Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge opinie, Santa Cruz
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
About
Suggested duration
> 3 godziny
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingThe area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
1 within 5 kms
Contribute
4.5
90 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Betsy V
Nosara, Kostaryka6 contributions
The turtles are hatching!
gru 2020 • Dla rodziny
Our concierge recommended a visit to see the turtles hatching. The 25 minute drive from Nosara was exciting (through a river! Glad we had 4WD!). But very worth it. $20 US per person. Limited/passable English by guide to help understand the experience but not necessary. 10 minute hike down the beach and you have to be careful where you step! These little guys coming popping up out of the sand and making their way to the ocean! We were there December 22, 2020. Call ahead to make sure of timing.
Written 24 grudnia 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JamesFFC
Maidenhead, UK652 contributions
Fantastic experience!
wrz 2020
Really well worth doing, but worth planning ahead for when to go. We visited during the arribada when the females come ashore to lay their eggs. We saw hundreds of turtles coming onto the beach, laying eggs, and then heading back to sea. It was hard to know where to look sometimes! We went on the 5am tour however, and by 6am, the turtles had started to disperse a little, and there were more people coming onto the beach. I'm glad we went at 5.
During COVID-19, the government has (as of mid-September 2020), made the slightly bizarre decision to close beaches at 14:30pm. This means your only option is to go in the morning.
Our guide was pleasant and answered the questions well about the turtles. It is clear the passion people have for these animals here. There are guides that can speak both Spanish and English. Cost to get in was 12,000CRC for tourists and quite a bit less for residents.
If you're there at the right time, I highly highly recommend making this a part of your Costa Rican holiday - it was by far the highlight of my time on the Pacific side - I hope to be back soon!
During COVID-19, the government has (as of mid-September 2020), made the slightly bizarre decision to close beaches at 14:30pm. This means your only option is to go in the morning.
Our guide was pleasant and answered the questions well about the turtles. It is clear the passion people have for these animals here. There are guides that can speak both Spanish and English. Cost to get in was 12,000CRC for tourists and quite a bit less for residents.
If you're there at the right time, I highly highly recommend making this a part of your Costa Rican holiday - it was by far the highlight of my time on the Pacific side - I hope to be back soon!
Written 26 września 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lazytravel
San Jose, Kostaryka311 contributions
Turtles
sie 2020 • Dla rodziny
Long stretch of black sand beach with many turtles hatching during season. This time visited the beach in day time with strong waves.
Written 20 sierpnia 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Florian254
Norddeutschland1 316 contributions
Once in a lifetime
lut 2020
We went in February and even though the great arriba was over there were still dozens of turtles that made in unto the beach, in fact so many in the area that we were in that we had to constantly shuffle to not be in the way of one.
Only red lights are allowed to not disturb the turtles so taking pictures is not easy, you have to have a guide that will make sure you get the whole experience. Oh and yes, the roads in that area are terrible.
But this was a once in a lifetime, watching a turtle laying eggs, thing we will never forget.
Only red lights are allowed to not disturb the turtles so taking pictures is not easy, you have to have a guide that will make sure you get the whole experience. Oh and yes, the roads in that area are terrible.
But this was a once in a lifetime, watching a turtle laying eggs, thing we will never forget.
Written 9 marca 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlbertaBushman
Grande Prairie, Kanada131 contributions
Visiting the red light district
lut 2020
We took in a turtle tour as we were there during the Olive Ridley Turtle "Arriva" when the females come ashore to lay their eggs. A local guide took us out at night where under the glare of their red lensed flashlights, which don't disturb the turtles, we watched the whole process from the haul out, digging of the sand pit, laying of eggs, and return to the ocean. The entance fee was a very reasonable $10 each. Well worth a visit.
Written 1 marca 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tina G
Kanada79 contributions
Amazing experience
lut 2020
Most turtles come to shore during high tides which is after the sunset. That way they do not have to “walk” so long. No one is allowed on the beach without a guide and no one is allowed to use flesh light. The guides will use a red flash light which does not bother the turtles.
