Tamarindo: Turtle Nesting Tour on Hidden Beach

The beach is pitch black for a reason, and the turtles know it

You drive forty minutes from Tamarindo to a car-free beach, walk in darkness following turtle tracks, and sit behind nesting sea turtles for about an hour while they lay eggs: all under strict conservation rules that keep the turtles calm. Pickup, flashlight, water and snacks included. Small groups only, minimum two bookings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Turtle nesting beach visit

• Pick up from Tamarindo
• Drive 25km to hidden beach
• Walk 10-15 minutes to beach
• Search for turtle tracks
• Observe turtles nesting and laying eggs
• Spend about one hour on beach
• Return to Tamarindo drop-off

The experience

The drive out of Tamarindo takes forty minutes on tracks that get narrower the farther you go, and then you park and walk the last ten to fifteen minutes on foot. That's the whole point. The beach stays dark because no headlights reach it, no engines rumble, nothing disturbs the sand, which is exactly why the sea turtles choose to nest here instead of the crowded strips closer to town. You're walking in near-total darkness with a flashlight, and your guide is already scanning the sand for tracks.

Once you spot the trails, you follow them to where a turtle is already there, working. You sit behind her (never in front, never close enough to startle), and watch the whole thing unfold. She digs, she settles, and then the eggs come. It takes time. You're there for about an hour on the beach, and most of that hour is just sitting with this animal doing something she's done thousands of times, something most humans never see. The guide knows the rules cold: government conservation rules, what distance to keep, how to move so the turtle doesn't notice you. It's not a performance for you. You're just allowed to be there.

You might see green turtles, black turtles, olive ridleys: sometimes more than one kind in a single night. If you're lucky, a leatherback shows up, and that changes the whole evening. The walk back to the truck is quiet. You've got water and snacks in your pack, and the beach behind you is dark again, undisturbed, exactly as it should be. The drive back to Tamarindo takes the same forty minutes, and you're dropped at your location by the time the town is winding down.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tamarindo, a 40-minute scenic drive to the nesting beach, a 10–15 minute guided walk to the beach, a flashlight for the dark walk, bottled water, snacks, and approximately one hour of observation time while sea turtles nest and lay eggs on the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

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

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Sol Eco Adventures

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Tamarindo who want to witness sea turtle nesting without the crowds or artificial light of developed beaches. Expect an evening commitment of about three hours total, with a 40-minute drive each way and a 10–15 minute walk on sand: that isolation is what keeps the beach dark enough for the turtles to come ashore.

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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 (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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 far is the beach from Tamarindo?

About 25 kilometers (17 miles) by scenic track, roughly 40 minutes by vehicle. Then a 10–15 minute walk from the parking area.

What time does the tour run?

The reference does not specify a start time, but it is an evening tour timed around turtle nesting activity. Confirm the exact departure time when booking.

What types of turtles might I see?

Green, black, olive ridley, and occasionally leatherback turtles. Which species appear depends on the season and the night.

Is the beach accessible by car?

No. The beach is intentionally car-free to keep it dark and undisturbed for nesting. You park and walk the final 10–15 minutes.

How long do you spend on the beach?

Approximately one hour, observing turtles nesting and laying eggs.

What is included?

Hotel pickup in Tamarindo, bottled water, flashlight, and snacks. Return drop-off is also included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walk is 10–15 minutes on sand, and most of the time is spent sitting on the beach.

What is the minimum group size?

Minimum two bookings are required for the tour to operate.

Do I need to bring anything?

Wear dark, comfortable clothing and closed shoes for the walk. The guide provides the flashlight, water and snacks.

How are the turtles protected during the tour?

The guide follows strict government conservation rules to ensure the turtles are not disturbed. You observe from behind and at a safe distance.