
Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR worth booking?
Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR is a 3-hour experience in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, from $55 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (20)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $55 per person
You will be able to learn about the natural process of turtle sighting on the beaches near Cabo Velas. They are virgin beaches, where you will enjoy the splendor of the sunset and nightfall. They are spectacular simultaneous natural events. Start time is 5.30pm
What you get
About this experience
You will be able to learn about the natural process of turtle sighting on the beaches near Cabo Velas. They are virgin beaches, where you will enjoy the splendor of the sunset and nightfall. They are spectacular simultaneous natural events. Start time is 5.30pm
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Bottled water
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa Flamingo
Beach Club Playa Grande is located 75 meters before reaching the main entrance of Playa Grande. The guide will be waiting for you in a champagne-colored 4X4 Nissan Terrano model car.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Beach Club Playa Grande is located 75 meters before reaching the main entrance of Playa Grande. The guide will be waiting for you in a champagne-colored 4X4 Nissan Terrano model car.
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
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- HIGH TIDE TOURS PLAYA GRANDE
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Turtle watching Tour
Pablo is a knowledgeable, helpful, communicative guide. The tour is at a remote and lovely beach about 25 minutes from Plays Grande where we were staying. With his assistance, we saw more than a half dozen nesting turtles come ashore, and were very fortunate to see a nest of turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. We are senior citizens, and Pablo was helpful and patient while we took our time to carefully traverse the somewhat steep trail from the car to the beach (a 15-20 minutes hike). Excellent value. Highly recommended
Response from the operator: What a lovely review! I love what I do, and your company was a delight. I appreciate every detail, and the sighting was majestic. Thank you again! Pura vida!
via Viator
Super fun and unique to experience
such a great experience super fun- would recommend wearing some type of hiking shoes and outside hiking clothes. to get to the turtles it is about a 15 min walk over some rocks but was very worth it and so much fun! Would highly recommend
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this review! I love what I do and I work to protect turtles. I'm so glad it was majestic!
via Tripadvisor
A highlight of our trip
A highlight of our trip - we were able to see both a mom turtle and a baby turtle during our tour! Some things to know, as I was confused initially. The tour is not in Playa Grande, it just picks up there (we had our own transportation, so we drove ourselves about 20-30 mins to the beach where the turtle nesting viewing actually happens.) I would also advise wearing sneakers/hiking shoes - it's a solid 15 minute hike down to the beach, and it's rocky and hot. You also spend a good amount of time waiting in the dark, so use the bathroom prior/bring water with you as once you get there you could be sitting there for quite a while in the dark just waiting. But it was all worth it to actually see the turtles! The guides are very knowledgable and respectful of the turtles themselves. We had grandparents as well as a 7 and 10 year old in our family who came with us, and everyone enjoyed it.
Response from the operator: Hi, thank you so much for the amazing review! Sea turtles are enchanting. I'm glad you had a nice memory of the area where I grew up, Cabo Velas, and its beautiful beaches. These are rarely explored and are home to a lot of wildlife. Currently, observing the species has been prohibited on Playa Grande for several years due to the endangered nature of the turtles. We were very lucky that night!
via Tripadvisor
Good tour but we didn’t know that we had to drive ourselves. Fewer people on the beach would be better for the turtles.
It was very special to see the baby turtles leave their nest and then make their way to the ocean. And then our highlight was seeing the Mama turtle on the beach returning to the sea. One unfortunate part of the experience is that there were at least 3 other groups there and the other guides were not asking their tourists to give the turtles more space. Some people followed the turtles so closely that they could have stepped on one of the babies and interfered with the big challenge of getting to their ocean home. Our tour guide, Paolo was very friendly and kept us together during the hike to and from the beach. He also gave us water bottles and shared some interesting information with us. I was surprised that I was expected to drive my family to the beach. It was a 25 minute drive from Playa Grande. This was not mentioned when we booked our tour and when I asked if I could receive a reduced fee, I was informed that was not possible since it was already a good price. It was just a little frustrating that the other 5 people were able to drive in the tour guide’s vehicle and they did not have to pay for gas or drive in the dark on dirt roads. All in all, we had a very memorable experience but I think that the tour company should make it clear that we had to drive ourselves or they should not have booked more than 5 people that night.
Response from the operator: Hello, thank you for the review. Sea turtles are not easy animals to see; we have to travel to their habitat. If I asked you to bring your vehicle, it was only for your convenience. You can return to your country in peace, satisfied that you saw this sensitive species. As for the other groups, I cannot control them; Costa Rica is in its peak tourist season.
via Tripadvisor
overall great experience
Our family had a great experience with Pablo. He was knowledgeable and friendly and accommodating with our 7-year-old son. It was amazing to see 2 mommy turtles, a turtle hatching with many cute little turtles making their way to the ocean, and bioluminescence in the sand on the beach. We took a video of the sweet baby turtles; I’m attaching a photo. The only problem was that there was a big group coming after us making a lot of noises, which must have disturbed the mommy turtle trying to dig a nest. She took a long time and couldn’t get it done. We left early due to the commotion.
Response from the operator: I'm glad it was so unforgettable; they now have a consciousness that will last them the rest of their lives. I will always remember them fondly. Greetings to Dilan, pura vida!!! Pablo
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Flamingo.
How much does Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR cost?
+
Prices start at $55 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 Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR take?
+
Plan for about 3 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 Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 20 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 Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
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 Tour Playa Grande CR suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
Around 7 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?
+
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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
Beach Club Playa Grande is located 75 meters before reaching the main entrance of Playa Grande. The guide will be waiting for you in a champagne-colored 4X4 Nissan Terrano model car. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR offered in?
+
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 Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
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 Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR if the weather is bad?
+
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 Tour Playa Grande CR?
+
Across 20 reviews averaging 4.6 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: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR.
Pick your date




