Green Turtle Nesting Tour Tortuguero: Night Beach Watch

Wait on the beach at night for the call that a turtle has arrived

A two-hour night tour in Tortuguero during turtle nesting season (July to October) where you watch Atlantic Green Sea Turtles lay eggs on the beach, guided by a certified naturalist who explains the species and its history. A professional spotter system means you wait at a designated spot and move only when a nesting female is located, minimizing disturbance to the animals. The tour runs regardless of rain and cannot be rescheduled.

The experience

Tortuguero is one of the Caribbean's most critical nesting grounds for Atlantic Green Sea Turtles, and from July through October, females arrive at high tide during the night to lay their eggs. The tour operates on a system designed to protect the turtles: instead of crowds walking the beach, professional spotters search for nesting females, radio their location to guides, and direct small groups along a trail behind the beach to the exact spot. You and your guide wait at an assigned position until the call comes through, then move to observe the turtle in its natural nesting behavior.

Your certified naturalist guide speaks English or Spanish and shares expertise about the species, its history in Tortuguero, and the conservation efforts that now govern the beach. The park permit and spotter tracker service are included. Wear dark clothes, closed-toe hiking shoes, a rain jacket and insect repellent. Bring a reusable water bottle. Electronics are not permitted during the tour. Sightings are never guaranteed (the operator frames this as a gift from nature), but the setup and timing during peak nesting season make encounters likely.

What’s included

• Certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• Tortuguero National Park permit and beach access.
• professional turtle spotter tracker service that locates nesting females and radios their position to your guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

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.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 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sunbittern Nature Tours

Is this one for you?This tour suits travelers visiting Tortuguero during nesting season (July to October) who are comfortable with night walks, dark conditions, and the possibility of rain. The two-hour duration and moderate fitness requirement mean it works for most visitors, but those with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or a fear of darkness should choose a different activity.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 24 h before the start.

What are the chances I'll actually see a turtle nesting?

Sightings are high during the July to October nesting season when females come ashore at night, but they are not guaranteed. The professional spotter system increases your odds by directing guides to confirmed nesting locations rather than having groups search the beach randomly.

How does the spotter system work on the beach?

Professional spotters patrol Tortuguero beach looking for nesting females. Once they locate one, they radio the guide with her position. You and your guide then walk a trail behind the beach to reach her, minimizing the number of people around the turtle and reducing the chance she'll return to the ocean without laying eggs.

What should I wear and bring for a night beach tour?

Wear dark clothes, closed-toe hiking shoes, a rain jacket and insect repellent. Bring a reusable water bottle. Leave your phone and any electronic devices at your accommodation. They are not allowed during the tour.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves a two-hour night walk on the beach and a trail behind it. You need at least a moderate level of fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, those with poor cardiovascular health, or anyone with a fear of darkness.