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Turtle Watching Ostional

Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a protected turtle nesting refuge located south from Tamarindo, Flamingo, or Hermosa on the Nicoya peninsula The main attraction within the refuge is Ostional Beach, the largest of two locations in Costa Rica where the annual arribada, or the arrival of olive ridley sea turtles takes place. This unique phenomenon only occurs in nine locations around the world! Turtle nesting on Ostional Beach occurs year-round but hits a peak in the rainy season. On a dark night about a week before the new moon, hundreds of thousands of olives ridley sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. The hatchlings surface at night within 45 to 54 days of nesting depending on incubation temperatures. Watch in wonder as these baby sea turtles clamber toward the sea, avoiding predators like dogs and vultures. When to visit for the olive ridley arribadas: September – October; fewer numbers occur January – June

 

Includes: Water, sodas, and beers

Pick up Time: 3:00 PM

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