Costa Rica: Turtle Watching Night Tour with Naturalist Guide

Night walks on Costa Rica’s wild coast with turtles nesting nearby

You’ll walk Costa Rica’s wild beaches at night with an expert naturalist guide searching for nesting turtles (maybe leatherbacks or Olive Ridleys), while learning their secrets by moonlight. Includes pickup from Tamarindo, bottled water, and flashlights so you can focus on quiet moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening turtle watching tour

• Meet naturalist guide at 5:45pm
• Travel 40 minutes north of Tamarindo
• Learn about turtle behavior and nesting
• Observe up to three turtle species
• Follow guide's instructions during turtle activity
• Take photos without flash
• Do not touch turtles

The experience

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just walking onto the sand, but something about arriving at that empty stretch north of Tamarindo after sunset (you know, when everything smells like salt and wet earth) made me quiet. Our guide, Carlos, handed out little red flashlights (no white light allowed) and grinned as he told us we might see leatherbacks or maybe Olive Ridleys. He said it depends on the mood of the sea. I liked that.

The drive from Tamarindo was about 40 minutes, long enough for Carlos to tell us about turtle nesting habits and why some beaches get chosen over others. There was this moment when he stopped mid-sentence to point out a tiny movement in the sand, not a turtle yet, just a crab scuttling sideways, but it made us all laugh. It’s strange how you start noticing every sound: waves thumping softly, distant frogs, someone’s shoes crunching shells.

We waited in near darkness while Carlos scanned the beach. When he finally motioned us over (quietly, he kept whispering “despacio”), I saw the curve of a shell in the moonlight. I’d never seen a leatherback up close before. Her back looked almost prehistoric. No touching, obviously (Carlos was strict about that), but being so close felt weirdly intimate anyway. I tried to take a photo without flash and ended up with a blurry shadow, but honestly I don’t mind. Sometimes you just have to remember things instead of collecting proof.

I still think about that silent walk back to the van, everyone whispering like we’d just left a church or something. The air smelled like warm grass and salt again. I guess what surprised me most was how small I felt next to those old creatures doing their thing under the stars, and how much I wanted them to keep coming back.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup in Tamarindo by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water for comfort during your wait on the sand, and red-filtered flashlights so you can safely spot turtles without disturbing them before returning after midnight.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 18 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Nos encontraremos en la puerta de la casa verde”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Discover Tamarindo

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the turtle watching night tour from Tamarindo?

The tour lasts several hours including about 40 minutes’ drive each way from Tamarindo to the beach.

What types of turtles can be seen on this Costa Rica night tour?

You may see leatherback turtles, green sea turtles, or Olive Ridley sea turtles depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this turtle watching experience?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or designated location in Tamarindo is included.

Can you take photos during the turtle watching tour?

You can take photos but only without flash to avoid disturbing the turtles.

Is touching or interacting with the turtles allowed?

No, touching turtles is not allowed. Guests must follow all guidelines given by the guide.

Are infants or travelers with health issues recommended for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for infants or travelers with spinal injuries, heart problems, or low fitness levels.

What should I bring on a Costa Rica turtle watching night tour?

Bottled water and flashlights are provided. Wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent if needed.