Turtle Watching in Their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero
5
Turtle Watching in Their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero
By DON CHICO TOURS
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About
This tour offers a unique experience, which consists of observing the spawning process of sea turtles; It is an incredible natural phenomenon and that without a doubt you should do if you visit Tortuguero. We do not interfere and do not touch the animals. We observe from a distance and allow its natural cycle.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 2-80, max of 10 per group
Duration: 1–2 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Purchase of decal or peganita (Mandatory to carry out the turtle tour))
What's not included- Private transportation
- Start:
- Tortuguero, Limón Province, Costa RicaTortuguero main dock
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 322294P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for travelers with walking problems
- The use of cameras, cell phones or any other technological device on the beach is not allowed
- It is mandatory to wear dark clothing; completely avoid white clothing or any similar color
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 322294P2
From
$42.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Tortuguero, Limón Province, Costa RicaTortuguero main dock
- 1Our guides will be in charge of making your visit to Tortuguero a unique and unforgettable experience through the turtle sighting tour, a tour of trails will be carried out at night until you reach the waiting posts to eventually be able to enter the beach when the turtles are ready to be sighted. On this tour there is the possibility of observing some of the stages of the nesting process of sea turtles, among them, their spawning, that is, the moment in which they lay their eggs on the beach.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- esO7913QF0 contributionsAwesome adventure!Such a fun trip! Norton was knowledgeable and friendly. We saw sloths, howler monkeys, caimans, and all the birds you could dream of. I felt perfectly safe as a solo female traveler.Written February 11, 2025
- jankK609QX0 contributionsTour with Don ChicoThe best experience we had in Costa Rica. The guide was amazing, willing and very nice. I would definitely recommend it.Written February 2, 2025
- W2266PEamandap0 contributionsExtremely knowlegeable and helpful - Above and beyond!!!I highly recommend working with Luis and Don Chico tours. When I contacted them about a special interest tour, they were exceptionally honest with me and explained that Tortuguero at this time of year was not the best fit for what I was looking for and went above and beyond to point me in the right direction and to connect me with the right people to help us. They went above and beyond! Extremely knowledgeable and helpful - even when it did not benefit them - which speaks highly of their way of doing business and bodes well for any future tours. Thank you again Luis!Written January 23, 2025
- 291sophieh0 contributionsFamily tripWe loved this tour. We went at 6AM on New Year's Day. Our tour guide Eric was awesome. We even rescued a dog that had swam into the river because of the previous nights fireworks. We loved being in the canoe because it was so quiet.. I preferred the experience to a boat with an engine. Tortugero is a wonderful place to see the wildlife of Costa Rica as a family. They had really good sized buoyancy aids for our children aged 2&5 Thank you Dom chico for a wonderful family exyWritten January 23, 2025
- Y8302EOvincentt0 contributionsA great tour for our familyExciting tour. Erick our guide was awesome. We saw caiman, monkeys, a snake and numerous birds. Would definitely recommend.Written January 4, 2025
- Laura B0 contributionsAmazing!This tour exceeded our expectations. The canals are magical with an abundance of wildlife to be seen. However, without Nortons' knowledge and expertise, we would have missed most of it! If we had another day, we would have done it all over again and would have loved to complete a trek in the park, definitely with Norton as a guide!Written December 29, 2024
- 47dirkv0 contributionsTop experienceWe had a great tour with a great guide. Book the Don Chico Tour through Luis and ask for the guide Norton, top guide. And they promise a 2.5h tour.... And we had over 3 hours. Caveman, turtles, monkeys, birds, iguanas etc....Written December 27, 2024
- CooCooCach000 contributionsGreat tour with Norton!We did a morning tour with Norton, who was a great (and eagle-eyed) guide! We saw sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, many caimans, a swimming boa constrictor (!) and more. I would highly recommend this tour.Written December 24, 2024
- Trip014022441380 contributionsFantastic guides and trips. Book this!We - mom, dad and two girls of 8 and 11 - went with Luis on the canals and Erick in the natural park. We absolutely loved both tours and the guides! They showed us soooo many animals we would have never seen like aras’, basilisk, iguanas, kaiman, sloths, monkeys, toucans, anteaters, poisonous frogs, lizards, footprints from jaguars, parrots, butterflies, hummingbirds, kingfisher etc etc. both experienced guides knew so much about the wildlife and the history of Tortuguero and the country. “Like walking with a friend” my wife said. Wow! I highly recommend doing these trips with these guys!Written December 18, 2024
