Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season
Traveler rating
3.4/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season worth booking?
Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season is a 4-hour experience in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, from $75 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 3.4/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $75 per person
This is a great tour to interact with the nature and understand how take care the habitats of the Chelonias family (Turtles). Seeing the nice creatures treat to survive in nature. Beaches giving it a remote paradise feel, while still being near enough to amenities and services to enjoy a confortable lifestyle. Located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is situated between the neighboring beaches of santa cruz County. IMPORTANT NOTE: Turtles tour are in night time and pick up time are according the tide. I let the client know the pick up time at hotel por villa one day prior to the tour. REALLY IMPORTANT: SUMMER TIME TURTLES WATCHING SEASON: FROM MIDDLE OF DECEMBER TO END OF APRIL ONLY (Summer time Costa Rica) *** PICK UP TIME DEPENDING OF HIGH TIDE *** TO OPERATE TURTLE WATCHING. JUST MAKE YOUR BOOKING I LET YOU KNOW PICK UP TIME ACCORDING PLACE YOU ARE STAYING. MINIMUM 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR
What you get
About this experience
This is a great tour to interact with the nature and understand how take care the habitats of the Chelonias family (Turtles). Seeing the nice creatures treat to survive in nature. Beaches giving it a remote paradise feel, while still being near enough to amenities and services to enjoy a confortable lifestyle. Located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is situated between the neighboring beaches of santa cruz County. IMPORTANT NOTE: Turtles tour are in night time and pick up time are according the tide. I let the client know the pick up time at hotel por villa one day prior to the tour. REALLY IMPORTANT: SUMMER TIME TURTLES WATCHING SEASON: FROM MIDDLE OF DECEMBER TO END OF APRIL ONLY (Summer time Costa Rica) *** PICK UP TIME DEPENDING OF HIGH TIDE *** TO OPERATE TURTLE WATCHING. JUST MAKE YOUR BOOKING I LET YOU KNOW PICK UP TIME ACCORDING PLACE YOU ARE STAYING. MINIMUM 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR
What's included
Included
- MINIMUM 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR
- Private transportation
- flashlight are include
- Bottled water
- Naturalist guide certified
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Province of Guanacaste
Turtles watching are year round. We have different beaches at Guanacaste Province to spot this amazing animals. One of these beaches are considered the second place on the world of the largest turtles arrival of hawksbill turtles from winter time Costa Rica from MIDDLE of may to december year round.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guanacaste Adventure & Travel
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cool experience to see turtles
Our guide Wilmer was very knowledgeable and helpful he described the process, what to expect and how to be responsible participants to the turtles. The sunset was gorgeous. The road to the beach is a terrible drive. We arrived early so got to see the sunset a plan for dinner would have been nice due to the timing like a place to grab a bite prior to arriving or a stop to get a sandwich to enjoy on the beach would have made it better as it’s late and a lot of standing around. They do offer cold water we were able to get a beer from a vendor on the beach but didn’t get dinner til 9 pm when back to our hotel.
Response from the operator: Hello! Theresa Thanks a lot for your comments. You enjoyed the tour and seen this amazing Turtles .
via Viator
Worst tour ever! Don’t waste your time or money, Viator does not refund for any condition!
Unfortunately I booked this private tour for $150 each without reading the reviews, and thought we would have a knowledgeable guide that would bring the correct and right amount of equipment and look out for our safety not the case!, I also thought Viator would refund after finding out what a terrible experience it was. Not true again. We are knowledgeable about turtles and the ocean, I teach a conservation class and my son is a surfer and has seen turtles numerous times and actually had shown me one earlier in the week. The guide was not knowledgeable. He wanted to leave at 4:00, high tide was not until 8:30 my son changed the time to 5:30. He brought one headlamp for himself and one for my son and I to share, then said he couldn’t give it to us until the turtle started laying eggs, it was hard to see where we were walking, he had red paper and and a rubber band to go over a regular white light. I’m not sure it was a correct red light. The guide then left us on a dark beach for about 30 minutes to look for turtles while we stood on a dark beach with no light.. We went to another beach and he did the same thing, and left us on the beach, but gave us one light this time. He then told us to hide under a tree because there was a turtle, so we hid for about 10 minutes, he said it was moving , then people came from the other direction and it was a tree stump. He showed us turtle tracks which were obviously dirt bike tracks., he showed us other ones which was a water runoff. He showed us sea shells and said they were turtle egg shells. My son corrected him on all these things and wanted to leave. We walked through the woods to another beach, he got lost in the woods coming out, my son found the way and guided us out. There was also a tree that after we walked under it he told us it has poisonous fruit and people get sick from touching it and laying under it. He said we didn’t see turtles because the waves were to big, this was incorrect, the waves were almost flat to 1 foot all day, my son corrected him so he said the tide was to high, again my son told him the higher the tide the better for the turtles. On the way back in the dark woods he told a story of people being murdered. If I had been with anyone other than my son and been left on the beach and with no light, and gotten lost in the woods I would have been terrified. When I booked with Viator they said you can request a refund if you do not see a turtle, well you can request but you will not get it under any condition. I did not request a refunded for not seeing a turtle I requested because the guide did not bring the correct equipment, was not knowledgeable and put us in a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. Not a good tour! If Viator would not give a refund for this tour then they do not stand behind their tours DO NOT BOOK THROUGH VIATOR! Go into other tours and read the reviews. They are cheaper and I have heard good things.
