Tracking Turtles in Costa Rica

Why Is Costa Rica One of the Best Places in the World to See Sea Turtles?

Costa Rica protects several of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Eastern Pacific, providing critical habitat where females return each season to lay their eggs. Weeks later, hatchlings emerge from the sand and move toward the ocean, guided by the reflection of moonlight on the water.

Researchers study nesting activity here to understand how climate change, beach conditions and ocean health affect turtle survival. Because nesting occurs at night, conservation patrols offer the rare opportunity to observe wild sea turtles while supporting research that helps protect them.

Quick Facts: Tracking Turtles in Costa Rica

• Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific coast of Costa Rica

• Research partner: The Leatherback Trust

• Primary species: Leatherback, olive ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles

• Key activity: Nighttime nesting patrols and boat-based turtle research

• Conservation focus: Nest monitoring, juvenile turtle research and environmental data collection
  

What Wildlife Will I See on a Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica?

While sea turtles are the primary focus, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast supports a diverse mix of coastal, marine and forest wildlife that you are likely to encounter throughout your stay. These nesting beaches and surrounding forests form a dynamic ecosystem shaped by tides, currents and seasonal weather patterns. Many species move between ocean, shoreline and forest habitats, offering varied wildlife sightings during both day and night.

Most Likely

• Sea turtles (nesting females or hatchlings, depending on season)

• Dolphins (especially during boat excursions)

• Howler monkeys (often heard before they are seen)

• White-faced capuchin monkeys (frequently seen moving through the trees)

• Iguanas (commonly seen basking in the sun near forest edges and open areas)

• Pelicans and frigatebirds flying offshore

• Herons and egrets along wetlands and estuaries

• Shorebirds such as sandpipers and plovers feeding along the tide line

• Ghost crabs and hermit crabs, especially during night patrols

• Tropical fish observed during boat or snorkeling activities

Medium Likelihood

• Spider monkeys moving through the canopy

• Coatis foraging along forest edges

• Raccoons on beaches at night

• Rays (including mobula or devil rays) offshore

• Parrots and parakeets in the coastal forest

• Motmots perched in shaded vegetation

• Tree frogs (active after dark)

• Basilisk lizards near water or forest edges

Rare

• Small sharks (reef species offshore)

• Boa constrictors and other snakes (occasionally seen in forested areas)

• Crocodiles (present in the region but not typically seen in main guest areas)

• Hawksbill turtles (less common than green or olive ridley turtles)

• Daytime nesting turtles (occasionally observed but not expected)

What Is the Climate Like While Tracking Turtles in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has a warm tropical climate year-round, with high temperatures, humidity and strong sun exposure. Fieldwork takes place on exposed beaches and nearshore environments, where participants experience direct sun during the day and warm, humid conditions during nighttime patrols, with little temperature variation between day and night.

Rainfall varies seasonally, with drier conditions typically from December through April and more frequent, short bursts of rain from May through November. Because research takes place outdoors for extended periods—often at night or in full sun—participants should be prepared for heat, humidity, sun exposure and occasional rain in any season.

What Should I Pack for a Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica?

Participants should pack for warm coastal conditions and nighttime fieldwork. Recommended items include:

• Lightweight shirts and pants

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for nighttime patrols

• Comfortable footwear such as sneakers or sturdy sandals for walking on sand

• Headlamp with a red-light setting (to minimize disturbance to nesting turtles)

• Wide-brimmed hat

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Refillable water bottle

• Small daypack

Bring several pairs of socks for nighttime patrols, as they help protect feet from sand abrasion and insect bites. A lightweight rain jacket is recommended during the rainy season.

What Will I Experience While Tracking Turtles in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast supports some of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Eastern Pacific, where leatherback, olive ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles return each year to lay their eggs. Participants assist scientists with conservation research both on protected nesting beaches and offshore in juvenile feeding areas, helping monitor turtles, protect nests and collect data that supports long-term conservation.

What Does Daily Fieldwork Look Like?

Fieldwork follows the natural rhythms of the turtles, with nighttime beach patrols focused on locating and documenting nesting activity. Daytime work may include boat-based research, coastal observation and data collection in marine habitats, depending on conditions and research priorities.

By contributing to field research alongside The Leatherback Trust, participants directly support conservation efforts along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.