- O9QJjeanettes0 contributionsFantasticSo pretty! And we got to see so many different species. Our guide, Bernal, was incredibly nice and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Definitely recommend.Written December 4, 2024
- alessandrorT2495MI0 contributionsThe best tour in tortugueroBernal was the best guide ever and im really glad that we have chosen this tour. Its the best and the price its SO worth it. with the little boat we coulded go into the very little canals and we saw many animals. I really suggest this.Written October 26, 2024
- claudiavX5079JW0 contributionsBook locally and get cheaperToo expensive, you will get it cheaper there and also no mention of the extra payment of around $20pp for National Park entry, which is not included in this price, so close to £200 for 4 people.Written August 27, 2024
- 937olivierc0 contributionsPERFECTThe experience was absolutely amazing! A big thanks to Luis for the explenations and his kindness We recommand this activityWritten August 18, 2024
- ReMoJu0 contributionsSilently rowing at the edge of the rainforest and it's waterways, lots of animals big and smallWe were given big, thick ponchos because it was pouring down with rain. Our guide Will was rowing whilst we could admire the landscape. Will pointed out so many animals that we had passed without noticing. With our small camera we were able to take many photos. Will also had some binoculars we could use. We were lucky and the sun came out again for a while. We did some rowing as well but it's quite tiring if you are not used to it. All in all an excellent experience. :-) thank you very much!Written August 7, 2024
- anneq2490 contributionsCanoe trip in lagoon and canalsThis was an excellant tour. Eric our guide was very knowledgeable and told us a lot about the waterways, plants and animals. We saw Howler monkeys, a sloth moving through the trees , some caimans and many birds. Highly recommended.Written July 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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TPM
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
We took the canal tour in the morning and the green turtle tour later that night. Both were fantastic but the green turtle laying eggs on the beach was extraordinary. Luis was so good as our guide. He was very very good at explaining what was happening that night and how we should expect/hope to achieve - in Spanish and English. He prepared us as to what to where and what not take on the tour . No flashlights, camera, watches, etc. as any light could disrupt the turtles from laying eggs on the beach. Luis was fully prepared for any contingency and was very protective of his clients but mostly of the turtles. That night we had to get to a section of the beach that wasn’t nearby so he had made arrangements (ahead of time) to get us to a waiting boat to zoom us there. A turtle was found getting ready to lay eggs but complications required Luis to change strategies and he found another turtle at the perfect time and we witnessed the turtle laying many eggs! Luis made sure that all the clients in his group took turns getting very close to witness this miracle without disrupting the turtle. It was an extraordinary, inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime event that I will never forget. I can not recommend Luis/Don Cico Tours enough. So knowledgeable, prepared, and inspirational.
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regina
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The turtle tour is a thoroughly organised operation involving plenty of staff. The tours get a time slot and a sector allocated where to go. At the beach, specialists are looking out for turtles, only with read light. They do everything to protect the animals in order not to disturb them. Therefore, there are several strict rules for the tourists and the staff. Dark non reflecting clothes, no light whatsoever. Our guide Luis Manuel is very knowledgeable, explained everything, we could ask questions anytime. There is no guarantee to see anything! When a turtle is spotted, the guide will check whether it starts to dig the nest. This means waiting time for the tourist groups. We have to wait until the Turtle starts to lay the eggs as the animal goes in some sort of trance once the process has started. Beforehand she must not be disturbed. We queued up in a line, watched shortly her laying eggs, let the next group approach, go to the end of the queue, watch again, and again a last glimpse of her covering the eggs with sand. All in all we observed several minutes of the whole process but in different stages. It was a unique experience.
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea Marina M
San Salvador, El Salvador31 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We did the turtle watching tour, Luis was punctual, kind, respectful, enjoyable, interesting, informative. I went with my 9-year-old daughter, she took into consideration her pace, always tried to ensure that she didn't miss anything, she made it an unforgettable experience. He was always respectful of the turtles and their process, maintaining appropriate distances and times with them so as not to stress them. As a biologist with experience working with turtles, I think Luis did an excellent job. Thanks Luis!

Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracias por su aporte chicos, fue un enorme placer y gusto haberles mostrado un poco de lo magnifico que Tortuguero ofrece, nos alegra saber que disfrutaron su experiencia.
¡Pura vida!
Written January 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
beatriz s
Barcelona, Spain115 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Luis, Darnely and Erick are cracks! Very professional and beautiful people. During the three tours we did with them (spawning turtles, canoeing and hiking in the National Park) they explained everything in very interesting details and worried about us at all times.
We 100% recommend doing these tours with them. They have an Instagram with very cool videos and photos where the reality of what we live is reflected. Thank you so much!!!
We 100% recommend doing these tours with them. They have an Instagram with very cool videos and photos where the reality of what we live is reflected. Thank you so much!!!
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Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
betsy
Santa Fe, NM13 contributions
Our Airbnb host arranged for the green turtle nesting tour with this local co. It really was a once in a lifetime experience! Our guide Brandon spoke excellent English and led us to two turtles in the process of laying eggs!! This seems to be less common to see this year since the turtles are impacted by weather. We learned so much about the various stages of the birthing process and other interesting facts about the turtles and their environment. Our small group witnessed each turtle lay her eggs, cover and camouflage the nest and return to the sea. Brandon is an excellent guide - very knowledgeable with great communication skills. Highly recommend you experience this for yourself!
Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were very lucky with the guide who touched us. His name was Luis, and he made the experience really beautiful. He brought a lot of knowledge and was very attentive throughout. He warned us that in the wild no sighting is guaranteed, but we were lucky enough to see all the stages of spawning. He also conveyed to us the respect and protection they have towards the turtles. We are delighted, we recommend it without any doubt!
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Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guillaume Lombardi
Paris, France2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Night out with Luis in August 2024 to observe the laying of sea turtles in Tortuguero. Very easy contact via WhatsApp to inform us of the time slot we have been allocated. Very punctual pickup at our Pension. Quite an extraordinary experience. Luis was very pedagogical to give us very strict rules to respect to access the beach and be able to admire the turtle without disturbing it. Group of 10 people. Many explanations so that we understand the different stages of laying. Walk quite rhythmically before arriving at the site, for a good 15 minutes by torchlight and running pace. But once there what a spectacle of nature! Thanks to Luis for the perfect support, very professional and serious.
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Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob V
2 contributions
Nice turtle tour with Luis. We could ask as many questions as we wanted and he really took the time to answer. Had chosen a perfect sector for us so that in the beginning we were the only group (we were alone with our family) could watch the laying of eggs for a long time. Then there were only 2 groups so we could quickly alternate and also cover and camouflage the eggs and look quite well. Definitely recommended although you have to be a bit lucky because the turtles do not wait.
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Written July 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hoi Rob, heel erg bedankt voor je steun.
We zijn erg blij om te horen dat je een geweldige ervaring hebt gehad met de zeeschildpadden tour.
Het was een genoegen je te ontmoeten, pura vida
Written July 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DayTrip16477777348
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Luís was a Guide of 10! The night was complicated because we went out in the middle of a storm, but Luís left us some ponchos and did everything possible to see at least one turtle. Although the situation was adverse, he took great care of us and worried about us at all times. It was an unforgettable experience. 100% recommended to do this tour with them😊
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Written July 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola.
Muchas gracias por tu aporte.
Nos da mucha alegría saber que les gustó el tour, ya que a pesar de las adversidades como bien mencionas, logramos vivir una experiencia muy bonita y para el recuerdo.
Fue un enorme gusto y placer haberlos conocido y compartido de este tour junto a ustedes.
Pura vida!
Written July 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mar H
37 contributions
It is a wonderful experience that is worth seeing once in a lifetime. We were lucky and were able to observe it up close since it was spawning season and during a full moon. Also, the next day we chanced upon some baby turtles that were hatching, so we really enjoyed the experience.

Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracias por su comentario chicos. Nos da mucho gusto saber que tuvieron la enorme suerte de incluso poder observar tortugas marinas bebes, fue un completo placer para nosotros haberles servido.
¡Pura vida!
Written January 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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