However, there are a few turtles who are strong enough to come to shore during low tide and strong enough to “walk” all the way across the wide beach to lay eggs, and then “walk” back to the ocean.
We were lucky and saw the first one who came to shore at about 4:30pm when it was bright. She dug a hole, made a nest, laid about 100 eggs and covered them up, and then spent 10 minutes (!) diligently, painstakingly, laboriously camouflaged the site. When she was done concealing the site, you had no idea where the eggs were buried. Only at that time, she turned around, then “walked” a long way back to the ocean! The whole process took about one hour. By the time she vanished in the ocean, the majority of the turtles are not on the beach yet.
The lucky part was that we met a very helpful guide who took us to the beach in the late afternoon. A very wonderful Costa Rica women who was very enthusiastic about turtles and very enthusiastic on sharing her knowledge of the turtles. Unfortunately, we did not get her name.
We were so happy to see this process!
However, there are a few turtles who are strong enough to come to shore during low tide and strong enough to “walk” all the way across the wide beach to lay eggs, and then “walk” back to the ocean.
We were lucky and saw the first one who came to shore at about 4:30pm when it was bright. She dug a hole, made a nest, laid about 100 eggs and covered them up, and then spent 10 minutes (!) diligently, painstakingly, laboriously camouflaged the site. When she was done concealing the site, you had no idea where the eggs were buried. Only at that time, she turned around, then “walked” a long way back to the ocean! The whole process took about one hour. By the time she vanished in the ocean, the majority of the turtles are not on the beach yet.
The lucky part was that we met a very helpful guide who took us to the beach in the late afternoon. A very wonderful Costa Rica women who was very enthusiastic about turtles and very enthusiastic on sharing her knowledge of the turtles. Unfortunately, we did not get her name.
We were so happy to see this process!
Written 28 lutego 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
liverpool1023
Londyn, UK690 contributions
Solitary experience
sty 2020 • Pary
The trip here is reminiscent of various outtakes from Top Gear TV. There are miles of suspension-testing, patience -wearing driving over wash board roads.
What greets you is a very long expanse of black sand. Perfect for a lengthy walk and welcome leg stretcher. The sand has many jettisoned turtle shells; the occupants having long since scarpered towards the ocean.
On our first visit, on a Saturday late morning we didn’t see a soul on the beach - quite surreal.
What greets you is a very long expanse of black sand. Perfect for a lengthy walk and welcome leg stretcher. The sand has many jettisoned turtle shells; the occupants having long since scarpered towards the ocean.
On our first visit, on a Saturday late morning we didn’t see a soul on the beach - quite surreal.
Written 26 stycznia 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Placido
Tucson, AZ484 contributions
Amazing turtles experience
lis 2019 • Pary
This mass landing, or arribada, of olive ridley turtles reportedly began on Nov 20. We visited at daybreak after the third night and saw about 200-300 turtles laying eggs and/or returning to sea. Simultaneously we also saw about 5 hatchlings making their way into the surf. It was fantastic!
We stayed at nearby Luna Azul Hotel and were perfectly advised by Rolf, the owner, who has lived in Ostional for 16 years. He lined us up with a superb guide, Yamilett, as is required by the federal government.
We had also stopped by the beach in the mid-afternoon where we were greeted by two federal environmental rangers equipped with flak jackets and an assault weapon. Although their appearance looked somewhat ominous, they couldn't have been more polite, informative and kind. They explained that no one can visit the beach without an authorized guide at any time, day or night, during the arribada.
We then returned again on the fourth night after the arribada began and witnessed a much higher number of turtles. The total numbers diminish after the peak initial night when there could be well over 100,000 turtles! Nevertheless, it was clear there must have been thousands still arriving on the fourth night. Stunning!!!
Both the daybreak and night time tours are worthwhile. At a cost of $10US per person, the tours are very afforfable when paying the local guide and no one else. But to do this, it's easiest to stay overnight in Ostional or someplace else nearby like Playa San Juanillo. The morning tour started at 5am and our night tour started at 9pm.
