Just across the estuary from Tamarindo lies Playa Grande, a long, wild beach that forms the heart of Las Baulas National Marine Park, created to protect one of the most important Pacific nesting sites of the leatherback turtle. The leatherback is the largest sea turtle on Earth, an ancient animal that can weigh hundreds of kilograms and travels huge distances across the ocean before returning to the beach where it hatched. The nesting season runs through the dry months, roughly from the end of the year into early spring, and the park protects the sand with strict rules: guided groups only, no flashlights or flash photography, no loud talking and no approaching the turtle until the guides say so. The tour we link is a night excursion from Tamarindo, which means a transfer to Playa Grande, a briefing, and a wait in the dark while the guides and park rangers search the sand for turtles that have come ashore. When one is found, groups are led quietly to watch her dig a nest, lay her eggs and cover the clutch before crawling back to the surf. It can be a moving, humbling experience, but it is also wild: nights without turtles do happen, and the operator will explain what happens in that case.
How it works
You book a date within the nesting season and the operator collects you from your Tamarindo hotel or a meeting point in the evening. Details such as the pickup time, the group size and the length of the waiting period depend on the option you choose, so read the inclusions on the ticket and confirm them with the operator. Entry to the beach is managed by park rules and guides, which is part of what protects the nests, so you cannot simply wander onto the sand at night.
What to expect
Much of the evening is spent waiting, sometimes for an hour or more, so bring patience and a layer for the breeze. When a turtle is spotted, the guide leads the group to a respectful distance, usually from behind, using red or very dim light. Leatherbacks are slow and ponderous on land, and the process of digging a nest chamber with her back flippers, laying eggs and covering the nest can take a couple of hours.
There are no guarantees
Sightings depend on the season, tide and luck, and the best months are in the middle of the nesting period. Out of season, you may instead learn about the beach and its conservation work.
Making the most of it
Wear dark, quiet clothing, closed shoes or sandals that can get sandy, and bring insect repellent. Leave your phone in your pocket, because lights and screens can disturb the turtles, and follow the guides' instructions exactly. If you are travelling with children, consider whether they can stay quiet and awake late. Pair the evening with a lazy next morning, and consider supporting local conservation groups that monitor nests and protect hatchlings through the season.
Good to know
The beach at night is a protected nesting ground, and responsible behaviour matters more than any photograph. Guides coordinate with park rangers, who limit group sizes and visiting hours, and fees paid for tours help fund monitoring and the relocation of vulnerable nests. If you want to learn more before you go, ask the operator about the work of local turtle groups and what you can do afterwards, such as avoiding single-use plastic, which turtles mistake for jellyfish.
Hatchlings sometimes emerge in the early morning, but watching them is controlled, and you should never touch or help them toward the sea yourself.
What to expect
The experience
A guided night excursion from Tamarindo to the nesting beaches of Playa Grande to watch leatherback turtles, under park rules.
Best time
The nesting season runs through the dry months, roughly from late in the year into early spring; ask the operator which weeks are strongest.
How long
A long evening of several hours including transfers, a briefing and waiting time on the sand.
Tips
Wear dark clothing, keep lights and cameras off, bring repellent and a layer, and follow the guides closely.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers who want a rare, quiet encounter with one of the planet's largest and oldest sea turtles.
- Families
- Suitable for patient older children who can stay quiet; very young children may find the late hours and waiting hard.
- Couples
- A memorable, understated evening for couples who like nature more than nightlife.
- Pair with
- A relaxed beach morning or a mangrove tour the next day, once you have caught up on sleep.
- Time needed
- Allow an entire evening; sightings can come early or very late.
Good questions
Will I definitely see a turtle?+
No. Sightings depend on the season, tide and luck, and some nights have no nesting turtles. Ask the operator what their policy is if none appear.
When is turtle nesting season?+
Leatherbacks nest during the dry months, roughly from the end of the year into early spring. Check with the operator for the strongest weeks.
Can I take photos?+
Flash and lights are not allowed because they disturb the turtles, and guides often ask visitors to keep phones away. Enjoy the moment instead.
What is a leatherback turtle?+
It is the largest sea turtle in the world, with a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard one, and it nests on only a few beaches along this coast.
Is it suitable for children?+
Often yes for older children who can be quiet and stay up late, but check the operator's age rules, and remember that the waiting can be long.