
Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 218 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo worth booking?
Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo is a 4-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $46 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 218 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (218)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $46 per person
On this Tamarindo Turtle Nesting tour, you will have the rare chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles, dig their nests, lay their eggs, and sometimes even see the babies hatching and making their way out to sea! The professional tour guide will take you walking along some remote beaches just North of Playa Grande in search of the turtles as they arrive and dig their nests in the sand! Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, we prohibit the use of flashlights or flash on your cameras, but you may take pictures. A special red light will be provided by the guide that does not disturb the turtles. Turtles can be seen year round, but November to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
What you get
About this experience
On this Tamarindo Turtle Nesting tour, you will have the rare chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles, dig their nests, lay their eggs, and sometimes even see the babies hatching and making their way out to sea! The professional tour guide will take you walking along some remote beaches just North of Playa Grande in search of the turtles as they arrive and dig their nests in the sand! Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, we prohibit the use of flashlights or flash on your cameras, but you may take pictures. A special red light will be provided by the guide that does not disturb the turtles. Turtles can be seen year round, but November to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
What's included
Included
- Private Tour: pick up from Pinilla, JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, Grande
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Local taxes
- Shared Tour: Pickup and drop-off from Native's Way Office
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup (Shared Tour)
- Shared Tour: Pick up from Tamarindo/Langosta Hotels and Private Residences ($20 fee per booking)
What you'll see and do
Native's Way
Leaving just after sunset, you will meet at our office and your guide will take you to a protected beach located 30 minutes away.
10 minutes here
Playa Mina
You will have the chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles laying their eggs at a series of secluded beaches near Playa Grande. You could possibly see the Leatherback turtles, but it is rare. Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, the local guides prohibit the use of flashlights or flash on your cameras, but you may take pictures. A special red light will be provided by the guide that does not disturb the turtles. Turtles can be seen year round, November to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.
180 minutes here
Playa Tamarindo
Pick up Drop off $20 fee per booking Included in Private Tour
Pass by without stopping
Playa Langosta
Pick up Drop off $20 fee per booking Included in Private Tour
Pass by without stopping
Playa Conchal
Pick up Available for Private Tour
Pass by without stopping
Playa Flamingo
Pick up Available for Private Tour
Pass by without stopping
Playa Grande
Pick up Available for Private Tour
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Only Available for Private Tour
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Only Available for Private Tour
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Only Available for Private Tour
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Only Available for Private Tour
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Hotels & Private Residences in Tamarindo/Langosta: $20 fee per booking Private Tour no fee
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
6:00 PM @ Matapalo Public School
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
5:50 PM @ Huacas Food Truck Park - Intersection from Brasilito to Matapalo
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
5:30 PM @ Native's Way Tamarindo Office Please contact us if you would like to arrange pick up from a different location
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Only Available for Private Tour
Ends at
Only Available for Private Tour
Ends at
Only Available for Private Tour
Ends at
Only Available for Private Tour
Ends at
Hotels & Private Residences in Tamarindo/Langosta: $20 fee per booking Private Tour no fee
Ends at
6:00 PM @ Matapalo Public School
Ends at
5:50 PM @ Huacas Food Truck Park - Intersection from Brasilito to Matapalo
Ends at
5:30 PM @ Native's Way Tamarindo Office Please contact us if you would like to arrange pick up from a different location
Options you can book
Group Tour from Tamarindo
Shared Group Tour Starting points: Escuela De Matapalo, Escuela de Matapalo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Matapalo, Costa Rica Native's Way Costa Rica - Tours and Transfers, 200 meteres south of Diria, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Provincia de Guanacaste, Huacas, Costa Rica Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Private Tour & Transportation
Private Tour & Transportation Starting points: Conchal Beach, Guanacaste, 95XQ+R8P playa conchal, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica Playa Grande, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Native's Way Costa Rica
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted to attend this tour. We need to remain very quiet and often there are extended periods of simply waiting and observing
- There is not a long hike, however there are times where we move from one beach or viewing point to another. Standing around patiently is normal for this tour.
- Please reconsider booking if you have mobility issues, difficulty seeing in the night, recently undergone surgery, or have current physical injury
- The turtle season generally extends from Mid-November to Mid-April, however since this is a natural phenomenon, the season can start, slow or end without specific reason.
- A minimum of 6 people are required to operate. If we have not reached the minimum we will contact you 1 or 2 days before your tour to offer other options.
- Not permitted for children under 5 years old
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 218 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
218 verified traveler reviews for Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Turtle turtle everywhere
Lived up to expectations. Excited to see few green sea turtle coming out of ocean and couple returning back. 2 baby turtles were highlight of tour.
via Tripadvisor
Mama’s and babies!
We were very lucky on our tour! We saw 2 adult turtles one heading back to sea and the other we got to watch dig her nest. We also got to experience 2 nests hatch so for us it was an amazing experience! The shuttle ride was longer than expected and there are no bathrooms but other than that this was one of our favorite excursions
via Viator
Great experience
The pickup was in the centre of town. The guide was very clear on his instructions, and was very respectful towards the turtles! He took us to a remote beach where we saw 2 mama and a couple of baby turtles. It was an amazing experience would definitely recommend it!
via Tripadvisor
Turtle nesting
We saw two turtle tried to dig the hole for nesting, but eventually the turtle gave up. Wish we had the luck seeing the nesting.
via Tripadvisor
Bucket list nature experiences
Natives Way did this tour and our guide Ivan was amazing -he was very knowledgeable and had an eagle eye to spot the turtles and ensure we had the best experience-we were lucky to see about a dozen turtles overall and one nest and lay eggs.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $46 to $135
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 76
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica, who run 23 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Native's Way Costa Rica runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.
How much does Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo cost?
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Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Hermosa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa Hermosa is not rushed.
Is Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 218 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Hermosa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Around 76 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa Hermosa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa Hermosa and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa Hermosa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa Hermosa?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Hermosa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day, White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal, Guachipelin Zipline, River Tubing, Horseback Ride, Hot springs & Lunch Combo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa Hermosa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa Hermosa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Included: Private Tour: pick up from Pinilla, JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, G; Bottled water; Driver/guide; Local taxes; and Shared Tour: Pickup and drop-off from Native's Way Office. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pickup (Shared Tour); and Shared Tour: Pick up from Tamarindo/Langosta Hotels and Private Residences ($20 fee per bo. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Only Available for Private Tour Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Please reconsider booking if you have mobility issues, difficulty seeing in the night, rec. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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Across 218 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Group Tour from Tamarindo, Private Tour & Transportation. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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