Tortuguero Night Turtle Tour — Guided Sea Turtle Nesting Experience
Experience a guided night visit to Tortuguero’s protected beaches during peak turtle season. Meet at Almond Dock, follow certified guides in dark clothing, and observe nesting turtles under strict park rules—no lights, photos, or flashes.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress dark and arrive prepared
Wear dark, non-reflective clothing and closed-toe shoes—bright colors attract attention and white can disorient nesting turtles.
Skip the flashlight
Lights and cameras are prohibited; bring only essentials and rely on the guide’s red light for orientation.
Hydrate before you go
Night humidity makes exertion deceptive—drink water before the tour and carry a small bottle if allowed.
Follow ranger instructions
Park staff assign sectors and enforce distances from turtles to protect the animals and you—obey guidance at all times.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pre-dawn canal boat rides for birding near Tortuguero village
- •Sea Turtle Conservancy and local education centers with daytime exhibits and hatchling release updates
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- •Howler monkey and caiman frequently heard or seen in canals
Conservation Note
Night tours are tightly regulated to reduce light and human disturbance—staying dark, quiet, and at prescribed distances helps ensure nesting success and long-term protection.
The park was established in the 1970s to protect key nesting beaches; community-based conservation has limited beachfront development and regulated night access.
What to Bring
Closed-toe trail shoesEssential
Protects feet on hot or uneven sand and through marshy paths to assigned sectors.
Dark, quick-dry clothingEssential
Non-reflective fabrics reduce disturbance to nesting turtles and dry quickly in humid conditions.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated before and after the walk—small amounts of water are useful on hot, humid nights.
Light rain jacket
A compact shell helps during occasional tropical showers, especially in the wet season.
Common Questions
Can I take photos or videos during the tour?
No—photography and video are prohibited during night nesting observations to avoid stressing turtles and disrupting natural behavior.
Where do we meet and what time?
Meet at Almond Dock in Tortuguero; your guide will confirm the exact meeting time the day of the tour (tours run roughly 8–10pm or 10pm–12am during nesting season).
Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour is family-friendly but involves walking on sand at night; check with the operator if you need assistance or have mobility concerns—some sectors require a taxi-boat transfer.
What happens if weather is bad?
Tours generally operate unless severe conditions make beaches unsafe; cancellation and refund policy allows full refund with 24-hour notice as per booking terms.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Tortuguero, Limón
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can walk 1–2 miles on soft, uneven sand at night; not strenuous but requires steady footing.
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