Turtle spawning in Tortuguero: Watch nesting at night

Red light lets you watch a turtle lay eggs without disturbing her

This overnight turtle-watching activity in Tortuguero puts you on the beach at night to observe green sea turtles nesting in their natural habitat, guided by a certified expert. The national park controls the exact timing (either 8 to 10 pm or 10 pm to midnight), and notifies you by 5:30 pm the day of the tour. You'll spend time at Base, where park trackers monitor the beach and signal when a turtle is ready, giving you the chance to see the second-largest turtle species in the world laying eggs.

The experience

The guide arrives an hour before your assigned start time at the meeting point. From there, you walk to Base, a protected observation area where park trackers, called Trackers, watch the beach and alert the group when a nesting turtle is present. Red light technology keeps the beach dark enough that the turtle won't be startled. You'll watch her dig, position herself, and deposit eggs into the sand. The whole experience runs two hours, timed to when the park determines conditions are right for nesting activity.

At Base, your guide briefs the group on green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and what the national park allows you to do and not do during the watch. You'll have time to ask questions about the species, the nesting process, and the conservation work that protects these beaches. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your group's needs.

Pickup is included from your meeting point in Tortuguero. The park itself decides whether your tour runs in the early slot (8 to 10 pm) or the late one (10 pm to midnight), and you'll get that confirmation via WhatsApp or email by 5:30 pm on the day you go. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your meeting point.
• two hours of observation at Base with park trackers monitoring for nesting turtles.
• briefing on green sea turtle species and national park rules.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 20:00 and 22:00Last departure this season: 5 Nov

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (19 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 18 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tortutravel

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Tortuguero without a car, pickup from your meeting point means you don't need to arrange separate transport to reach Base. The park controls the exact timing (either early or late evening), so you'll know by mid-afternoon whether the tour fits the rest of your day.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

35 verified traveler reviews

5 ★29

4 ★4

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 18 years); Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What time does the turtle-watching tour start?

The national park assigns either an 8 to 10 pm or 10 pm to midnight slot, and you'll be notified by 5:30 pm on the day of your tour via WhatsApp or email. Your guide meets you an hour before the assigned start time at the meeting point.

What is a green sea turtle and why is it special?

The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the second-largest turtle species in the world. On this tour, you'll watch one in its natural nesting behavior (digging into the sand and laying eggs) something few people ever witness.

Why does the guide use red light instead of white light?

Red light is dim enough that it doesn't startle or disorient the nesting turtle, letting her complete the process naturally while you observe from Base without disturbing her.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the meeting point?

Pickup from your meeting point in Tortuguero is included. If you're staying elsewhere in the area, public transportation options are available nearby.