The quality of the guides, and the amount of time they dedicate, can differ significantly. Yamilett was absolutely superb. Her english is quite good, she explained things with the skill of a teacher, and she was so passionate about turtle protection in her home town that she spent extra time with our group of 8 tourists. Find Yami and you will be assured a great experience. Ours lasted for 90 minutes although a different nighttime guide took us out for only one hour.
This is a magical spectacle of nature. If possible, see it at least once during your lifetime.
We stayed at nearby Luna Azul Hotel and were perfectly advised by Rolf, the owner, who has lived in Ostional for 16 years. He lined us up with a superb guide, Yamilett, as is required by the federal government.
We had also stopped by the beach in the mid-afternoon where we were greeted by two federal environmental rangers equipped with flak jackets and an assault weapon. Although their appearance looked somewhat ominous, they couldn't have been more polite, informative and kind. They explained that no one can visit the beach without an authorized guide at any time, day or night, during the arribada.
We then returned again on the fourth night after the arribada began and witnessed a much higher number of turtles. The total numbers diminish after the peak initial night when there could be well over 100,000 turtles! Nevertheless, it was clear there must have been thousands still arriving on the fourth night. Stunning!!!
Both the daybreak and night time tours are worthwhile. At a cost of $10US per person, the tours are very afforfable when paying the local guide and no one else. But to do this, it's easiest to stay overnight in Ostional or someplace else nearby like Playa San Juanillo. The morning tour started at 5am and our night tour started at 9pm.
The quality of the guides, and the amount of time they dedicate, can differ significantly. Yamilett was absolutely superb. Her english is quite good, she explained things with the skill of a teacher, and she was so passionate about turtle protection in her home town that she spent extra time with our group of 8 tourists. Find Yami and you will be assured a great experience. Ours lasted for 90 minutes although a different nighttime guide took us out for only one hour.
This is a magical spectacle of nature. If possible, see it at least once during your lifetime.
Written 24 listopada 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
johnmcauliff
Pittsburgh, Pensylwania11 contributions
An utterly magical place
lis 2019
You are in complete darkness. A light wind whips around you, and all you can hear is the crashing of waves on the black volcanic sand beach. The waves and wind leave a permanent mist, and it is here, in between the third quarter moon and the new moon, that tens of thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs all at once.
It is a natural experience in a setting so unique and powerful, one that cannot help but expand your compassion, understanding, and admiration of the natural world. By November, the beach is completely saturated with nests, eggshells, baby turtles, and nesting females.
I went three times during the November Arribada, and here is what I'd suggest:
- Go at 5 AM in morning during the Arribada. The sunrise is amazing, and the most turtles will be visible, and its easier to walk on the beach.
- You have to take a tour, each time you go, for $10.
- The road from Nosara and Tamarindo is terrible during nesting season. Fly to Nosara and rent a car there, or stay at one of the few accommodations in Ostional.
- As the turtles arrive on the beach, please don't stand in front of them, or they'll turn around.
It is a natural experience in a setting so unique and powerful, one that cannot help but expand your compassion, understanding, and admiration of the natural world. By November, the beach is completely saturated with nests, eggshells, baby turtles, and nesting females.
I went three times during the November Arribada, and here is what I'd suggest:
- Go at 5 AM in morning during the Arribada. The sunrise is amazing, and the most turtles will be visible, and its easier to walk on the beach.
- You have to take a tour, each time you go, for $10.
- The road from Nosara and Tamarindo is terrible during nesting season. Fly to Nosara and rent a car there, or stay at one of the few accommodations in Ostional.
- As the turtles arrive on the beach, please don't stand in front of them, or they'll turn around.
Written 22 listopada 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MiteshP
Marietta, GA255 contributions
Hellish Road to a Surreal Experience!
wrz 2019
We were told by the valet at the W Hotel that the Arribada was occurring and recommended we go, which we did almost immediately not knowing what to expect. It took a couple of hours to get there and there is only one road in and out and it is one hell of a curvy gravel/mud/pot-holed 28 mile road. We have never experienced a road like that anywhere. You need an SUV. Waze will direct you there.
There is a park hut, where we were charged $10 each, not sure what the price really was, but after that ride, any price is okay. This price includes a guide, Frazier, who new some English and was very informative and friendly.
