Sea turtles nest on hidden beaches purposely kept off the beaten track near Tamarindo. This half-day tour takes travelers to one such undisturbed beach near Playa Minas in search of ridley and leatherback sea turtles and their nests. Get the chance to observe the animals deposit their eggs and return to the water while respecting government conservation rules at all times.

A small-group tour in search of sea turtle nests near Tamarindo
Observe the animals while respecting conservation rules at all times
Spend about an hour searching for ridley and leatherback sea turtles
Hassle-free round-trip transportation from Tamarindo

What's Included

Flash Light
Bottled water
Snacks

Gratuity
Long sleeve top and trousers, must be dark clothing as not to distract the turtles
Comfortable shoes for walking
Mosquito Repellent

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

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Start time

05:00 pm

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Playa Mina

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible

Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers

Operated by Sol Eco Adventures

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

36 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-4 of 36 reviews

A Great Experience - thanks to the people we met.

Kenny_B, Apr 2023

We had a very kind, older "guide." He walked us to a beautiful beach where we found some baby turtles - very cute. Then, he suggested we stay at our of the beach and keep exploring while he went his own way. Eventually, we met up with another group led by two guides who were MUCH more engaging and informative. They were digging tutles out of the sand, explaining why and how they were doing it, how important presevrvation is, etc...they were REALLY dynamic. We (and our guide) stayed with them for the remainder of our visit. He seemed to rely on them for guidance and information. Eventually, we walked back to the truck, which is when he offered snacks and water. A nice man, but not nearly as engaging and informative as the other groups (I don't know where they were from). Also: when he sent me a message about where to meet him, he reminded me to bring tip money, which always rubs me the wrong way.

Your guide was unreliable

Devan_R, Dec 2022

Tour guide was intoxicated and his car had no license plates. He claimed it was broke down then wanted to get in our vehicle so we cancelled and never went on the tour.

Buyer Beware!

Debbie_B, Sept 2020

A disastrous tour from start to finish. We expected to be taken by the guide but were asked to follow him for a ‘30’minute (50 minute) drive over rough terrain to the remote beach. He stopped on the way for batteries for the flashlights(why was he not pre-prepared?) Getting any information out of him was like prizing blood from a stone. A dark 20 minute hike was followed by a silent trek across the sand occasionally punctuated by vague sentences about old nests and we were able to view 2 nests ravaged by raccoons. No nesting turtles ( which we accept because nature does not perform on demand) But the worst was we returned to our car which had the door and window smashed in and a theft. Tom gave no advice on contacting the Tourist Police just presented a towel to wipe away the glass and set off at speed back up the track. No snack or drink as promised. No warm welcome or local knowledge as we have experienced with all our other Costa Rican encounters. We felt poorly treated, wet and miserable. Buyer beware. We are seeking a refund!

Response from Host, Sept 2020

A very unfortunate tour. Clients where recommended to follow me with their own car since they had it already. Covid 19 rule' on social distance . I drove my car they followed just for health reasons. They agreed The car was left parkef by the side of the road as Many people have done over many years On the way back we realized the brake in. The safest thing to do was to drive as quickly as possible to get away from this dark and isolated spot to avoid any possible attack. Once safe in tamarindo My suggestion was to call car rental people and find out what did they need Police takes a long time to respond and tbat was no eme rgencies as they where already safe in tamarindo. The water and snacks We give after the hike to the beach and back We also answer questions and give information about things they saw and talk about turtle conservation program's. All that was forgoten for the sake of getting back asap. They where left at the same place we met Safe except car damages #since the insurance company will take care of the damages we departed. That the road was bad far dark etc is not my choice. That is where turtles nest after dark. If it rained a bit not my choice and they where told to bring raingear Which they had ! On the way to the tour i stopped for fresh batteries for the flashlights I had already had them but i wanted to have spares just in case. That is to be More prepared than not And it took 2 minutes to get them . What was the hurry? So overall the brake in their car ruins anything else that o did or didnt. I understand their anger resentment frustrations etc.i feel they had the reason to be like that. And if was a freak incident which i never anticipated let alone be responsible in any way for that. Furthermore since their i insurance will have to take care of that i dont see a reason they demand money. This tour is also offered with the intention of showing a beautiful trails and beaches at night to experience sounds ,smells ,sights and more.which they never appreciated . Next time dont go on tours that require fisical activities as walking in silence trough dark wet traiks and beaches I willingly take them again for free if they have the interest. And i am sorry they had a bad night. Hope they where able to have a good a safe trip back home. Blessing to all!

Desove de tortugas

Aaron_C, Dec 2021

Vimos 5 tortugas en la playa y jna de ellas decidió poner huevos delante de nosotros depsues de preparar el nido durante horas