
Turtle Nesting Night Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turtle Nesting Night Tour worth booking?
Turtle Nesting Night Tour is a 2-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $75 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $75 per person
In one of the most important spawnings and nesting sites in Costa Rica, you'll be able to appreciate in the middle of pure nature, to observe the Green Sea Turtle ( also known as the black turtle) and the Olive Ridley Turtle, could possibly see the very rare Leatherback Turtles. During the warmest months of the year in Guanacaste, we find the peak season (predominantly from October through May), when it's possible especially at night to observe turtles come out of the water, building their nests, laying their eggs, and even can observe sometimes babies hatching and going out to the ocean!! A bilingual naturalistic guide will help you to understand the process of spawning and nesting, a unique experience. Please note : The guide will provide a special infrared light that does not disturb the turtles. No flashlights or flash photography are allowed because light may confuse the turtles.
What you get
About this experience
In one of the most important spawnings and nesting sites in Costa Rica, you'll be able to appreciate in the middle of pure nature, to observe the Green Sea Turtle ( also known as the black turtle) and the Olive Ridley Turtle, could possibly see the very rare Leatherback Turtles. During the warmest months of the year in Guanacaste, we find the peak season (predominantly from October through May), when it's possible especially at night to observe turtles come out of the water, building their nests, laying their eggs, and even can observe sometimes babies hatching and going out to the ocean!! A bilingual naturalistic guide will help you to understand the process of spawning and nesting, a unique experience. Please note : The guide will provide a special infrared light that does not disturb the turtles. No flashlights or flash photography are allowed because light may confuse the turtles.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
In one of the most important spawnings and nesting sites in Costa Rica, you'll be able to appreciate in the middle of pure nature, to observe the Green Sea Turtle ( also known as the black turtle) and the Olive Ridley Turtle, could possibly see the very rare Leatherback Turtles. During the warmest months of the year in Guanacaste, we find the peak season (predominantly from October through May), when it's possible especially at night to observe turtles come out of the water, building their nests, laying their eggs, and even can observe sometimes babies hatching and going out to the ocean!! A bilingual naturalistic guide will help you to understand the process of spawning and nesting, a unique experience. Please note : The guide will provide a special infrared light that does not disturb the turtles. No flashlights or flash photography are allowed because light may confuse the turtles.
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nacho Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Turtle Nesting Night Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Red Light Time
They don’t allow you to use your own red lights. If you’re using a professional camera it is extremely difficult to get quality pictures due to the moving lights. Tour was very crowded with many groups there at the same time. (To be expected) The walk to the beach and back was easy. We saw baby turtles and a juvenile momma.
via Viator
We saw several nesting turtles. Be prepared to hike to the beach!
Our driver Ignacio (Nacho) was amazing! I wish we had Nacho drive us on all of our tours!! His van was clean, he pointed out the cashew , and mango trees and also the many birds. He offered to stop on the way if we needed to pick up anything at a store. He also gave us maps. The tour with Daniel was good. Wear sturdy shoes. The trail was rocky and there were holes. We used flashlights and walked in a line. On the beach we could see the turtles nesting and that was cool! We watched them crawl back into the ocean.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent!
I was with my 5-year-old son and my 75-year-old mother and it was great for everyone. Daniel and his daughter were very friendly. We saw a lot of turtles - lots of babies and two mothers too! It was great!!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A National Geographic experience
Seeing one huge turtle emerging from the water at sunset, and several others later, was great but nothing compared to what we later witnessed thanks to our guide, Juan Carlos. It was almost dark when somehow he saw baby turtles coming out of their nest under the sand—-close to 100 tiny turtles started scurrying towards the ocean. It was amazing. A scene we’ll always remember. The tour was terrific. Juan Carlos is especially knowledgeable. Excellent. Be forewarned that the drive to and from the beach in Tamarindo was long and bumpy, well worth it however. A great night tour.
via Viator
Amazing turtle nesting tour
What an amazing experience. It was worth the long standing waits. Be prepared to ride along bumpy roads and walk through some difficult terrain. Going through the sand was a good workout!! And practically in near dark though the guides used infra-red lights and flashlights when necessary. We did get to see 4 turtles: 2 Olive Ridley and 2 Green Sea turtles. One actually laid eggs. The guys were very informative and courteous. Very respectful of the animals. Would definitely recommend for a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Muchas gracias por una noche increíble.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 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
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turtle Nesting Night Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Turtle Nesting Night Tour 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 Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Turtle Nesting Night Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is Turtle Nesting Night Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Turtle Nesting Night Tour?
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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 Turtle Nesting Night Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Turtle Nesting Night Tour?
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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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turtle Nesting Night Tour 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). 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 Tamarindo?
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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 Tamarindo?
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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 Turtle Nesting Night Tour?
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Included: Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Turtle Nesting Night Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 64 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Turtle Nesting Night Tour 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 Turtle Nesting Night Tour?
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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 Turtle Nesting Night Tour 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 Turtle Nesting Night Tour?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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