The Ultimate Guide to Turtle Tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Family-Tested!)
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If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary about turtles and quietly thought, “One day, I want to see that in real life”, then a turtle tour in Tamarindo, Costa Rica might be EXACTLY your moment. And seeing these incredible creatures nesting right in front of your kids? That’s the kind of travel experience they’ll still be talking about when they’re grown.
Images of turtles hauling themselves up moonlit beaches were always part of our Costa Rica daydreaming. And when we were planning our family gap year, “see nesting turtles” ranked VERY high on our wish list (and even higher on the boys’ list — I think it tied with “hold a sloth,” which I assured them was definitely not going to happen).
And yet, for such a magical experience, planning a turtle tour felt surprisingly confusing.
Where can you see turtles in Costa Rica?
When is turtle season?
Is Tamarindo good for kids?
How do you choose a tour that’s actually ethical?
SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.
So in this guide, I’m sharing exactly how we made our dream turtle encounter happen — plus everything we learned as a family travelling Costa Rica with kids.
Here’s what’s inside:
- The turtles you can see in Costa Rica
- The best time of year for turtle nesting
- Why Tamarindo is one of the easiest places to see turtles
- What a turtle tour is really like
- How much it costs
- Family-friendly tips you’ll actually use
- Where to stay in Tamarindo
- How to book the most reliable (and ethical) tours
Let’s begin!
What Species of Turtles Can You See in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is home to several incredible sea turtle species, including:
- Green turtles (common in Tamarindo/Las Baulas)
- Olive Ridleys
- Hawksbills
- Leatherbacks (rare, but HUGE — the size of a dining table)
Which species you see depends on where and when you visit.
For us, visiting in November, our best chance was Green turtles along the beaches north of Tamarindo.
Where Can You See Nesting Turtles in Costa Rica?
Sea turtles nest on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and the timing varies by species. If turtle watching is a must-do for your family trip, it’s worth planning your itinerary around the right place at the right time.
A simplified breakdown:
Pacific Coast (Tamarindo / Las Baulas National Park)
- Green turtles
- Olive Ridleys
- Nesting happens most months, with peak periods depending on species
- EASIEST location for families due to accessibility
Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero)
- Green turtles (huge numbers in peak season)
- Loggerheads & Hawksbills occasionally
- Incredible for wildlife, BUT much harder to access with kids
For us, simplicity won.
After hours of research (truly… hours), we realised the beaches north of Tamarindo offered the best odds for late-season nesting and the easiest logistics with children.
Want the find the best places to stay in Costa Rica?
Check out our in-depth guide to the BEST hotels, eco-lodges and beachfront getaways for families (on any budget!)
When Is the Best Time to See Turtles in Costa Rica?
Different species nest at different times, but in general:
- Green turtles: July–October (peak), with some late nests in November
- Olive Ridleys: Year-round, peak August–December
- Leatherbacks: Rare, occasional September–March
Full moon nights sometimes increase activity — but you NEVER need a full moon to see turtles.
If nesting turtles are the priority of your trip, plan your dates around peak months above.
Why Take a Turtle Tour in Tamarindo? (Especially With Kids)
Tamarindo wasn’t our favourite Costa Rica destination (a bit too busy for our personal taste), but when it came to easy, ethical turtle watching, it was absolutely the right choice.
Here’s why Tamarindo works so well for families:
⭐ 1. It’s extremely easy to reach
Accessible from both San José and Liberia, plus close to other popular family stops.
⭐ 2. Tons of family-friendly accommodation
From budget rooms to beachfront resorts, everything is walkable and convenient.
⭐ 3. Plenty of reputable turtle tour operators
Meaning you can book ahead OR last minute.
⭐ 4. Turtles nest here most of the year
Green and Olive Ridley turtles are spotted in many seasons.
⭐ 5. Logistically simple for tired, sandy children
No long boat rides, multi-transfer journeys, or complicated logistics.
We originally considered Tortuguero — stunning, but harder to reach. If you’re short on time, travelling long-term, or simply don’t fancy multi-stage transfers with kids, Tamarindo wins.
What to Expect on a Turtle Tour in Tamarindo (Our Experience)
We booked our tour with Nature’s Way, choosing them specifically because they emphasise ethical viewing and small groups. We booked about a week in advance — doable, but if your dates are fixed, definitely book earlier during peak season.
⭐ The adventure begins
Our tour started at 6pm with a pickup in central Tamarindo.