It was a surreal looking beach with hundreds of Lora turtles swimming up, crawling, digging, laying eggs, camouflaging them and returning to the sea. We had to start our return journey by 3 pm, otherwise it would be near impossible to drive back on that road in the dark, since it gets dark at 5:30 pm this time of year.
It was well worth the experience of seeing this natural wonder, the road, not so much.
There is a park hut, where we were charged $10 each, not sure what the price really was, but after that ride, any price is okay. This price includes a guide, Frazier, who new some English and was very informative and friendly.
It was a surreal looking beach with hundreds of Lora turtles swimming up, crawling, digging, laying eggs, camouflaging them and returning to the sea. We had to start our return journey by 3 pm, otherwise it would be near impossible to drive back on that road in the dark, since it gets dark at 5:30 pm this time of year.
It was well worth the experience of seeing this natural wonder, the road, not so much.
Written 8 października 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariannelouisemac
Bristol, UK35 contributions
Hi,
I’m trying to decide whether to go and see the turtles arribaba the evening or morning, do you see different things at either time?
Thanks
Placido
Tucson, AZ484 contributions
If possible, definitely see the arribada BOTH in the early morning and at night. There are significant differences. Much larger numbers of turtles can be seen with the guide's flashlight in the black of night. The early morning tours allow you a panoramic view of the beach at sunrise so you can see much better although you might see fewer turtles. We also saw hatchlings scurrying into the sea in the morning but saw none at night.
sute99
Valparaiso11 contributions
Do we have to hire a guide ahead of time or can we wait until we arrive at Ostional? Thanks, Sue A
Larry Stay
29 contributions
You can hire a guide when you get there.
Lara S
23 contributions
I am hoping someone has the name and contact information (phone, email) for a guide. I am having a hard time getting a hold of anyone!
clark3
Erin, Kanada99 contributions
I found the number of the person who arranged our guide. Her name is Maria and her company is Blue Zone - 506 63764584. She can book pretty much anything in the area. Hope this helps! This is an incredible area and you will have a blast.
Majel B
0 contributions
How can we find a guide and transportation from RIU Guanacaste?
Fifi Tsao
Xinzhu, Tajwan9 contributions
Hi, I'd like to visit this place but couldn't find any information. I'm in Alajuela. Don't know how to get there. Is there any tour ?
Kathleen F
Oconomowoc, WI9 contributions
I want to go to Optional wildlife refuge in Costa Rica sometime in November 2018. When is the best time to go to see the arrival of the turtles nesting, and where is the most convenient place to stay?
luv2travl09
Florida20 contributions
It's best to contact a local Ostional sea turtle guide, like our tour guide, named Gredy. We called him daily to see when the best day or night to come out on the beach to see the nesting sea turtles. Let me know if you want his whatsapp phone number.
As far as a convenient place to stay, try the Ostional Turtle Lodge. You can find their information right on Tripadvisor or go directly to their website and speak to Luis, the owner of the Lodge. Luis also knows Gredy and he can get you in contact with him, as well.
Enjoy your visit with the sea turtles!
nancy w
1 contribution
I am interested in seeing the olive ridley nesting that may be happening 8/05-07 in Ostional. Is there a ranger/guide who can take us?
luv2travl09
Florida20 contributions
Hi Nancy W,
Check out my post on Feb. 25, 2018 "Pre-Arribada is still amazing!" I highly recommend a local Ostional tour guide named Gredy. Our group thought he was awesome! If you are still interested, I can send you his contact information.
Jennifer A
Vail, Kolorado3 contributions
Are the turtles nesting yet? I know it starts in August but hoped to visit on Thursday
July 19.
Pannipannini
Maryland1 199 contributions
Not a good time of year generally.
Stephanie M
0 contributions
When is the best time to see the turtles on the beach?
englishr0se48
Londyn, UK0 contributions
Has anybody seen any nesting turtles this summer in Ostional, or is turtle watching no longer possible there after an incident last year when a throng of tourists got on the beach and the turtles were disturbed?.