Turtle Tour in Costa Rica

The rules are extremely strict because the protection of the animals is of the upmost importance. All the more special to join one of the exciting tours. No artificial light, i.e. no flashlight, no cell phone and also no camera may be taken along. It is best to wear dark clothing. Only the guide is equipped with a small flashlight with a red light that does not affect the turtles. In the dark we start. Only the glow of the moon reveals outlines on the beach. Slowly your eyes get used to the darkness and you follow the steps of your guide who explains how you can find the tracks of the turtles in the sand even in almost total darkness. Everyone is on the lookout with anticipation. There, in front! The first tracks leading up the beach from the surf. Is there really a turtle or has it already disappeared back into the sea? While you wait, your guide looks carefully and almost silently. Indeed. Only dimly you can guess the outlines of the shell. Slow are her movements as she heaves herself further up the beach. We still have to keep our distance so as not to disturb her in her search for the ideal nesting site. You sit down in the soft sand, enjoy the silence and the soft sound of the waves until your guide gives the signal “vamos” all right, here we go!

During egg laying, the turtles are in a kind of trance state, so you can approach them without disturbing them. Seeing this natural spectacle up close is an absolutely unforgettable experience. The best time to see the turtles is between June and December in Sámara and between mid-July and October in Tortuguero.