Sea Turtles, the perfect tour at Hotel Punta Islita

Costa Rica is known for its rich and extensive variety of flora and fauna teeming out of every corner of the country, which makes it a paradise for all who treasure mother earth´s fertile creations. With its natural beauty extending from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts, you will find an exciting array of activities from peaceful kayaking to heart-pumping river rafts rides to the awe-inspiring turtle nesting watch. To catch the sea turtle´s wondrous phenomenon, you can do so on both coasts. Costa Rica has plenty of beaches that host the sea turtle during its nesting period. The turtle species will, of course, vary depending on the region; the species you can expect to see in Costa Rica are the green turtle, the Baula, the Carey, or Lora.

Best sites for turtle hatching & nesting

Costa Rica is known for its rich and extensive variety of flora and fauna teeming out of every corner of the country, which makes it a paradise for all who treasure mother earth´s fertile creations. With its natural beauty extending from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts, you will find an exciting array of activities from peaceful kayaking to heart-pumping river rafts rides to the awe-inspiring turtle nesting watch. To catch the sea turtle´s wondrous phenomenon, you can do so on both coasts. Costa Rica has plenty of beaches that host the sea turtle during its nesting period. The turtle species will, of course, vary depending on the region; the species you can expect to see in Costa Rica are the green turtle, the Baula, the Carey, or Lora.

The Caribbean beaches of Gandoca Manzanillo, Tortuguero, or Barra de Pacuare are among the most popular sites on this coast. The country's Pacific side also has plenty of great spots to book a guided tour, like  Nancite, Santa Rosa National Park, Corcovado, and Playa Naranjo. Or, if you are staying in the area of Nicoya, there are four great options: Playa Buena Vista, Playa Camaronal, Ostional, and Corozalito. A guest favorite is a trip to Playa Corozalito to watch the grand Lora Sea turtle, and it is only 10 minutes from the Hotel Punta Islita. 

What happens during turtle nesting?

During the nesting cycle, the turtle, guided by the tides and moon calendar, comes out of the sea at night, ready to embark on its unique journey. It will first find the spot on the sand that marks where the waves end to protect its nest from high tides. It then begins to find the perfect location to build the sheltered space. The selected niche must be sandy, without rubble or rocks, to construct a nest approximately 40cm deep. At this moment, it begins spawning; every turtle lays between 80 to 120 eggs per nest during the season. At the end of the process, the turtle covers its eggs with the sand removed at the beginning and tries to camouflage them with rubble, branches, rocks, etc., then heads into the ocean. The incubation period of its eggs will last approximately 45 days. The Lora Sea turtle seen in Corozalito in Nicoya nests during the rainy season, primarily during June and July.

What happens during turtle hatching?

As the season hatching is in full swing, from the last days of July until the end of November, you can witness the baby turtles climb out of the safety of their nest and take their first stumbling steps into the ocean. This delicate moment brings the most adorable images, yet it must be revered with care and respect. You might feel tempted to help the little hatchlings find their way to the water. However, they must be allowed to move on their own as it is here that they imprint on the beach. The tour guide will give you specific instructions on what you can or cannot do while watching this magical moment unfold.

Turtle conservation programs

If you want to learn more about these majestic sea creatures and why many species are on the endangered list. You can contact one of the many Sea Turtles conservation programs in Costa Rica. Here you can learn how to help, find volunteer opportunities, or donate. Every effort counts!

The perfect retreat with the perfect tour

Hotel Punta Islita, part of the exclusive Marriott Autograph Collection, is the perfect place to experience all that Costa Rican nature has to offer in one place. It is located within the Blue Zone limits of Nicoya; this stunning property is perched on a hillside surrounded by lush rainforest and a beautiful Guanacaste coastline. The hotel features numerous activities and tours on its grounds or nearby, making it appealing and convenient. A turtle sighting expedition is a highlight event for guests of Punta Islita, as it is a private tour for guests only. The transportation leaves from the hotel to Playa Corazolito, a 10-minute ride away, and is guided by a local Punta Islita expert that will give you all the inside scoop on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Witnessing nature´s ritual as it unfolds and brings new life is an experience that will touch your soul and reconnection you to this magnificent blue planet. Come live the adventure!