Green sea turtle nesting in Tortuguero: Watch turtles nest

Stand on the beach while a turtle digs and lays her eggs

A 2-hour nighttime activity in Tortuguero where you watch green sea turtles nest on the beach with a certified guide from Tortuguero National Park. The guide uses red lanterns to minimize disturbance, and you observe the turtle's entire nesting process (digging, laying and covering) from a respectful distance. Suitable for all fitness levels. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Green turtle nesting watching tour

• Meet accredited guide at meeting point
• Go on turtle nesting watching tour

The experience

What makes Tortuguero famous is the green sea turtles that return to nest on its beaches, and this activity puts you on the sand when they do. A certified guide from the national park picks you up at your meeting point and takes you out at night, when the turtles come ashore. You'll watch the turtle dig a chamber in the sand, lay her eggs and cover the nest, the full cycle, while the guide uses red lanterns to keep light low enough that the turtle stays calm and the process stays natural.

The guide is trained to position you so you see what's happening without getting in the way or stressing the animal. Red lanterns are provided, and they're the only light allowed. This matters because bright light can disorient nesting turtles. The whole experience runs about 2 hours, though timing depends on when and where the turtles come ashore: nature sets the schedule, not the clock. You need to be ready to move quietly and follow the guide's cues about distance and movement.

What’s included

• Tour entrance sticker to Tortuguero National Park.
• certified guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• red lanterns for observing without disturbing the turtles.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 20:00, 21:30, 22:00 and 23:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tortuguero's Brandon experience

Is this one for you?This is a guided, shared activity where you watch the turtle do the work while the guide positions you and explains what's happening. Choose it if you want to witness the nesting process itself rather than just learn about turtles, and if you're comfortable with a late-night outing on the beach that depends on the turtles showing up.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What time of year do green sea turtles nest in Tortuguero?

Green sea turtles nest in Tortuguero from July through October, with peak activity in August and September. The guide will know the current conditions and where turtles are most likely to come ashore on the night of your activity.

Will I definitely see a turtle nesting?

The activity depends on nature: turtles come ashore on their own schedule, not on demand. The guide is experienced and knows where to look, but sightings are not guaranteed. If conditions aren't right on your night, the guide will do everything possible to find nesting activity, though you may see other wildlife instead.

Why do you use red lanterns instead of regular flashlights?

Red lanterns emit light that doesn't disorient nesting turtles the way white light does. Bright flashlights can stress the turtle and interfere with her natural nesting behavior, so red lanterns let you watch while keeping the experience as close to undisturbed as possible.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear dark, comfortable clothes and closed shoes for walking on the beach at night. Bring insect repellent and a light layer in case it's cool. The guide provides the red lanterns. You don't need to bring your own light source.