safarigirl8

I'm traveling alone in CR for 13 days starting 2/1 and am torn about how to see all I want in a short time. Regarding turtles this time of year, which should I do???

volcanogirl

The turtles that we saw in Tortuguero are only there from July through October. I'm not sure if there are other varieties that nest at other times of year though. I hope you get to see them - it was pretty amazing.

petite43

I've never been there to see the turtles lay there eggs but have been to Playa Grande during President's week a few times and was able to see turtles hatch & head down to the water which was amazing. The volunteers who help the turtles are out early(5am)picking them up so they can release them later on after dark but we hit the beach at the same time so were able to watch. The volunteers would also dig into each nest to count & examine all of the eggs that were there and gave us a quick "turtle lesson". Witnessing this was the highlight of all my travels. The best part was that I didn't have to pay a fortune, take a tour or fight with a crowd...we woke up, walked the beach and there they were. Nature doing what was intended.

I'm not sure about Tortuguero either but seems like your timing will be right for Playa Grande. I hope you get to see them!

qwovadis

www.leatherback.org

your best bet in Feb.

safarigirl8

Thank you!!!

cocoa3c

I read somewhere that you can't go on the turtle watches in March at Playa Grande or Baulas park near Tamarindo, is this true? We will be staying in Tamarindo for two weeks in March and I was hoping to see the turtles. Thanks!

joeschmo

Mid February used to be the cut-off date for 'guided' turtle watches at Playa Grande.

hsmithcr

An article today in InsideCostaRica.com talks about the turtles at Playa Grande. Leatherbacks coming ashore to lay their eggs are down from 1500 to 39 - which is actually higher than last year. Volunteers are taking the eggs to protect and hatch and then release. If you are looking for turtles, perhaps Playa Grande is not the place to go. It may be difficult to see them with these small numbers and you will not help them by adding more human activity to this already stressed area.