Witness the Spectacular Olive Ridley Turtle Arribada in Ostional, Costa Rica
‘Haven’t you heard about the turtle arribada in Ostional?’ our local host Christina asked when we expressed our dream of seeing sea turtles. We had heard it was possible in Costa Rica.
“Hundreds of thousands of olive ridley turtles swarm the beach to lay their eggs, just a few miles up the road,” she explained. This phenomenon occurs four times a year, about ten days before the new moon from August to November, when massive groups nest simultaneously, depositing millions of eggs.
We couldn’t believe our fortune. Despite extensive snorkeling in the Caribbean where we spotted just one turtle, we were about to witness more in one event than most see in a lifetime. Arribada, a Spanish term meaning ‘arrival,’ perfectly captures this extraordinary mass nesting.
Predicting the exact timing isn’t precise, so we monitored daily Facebook updates from local guides. Finally, confirmation came—just as Jess had to leave for a quick trip home to Chicago. Sadly, we wouldn’t share this unforgettable experience.
When our friend Denise called to head to Ostional Beach, I was ready in minutes, buzzing with excitement. This rare event happens at only a few global sites, with Ostional as the world’s second-largest nesting ground after India’s. Outside arribada season, the village is quiet, but it draws crowds during these events.
We parked a mile from the village and walked to the black-sand beach, immediately spotting a solitary turtle digging her nest with her flippers. I approached quietly, in awe of this intimate wildlife moment.
Initially, turtles arrive singly or in pairs, laboriously hauling their 40-50 kg (90-110 lb) shells up the beach to dig nests. Unfazed by observers, they excavate holes about 2 feet deep, deposit 80-100 ping-pong-ball-sized eggs, cover them, and return to the sea within 30 minutes.
Eggs face immediate threats: vultures swoop in post-laying, followed by dogs scavenging remains until locals shoo them. Villagers legally collect and sell eggs on the first two days, earning up to $200,000 per season despite the species’ endangered status.
Turtles also disrupt each other; thousands jostling on the beach often excavate atop existing nests, dislodging eggs.
Of the 10+ million eggs laid per arribada, few survive predators, humans, and inter-turtle chaos.
Hatching 45-50 days later, only 1 in 50 hatchlings reaches the water. Tiny—half the size of an adult hand—they’re vulnerable to vultures, dogs, and ocean predators.
By 3:30 PM upon arrival, few turtles dotted the beach; an hour later, it resembled a field of boulders as shells covered the sand.
At sunset, thousands created chaos, trampling for nesting space. Sitting amid a cluster, I watched them dig tirelessly, sand flying until eggs dropped one by one.
We left at dusk, eager to return. Later reports suggested this was Ostional’s largest arribada ever. Rainy season brought downpours the next day, but cleared for a third-day visit.
Day three featured weaker turtles: three-legged, shark-bitten, scarred, or deformed ones struggling ashore, nesting perilously near tides. We assisted by righting those flipped by waves.
As the final stragglers returned to sea, the arribada concluded.
Plan Your Visit to Ostional’s Turtle Arribada: Essential Guide
Getting to Ostional
Ostional sits on the Nicoya Peninsula—a quiet village most of the year with basic hotels and eateries.
It’s 90 minutes north of Samara or a 6-hour drive from San José. Nosara, a surf hub 30 minutes south, is the nearest town. Occasional flights connect Nosara to San José and Liberia.
Note: Rent a 4x4 to ford rivers, especially in rainy season between Nosara and Ostional.
Where to Stay Near Ostional
Ostional Hotels
- Luxury boutique Luna Azul (under 1 mile from beach) offers jungle views and a pool. Bungalows from US$147/night with breakfast.
Ostional Airbnbs
- Ostional Turtle Lodge: Comfortable rooms near beach from US$65/night—ideal for turtle viewing.
- Arrivada de Tortugas: Bungalows with pool from US$50/night.
Tip: New to Airbnb? Use my referral for up to $40 off your first booking.
Nearby Options
Nosara (30 mins south) has abundant luxury stays. San Juanillo (20 mins north) offers serene beaches:
- Paraíso Terrenal: 2-bedroom beachside home with kitchen, US$80/night (2-night min).
- Chalet San Juanillo: 2-bedroom with pool, BBQ; US$80-135/night.
- Cocobolo Beach Resort: Ocean-view rooms with breakfast from US$169/night.
Viewing the Arribada
- Peak activity at night, but first three days see daytime turtles from 4 PM.
- NO flash photography!
Support Turtle Conservation in Ostional
Remote Ostional needs volunteers during low-season arribadas to aid hatchlings.
Contact for updates and opportunities:
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge: 2682-0400
- ASVO Volunteers: (506) 8843-2324 / 2258-4430 / 2233-4430 / 2233-4989
- Wendy Cruz (Lora Hills): [email protected]; 506-8816-9815
