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Tortuguero: Night Turtle Watching Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (84 reviews) 94% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellation

1/7

Duration1h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Turtle nesting nights in tortuguero with local stories

You’ll walk Tortuguero’s moonlit beaches with a local guide during peak turtle nesting season. Watch quietly as turtles dig nests and lay eggs right before your eyes. Feel the hush of the night and catch glimpses of wildlife along the way — an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Prices and availability checked: 2026-08-24

Step-by-step itinerary

Travel to Tortuguero
Explore Tortuguero National Park
Experience turtle watching (July-October)

The Experience

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.90 (84 reviews)

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel so nervous walking into Tortuguero at night — the air felt heavy, almost sticky, and everything sounded louder in the dark. Our guide, Luis, kept his voice low as we started along the sand, flashlight beam pointed down. He told us July to October was turtle season here, but nothing really prepares you for that moment when you first spot a shadowy shell moving up the beach. I could smell salt and something earthy, maybe from the wet leaves nearby.

There were a few of us in the group, all shuffling quietly behind Luis. He’d pause sometimes to point out tracks or whisper about which species we might see — green turtles mostly, but sometimes leatherbacks if you’re lucky. At one point he laughed when I nearly tripped over driftwood (I blame my own nerves). The whole thing felt kind of sacred; even the locals seemed hushed when they passed by on their way home. It’s weird how time slows down out there — you just stand and wait while a turtle digs her nest, sand flying everywhere.

I still think about that silence when she finally started laying eggs. No one moved or spoke for what felt like ages. There was this mix of awe and awkwardness — like being let in on a secret you’re not sure you deserve to know. When it was over, we walked back under a sky so full of stars it almost looked fake. Not sure I’ll ever forget that walk back, honestly.

What’s included

Your evening includes guidance from a local expert who leads you through Tortuguero’s beaches during turtle nesting season; no extra equipment or meals are needed — just bring your curiosity and respect for these creatures as you join the group under starlit skies.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Tuanis Tour Tortuguero