Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Ostional)

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Ostional) Review

This wildlife refuge protects one of Costa Rica's major nesting beaches for olive ridley turtles. Locals have formed an association to run the reserve on a cooperative basis, and during the first 36 hours of the arribadas (mass nesting) they are allowed to harvest the eggs, on the premise that eggs laid during this time would likely be destroyed by subsequent waves of mother turtles. Though turtles nest here year-round, the largest arribadas, with thousands of turtles nesting over the courses of several nights, occur from July to December, though smaller arribadas take place between January and May. They usually occur around high tide, the week of a new moon. People in Nosara usually know when an arribada has begun. The mandatory guide-led tours of the nesting and hatching areas cost $10 per person. Stop at the kiosk at the entrance to the beach to arrange a tour, or at the Association of Guides office, 25 meters south of the beach entrance on the main road, next to Cabinas Ostional.