Response from the operator: Dear client I receive a call from viator customer service before do this turtles watching tour. Mrs. Donna ask me if i can guarantee turtles watching tour and i told customer service is impossible wildlife is not guarantee as proffessional Nature guide Certified by Costa Rica Tourism Board. Also client want to change the time to go watching the turtles. help with change of pick up 1 hour after at 5:30pm. I have all the flash lights and equipment to do the tour. She have low mobility and she can't walk on the forest. We only walk 200 meters and she was complain in all the tour. We don't see turtles but we seen 2 turtles track arrive 1 day before. When i set up a pick up time to clients is because we have to be 3 hours before high tide to spot turtles and aldo works 3 hours after high tide to see turtles. She don't have patience in this tour and she look really stress person because her and son drive 1 hour and 30 minutes in gravel road to meeting me. I did the best i can . I bring water and equipment for them . I suggest You go visit a zoo or Shelter in Costa Rica instead a turtle watching tour to this client. Best regards! Wilmar Retana Naturalist guide Certified License by Costa Rica Tourism Board #1156.
via Viator
DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR
DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR. The tour guide didn’t show up on the appointed day. The hotel concierge reached him and he blamed Viator and said the tour was supposed to the next evening. He did not show up again the second night. I have an extremely disappointed little boy and for two nights in a row, my vacation plans were completely messed up.
Response from the operator: With all the respect Debbie about this tour i going to pick you at the Main lobby at JW Marriott resort on time the day of the tour. I talked with you one day prior the turtle tour and i told you talk with the Concierge of the lobby and tell him coordínate with Main security of JW Marriott resort and you never didn't. The Concierge of this resort never do a good customer service then talk too much about the tour operators because they have an EXPENSIVE tour operator inside the resort and they lie to offer tours on the resort. I been at the main security gate of the resort 30 minutes ahead of the pick up time. Main security resort don't let me in because nobody coordínate the entrance of my unit van. This is a policy of the resort and be out of my hands. I tried to reach You in your cell phone and your like is off. I gave you money refund. I don't understand why viator leave a cellphone number of the client but mostly of them never answer either call or text message. Best regards
via Viator
Very authentic, natural experience
Very unique experience. Great for those who love a little adventure and to truly have a natural experience. I wouldn’t recommend for children under ten. There is a lot of waiting and being quiet while the turtles are laying their eggs. And be prepared to get sandy if you want to get close to the turtles. But definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Also, the ride to and from is quite rough. But again, well worth it to see the tortuga negra laying her eggs.
Response from the operator: Thanks Michelle for your comments. I feel great when you enjoyed turtles watching tours. At your service Wilmar Retana Naturalist guide Certified
via Viator
Amazing
Seeing the turtle come up into the beach was amazing! And the beach at night was just beautiful. The darkness just made it even more incredible.
Response from the operator: Thanks for book with us.
via Viator
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything Guanacaste Adventure & Travel runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Flamingo.
How much does Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Flamingo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season 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 Flamingo is not rushed.
Is Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.4/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Flamingo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season?
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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 Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season 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 Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season?
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Around 2 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 Flamingo 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 Flamingo and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season 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 Flamingo 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 Flamingo?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Flamingo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flamingo, Guanacaste All Inclusive Catamaran Snorkel Adventure, Adventure Pass, Playa Flamingo Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Lunch, Cocktails. 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 Flamingo?
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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 Flamingo?
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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 Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season?
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Included: MINIMUM 4 PERSONS ADULTS TO OPERATE THIS TOUR; Private transportation; flashlight are include; Bottled water; and Naturalist guide certified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 75 listed pickup locations in and around Playa Flamingo. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season 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 Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season?
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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.
What happens to Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season 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 Nocturnal Turtles Watching near Tamarindo Dec to April season?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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