Green Turtle Arribada (Aves Island) — Tortuguero

About this spectacle

Tortuguero's beaches come alive each year as hundreds of green turtles emerge from the Caribbean Sea under cover of darkness to nest on the dark volcanic sand. Visitors watch in near-silence as massive females haul themselves ashore, dig deep chambers with their rear flippers, and deposit clutches of eggs before returning to the surf. The humid jungle air, the sound of waves, and the slow, deliberate movement of these ancient creatures create a profoundly immersive experience. Rangers guide small groups using red-filtered lights to minimise disturbance. Hatchlings, if timed correctly, can be witnessed scrambling en masse toward the sea. The surrounding rainforest-fringed waterways, accessible only by boat, amplify the sense of remoteness and wildness.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jul — Oct

Getting there

Nearest airport: SJO. Nearest city: Limón.

Booking options

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