A 45-minute minibus drive later (including 15 VERY bumpy minutes on unpaved tracks), we arrived at a remote, moonlit beach.
The walk from the van to the beach — in complete darkness — was an adventure in its own right. No lights are allowed at all (they disturb turtles), so the kids were simultaneously thrilled and mildly terrified.
⭐ The first sighting
We spotted our first turtle almost immediately. Another group was already gathered, so our guide held us back to avoid adding pressure. Instead, he explained turtle tracks, nesting behaviour, and how guides locate turtles using red lights only.
⭐ The magical moment
After waiting quietly, we were led to another turtle who was just beginning to dig her nest.
We crouched in the sand, barely breathing, while we watched her scoop perfect bowlfuls of sand with her back flippers. Our eldest even got a faceful of freshly flung sand — and absolutely loved it.
Then she shifted, settled… and began laying her eggs. Right in front of us. It was honestly one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. The boys were shaking with excitement (silently!). I was blinking back tears.
⭐ More turtles
By the end, we’d seen seven or eight turtles — some nesting, some returning to the sea — and every moment felt like a privilege.
Our guide was patient, knowledgeable, and brilliant with the kids.
Book the Turtle Tour We Recommend
If you want the same unforgettable experience, this is the turtle tour from Tamarindo we booked and now recommend for families:
👉 Book your magical turtle experience with Nature’s Way here
How Much Does a Turtle Tour Cost?
We paid £165 for five people (three adults + two children), which included:
- Transport
- Knowledgeable, ethical guide
- Red-light torches
- Bottled water
Tamarindo turtle tours generally range from $40–$65 per person, depending on:
- Operator
- Group size
- Season
- Whether transport is included
Always choose a tour with strict ethical guidelines. Don’t scrimp on this bit!
Where to Stay in Tamarindo (Family-Friendly Options)
Tamarindo has accommodation for every budget, all within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the beach.
⭐ Best Budget Stay: Villa Alta Tamarindo
Affordable, tons of space, cute little pool, great location, and excellent for families watching their spending.
👉 Book your budget stay at Villa Alta Tamarindo here
⭐ Best Mid-Range Option: Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel
Just a couple of minutes from the beach, big family poolside rooms and loads of tours available to book.
👉 Book your stay at Ten North Tamarindo here
⭐ Best Beach Resort: Diria Beach Resort
Beachfront pools, great sunsets, kid-friendly atmosphere — perfect for families wanting convenience.
👉 Splash out on a fantastic family stay at Diria Beach Resort here
If you’re travelling Costa Rica on a budget, we’ve rounded up our favourite family-friendly places to stay from across the country here:
👉 Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica for Families
Tips for Turtle Tours in Costa Rica with Kids
✔ Check nesting seasons before planning your trip
✔ Bring a flashlight for the walk — but do NOT turn it on at the beach
✔ Switch off all phones, watches, and fitness trackers (no rogue lights!)
✔ Brief kids beforehand about the need for silence
✔ Bring water for the wait
✔ Prepare for late bedtimes — tours often finish after 9–10pm
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moment, and sharing it with kids makes it even more special.
Worth every yawn the next morning.
Why a Turtle Tour in Tamarindo Is Absolutely Worth It
Seeing a turtle nest in the wild isn’t just another holiday activity — it’s one of those rare experiences that reshapes how your kids see the world. Watching a mother turtle laying her eggs under the stars, understanding the fragility of the process, and witnessing the calm determination of these ancient creatures… it sticks with you.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica with kids — whether you’re on a family gap year or squeezing adventure into limited vacation time — a turtle tour in Tamarindo is one of the most magical things you can do together.
Ready to Plan Your Turtle Adventure?
Here are your family-friendly next steps:
🐢 1. Book your turtle tour
This is the ethical, family-friendly tour we took and loved:
👉 Book your turtle tour in Tamarindo here
🏝 2. Grab our Costa Rica Travel Guide for Families
Packed with real costs, activity tips, and itineraries.
🧭 3. Explore more Costa Rica posts
- The Perfect 2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
- Where to see sloths in Costa Rica
- Stay under canvas in the Costa Rican jungle
- Costa Rica on a Budget
- Best Things to do in La Fortuna
- Swimming in the Bioluminescence
- Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park with Kids
- Jaguar Rescue Center Costa Rica Tour
- Our Favourite Eco-Lodge in Costa Rica
Your turtle adventure is waiting — and trust me, it’s worth every bit of planning.
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