disaster and a shocking example of irresponsible behavior! The on-site organization was chaotic, and the guide didn't even introduce himself or explain the process and also a lot later at the meeting point that was given! Instead, five or more different groups of up to 40 people each were herded onto the same dark beach – without lamps! On a curt instruction, we were just told to start running; other participants panicked and raced off to not miss anything and grab the best spots. This led to utter chaos and panic.
When a turtle was found, around 40 people crowded around it, staring and gawking – a massive intrusion on an animal in its natural habitat! This has absolutely nothing to do with ethical behavior; it's pure animal cruelty. We were told to wear closed shoes and be completely silent, while the guides wandered around in flip-flops, chatted loudly, and barked orders. No information on the process, the goal (observing a turtle until it lays and buries its eggs), or its behavior – all of which can be found online and was useless here.
This tour is under no circumstances something I can't recommend in good conscience. It has destroyed my trust in "nature-friendly" providers, and I strongly advise against it!
Best regards (but deeply disappointed)!
***
Alyse_C, Dec 2025
This was the best experience we had!!! Fabio and Irving were both amazing tour guides. They were so knowledgeable about turtles and their nesting process. We were able to see about 4-5 turtles and one give birth. It was a beautiful experience!
Jose_L, Dec 2025
seeing the turtles was great but the organization was bad. On top of that they told us we wouldn't see the leatherback sea turtle which is the one they show in the pictures
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hello!
We are sorry your experience wasn't up to standard! Please email management@nativesway.com with your booking # and an explanation of what happened so we can make this right for you. As for the photos, there is a photo of one leatherback turtle because there was a time that we saw those at times on the tour. Those times are much fewer now, but all of our photos are captioned "Green Pacific Turtlle Nesting Tour". But in light of this review we will update our photos since it is so uncommon now to see them.
michelle_g, Nov 2025
This was an amazing experience, Ivan was very good guide, people need to listen when they say not to use your flash
Katie_W, Nov 2025
Seeing the turtle cover her eggs was truly a spectacular experience. It’s Mother Nature so there was never a guarantee that we would see anything. I appreciate our guides eagerness to do the extra legwork to make it possible for us. However, if you get carsick this isn’t the adventure for you. The ride to the beach is WILD! A bumpy road on a bus was an adventure all on its own. We got to go on a hike to a second beach to see the turtle, which wasn’t explained and if you weren’t for a hike you may have been disappointed. However, we LOVED it. Just want people to know what they are getting into.
Dawn_H, Apr 2025
This experience was good as was the company. We only saw 1 turtle as this was the end of the turtle nest season. I wouldn’t recommend going after the 2nd week of April as you may not see anything
Response from Host, Dec 2025
we are sorry your experience wasn't up to par. This past season (2025) the turtles started to show less frequently earlier in the season, and your tour was one of our last instead of going into late April as we ususally do. Please email us at management@nativesway.com with your booking details so we can make this right for you. We can't predict mother nature, but we feel the experience is worth taking the trip for. If things don't go as we hoped, we are more than happy to make it right for you!
Brandy_L, Mar 2025
Fantastic tour!! Ivan was a great guide and we got to see a mother turtle lay eggs and even some babies make to the water. Highly recommend!
Ljubica_B, Feb 2025
Would strongly recommend.
We saw a
turtle digging the hole and laying eggs. Also saw a snake and scorpion on our walk to the beach!!
gesmith, Feb 2025
Lots of walking in the dark. Very exciting to watch the turtles lay their eggs. Be patient for the digging of the nest takes a long time.
Fei_S, Dec 2024
We strongly recommend this experience; we were able to see two sea turtles. Ivan, our guide, worked very hard to spot the turtles and was able to provide interesting and relevant information (e.g. the different phases between scoping out a potential nest location, actually digging the nest, and then laying the eggs).
It is worth noting that the beaches the turtles like are rather rugged and off-the-beaten path; expect to hike for a bit (in the dark, but he had some flashlights) in the woods and on the beach to reach the needed locations. Additionally, the guides need to find the turtles, so expect for there to be significant down/waiting time.
Agata_Z, Mar 2024
Amazing experience!!!
Me and my kids loved it. We saw baby turtles, mom nesting and lying eggs. Recommend to everyone!
Joanna_F, Mar 2024
Of all the tours we did in Costa Rica this tour was by far the worst. Every other wildlife tour we went on clearly put the animals first but this tour was more about making money and not about the wellbeing of the turtles.
