Recognized around the world for its ecotourism industry, Costa Rica is home to numerous species of animals, including four species of turtles, green, leatherback, olive ridley, and hawksbill. Throughout the country are dozens of vital nesting beaches. For travelers who are interested in learning more about ecotourism, these beaches are an excellent place to begin.
Among the most popular sites for viewing turtles in Costa Rica include Pacuare Research Station and Osa Peninsula. Pacuare Research Station serves as a leatherback turtle conservation project and is situated south of Tortuguero along the northern Caribbean coast. Osa Peninsula, the most protected part of Costa Rica, is home to both hawksbills and green turtles as well as serves as nesting beaches for olive ridleys.
Planning a Visit to Costa Rica During Hatching Season
If you are planning a visit to Costa Rica to view the turtles during nesting season, it is important to know when to visit, as different species nest at different times. Leatherbacks nest on the Caribbean between the months of March to July. On the Pacific coast, they nest from September to March. For green turtles, plan to visit the North Caribbean between June and October. For visitors planning to view Olive Ridleys, the best place to visit is along the Pacific Coast. Unlike other species of turtles, Olive Ridleys nest throughout the year. On certain beaches, nesting does tend to be concentrated between the months of July and November. Hawksbills nest in September and October in Cahuita National Park. All of the sea turtle species that breed, nest and hatch along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica are endangered.
In the 1990s, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project was born. Today, the Association of Volunteers for Service in Protected Areas in Costa Rica manages the protection for Matapalo Beach, situated between Manuel Antonio and Dominical. While there is only a small community here, Matapalo Beach serves as a nesting ground for three endangered sea turtle species. Around the world, a number of threats are posed to sea turtles, including water pollution, poachers, and loss of habitat as a result of beach development.
Beginning in early June, hundreds of Olive Ridley, Pacific Black and Hawksbill turtles make their way to Matapalo Beach. This continues to December. It is worth noting that only the female turtles will make their way back to the beaches where they were hatched. Each nest produces as many as 100 baby turtles, but only about one in one thousand sea turtles will actually survive to adulthood. Those that do will often live as long as 60 years.
If you would like to learn more about turtle hatching in Costa Rica, this videois an excellent resource.
