Caribbean coast: See giant leatherback turtles nesting at Tortuguero

See giant leatherback turtles nesting at Tortuguero

Tortuguero is an important habitat for the famous leatherback turtle, an ocean giant often measuring as much as 2m in length and weighing up to 600kg. These remarkable creatures return to the beach on which they were born to give birth to the next generation between March and June, and if your timing is right you could have the privilege of witnessing this humbling spectacle for yourself.

It is an extremely impressive, even moving sight as hundreds of sea turtles crawl up the beach on flippers little accustomed to land, seeking a safe nesting place for their young. Once the mothers have laid their eggs – usually over 100 per nest – they cover them with sand and return to the ocean.

Over the next few nights, visitors can observe the newborn turtles emerging from the shelter of their eggs and struggling towards the sea. The few that survive will one day come back to this very beach to play their part in the endless natural cycle.

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Signature Costa Rica: Wildlife and volcanoes

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8 days from £1,830pp

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Tortuguero kayaking and wildlife-spotting trip

Visit the national parks and private reserves at Caribbean coast

Go white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui river

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

See giant leatherback turtles nesting at Tortuguero | Rating: Excellent

Fabuoluso experiemce, so much to see. getting up close with such diverse wildlife and seeing birds. caimans and monkeys in their natural habitats was the highlight of the trip.

SW, Surbiton | March 2018 | 50 - 65

See giant leatherback turtles nesting at Tortuguero | Rating: Excellent

Same guide as village, very good this time, great fun wading through six inch mud.

ASP, Bexhill-on-sea | January 2017 | 50 - 65

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97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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See giant leatherback turtles nesting at Tortuguero

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Tortuguero kayaking and wildlife-spotting trip

Visit the national parks and private reserves at Caribbean coast

Go white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui river