Sea turtles in Costa Rica have become a very important
part of the allure of this tropical paradise. Since becoming
endangered—due to poachers, commercial fishing,
and pollution—turtles in Costa
Rica have attracted a lot of attention, most of which
has been for the good. Wherever Costa Rica turtles are
found, there are guidelines set up to protect them, a
job that Costa Ricans, or Ticos, have taken very seriously.
There are four main species of sea turtles in Costa Rica; the leatherback, the hawksbill, the loggerhead, and the green sea turtle. Each of these species are endangered and are highly protected. Every year, during their respective nesting seasons, hundreds of Costa Rica turtles come ashore to lay eggs, and then return to the water from which they came. A few months later, during each species' hatching season, hundreds more turtles, but this time babies, will emerge from the sand and find their ways into the ocean.
In order to witness such a spectacular event, arrangements
must be made to take a guided night tour. Ticos are very
strict when it comes to their Costa Rica turtles. Most
of the most popular beaches
for laying and hatching are even closed down for the night.
However, for visitors wanting to witness these remarkable
phenomena, a tour must
be booked. Though Ticos are strict about the turtles'
safety, they are also happy to share them with visitors.
Some of the most popular beaches for seeing these sea
turtles in Costa Rica include Playa
Grande, Playa Hermosa,
and Tortuguero Beach.
All of these locations offer guided tours to see turtles
in Costa Rica.