We were told not to use our phones or flashes on our cameras because it confuses the turtles but the first thing they did was give all the children flash lights, this meant there was constant lights being turned on.
Additionally we were told at the beginning that turtles can feel vibrations on the ground and to sit down and be still because it can put them off nesting. However with the huge size of the tour group and the guide wondering off to find turtle nest, people were lining the waters edge and kids were running around in the dark where tiny babies were being born. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some trodden on. We saw multiple female turtles come to the shallow waters and then turn back.
Finally when a turtle did eventually come in to nest the tour guide not only kept telling everyone to get closer and closer around the turtle but used a stick to hold the turtles flipper out of the way whilst she was laying her eggs.
It felt so invasive and we felt completely uncomfortable with the whole experience. I’m surprised and so sad that this beach isn’t protected as a national park like other wildlife habitats in Costa Rica.
Mateja_J, Feb 2024
We were fortunate to see both the nesting and the hatching. Our guide was patient and the tour even lasted a bit longer than expected in order for us to experience this amazing process. Also, everybody was respectful to the turtles and the nature
Catherine_C, Feb 2024
This excursion was one of our highlights in Costa Rica. Ivan took the group to three different beaches, and we witnessed baby sea turtles emerging from the sand and making their way down to the water. We also watched female turtles come out of the sea to try and find a suitable beach to lay eggs. It was truly a magical experience to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Ivan's knowledge and ability to spot baby sea turtle tracks made the excursion even more fascinating. Seeing the baby turtles take their first steps towards the ocean, gave us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Catherine_P, Feb 2024
The tour itself was amazing. We got to see baby turtles rhat had just hatched make their way down to the water. We saw mother turtles nesting and saw one laying her eggs.
The guide was rude.
Cynthia_A, Feb 2024
Seeing the turtles was amazing!! We got to see several Mama turtles building nests and lots of baby turtles hatching. The guide, Ivan, with Native Way in Tamarindo did everything he told us not to do from handling the baby turtles with bare hands to digging sand out from a mother turtles nest, inches from the turtle. This was very upsetting and made me and my husband walk away feeling awful for even being there. The tour it’s self is great but tour guides should set an example not endanger the animals.
Lori_C, Feb 2024
Our tour guide Ivan was fantastic at spotting a green sea turtle in the dark! The starry sky was beautiful as we waited for the turtle to start laying her eggs! It was a great night!
MELISSA_V, Feb 2024
Seeing the babies racing off towards the ocean, was an experience I can’t even explain. We also got to experience a few mamas digging their holes, and laying their eggs. A process that takes over 3 hours for these amazing creatures.
Christina_A, Jan 2024
Ivan was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the turtles. I felt a bit bad for the turtles because I didn’t want to bother their process. You can only use red light and only the guide has one while on the beach. Be ready to be patient and wait for the process, but it is worth the wait.
Mark, Jan 2024
We had a great guide who found 3 nesting leather back turtles, one of which was laying eggs. Very exciting and something my wife and I will never forget.
Tomma_L, Jan 2024
Honestly I wouldn’t do it again.
We saw two turtle laying her eggs on the beach but there were so many people around, that I just had the feeling to stress the poor animals. Also three other turtles wanted to come to the beach but got scared by the people - so they turned around and got back to the ocean.
Maybe it’s a unique experience to are allowed to see turtles laying eggs at the beach (for sure it is) but for me it was more the feeling to disturb an sensitive ecosystem. Went home with a not very nice feeling.
Also there where people who turned on their mobile phone / flashlight and also tried to touch the animals during the nesting process, nevertheless our guide told us before not do this.
At least our guide was good, but nevertheless wouldn’t do it again and also don’t recommend it.
Heather_M, Jan 2024
Utterly amazing evening. The moon was slim, the stars were bright, the water was shimmering and the turtles were on the beach. We watched a couple flinging sand to make their nests. One chose the wrong spot with too many tree roots and had to abandon the project even though the guides tried to help remove some roots. The actions of the guides throughout demonstrated care and knowledge about these incredible species. Tender and loving. We had a close up and personal experience of one laying eggs but the best part was the ambiance and setting. Wear good shoes and bring patience. You’ll have a once in a lifetime experience.
Lanny_H, Jan 2024
Ivan was the best tour guide.
He definitely knows his stuff!
We saw 2 hatchings and 1 turtle dropping eggs..
It was little tough for us to take the hike down to the beach and back.
But the remote beach was worth the trip
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