Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
About
This refuge protects the nesting grounds of the Pacific Olive Ridley sea turtle.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Ostional National Wildlife Refuge and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
93 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
2
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Sebastião Z
Rio de Janeiro, RJ4,739 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
The beach is protected and has limited circulation and access as it is a turtle nesting site. The entrance fee is 20 dollars for adults and 10 for children over 6 years old.
We went on a nesting day and went to the beach entrance and picked up a local guide who took us to the turtles to show us how to nest.
We walked a little and soon found some turtles entering and others leaving the sea. We also saw some that were already in the spawning process and because they are very sensitive animals, we could only get closer under the command and guidance of the guide.
The experience is unique and special.
We went on a nesting day and went to the beach entrance and picked up a local guide who took us to the turtles to show us how to nest.
We walked a little and soon found some turtles entering and others leaving the sea. We also saw some that were already in the spawning process and because they are very sensitive animals, we could only get closer under the command and guidance of the guide.
The experience is unique and special.
Written March 9, 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.
AlbertaBushman
Grande Prairie, Canada119 contributions
Feb 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 March 1, 2020
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.
Kiera K
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
We went on a tour with Gredy Bran Gomez in November. (email is brango82@gmail.com ) Gredy was so amazing! We wanted to take a tour even though it wasn't the Arribada, and it was unlikely that we would see turtles.
Gredy took a chance with us and gave us a lovely tour. He speaks great english, is knowledgeable, nice and thoughtful. I would highly recommend touring with Gredy and if I return, he will certainly be the person I contact.
Gredy took a chance with us and gave us a lovely tour. He speaks great english, is knowledgeable, nice and thoughtful. I would highly recommend touring with Gredy and if I return, he will certainly be the person I contact.
Written March 16, 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.
Amy M
San Diego, CA101 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Amazing experience and beautiful beach. This beach is protected and you must be with a guide to gain access and see the turtles. Wonderful tour - our family rode quads from Nosara . Highly recommend.
Written January 16, 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.
liverpool1023
London, UK1,204 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
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 January 26, 2020
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.
luv2travl09
Florida20 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
We went to Costa Rica, specifically, to see the Ostional Arribada that occurs once a month between October and February, but missed it by 2 days when it started on Feb. 20th. Unfortunately, we were traveling back home on the 20th, so we decided to take our chances and went on Feb. 18th.
Before going to Ostional, we were informed that visitors are not allowed to go on the beach at night without an official local sea turtle guide. Many thanks to Luis of the Ostional Turtle Lodge who got us in contact with a couple of the local guides. After speaking to both of them, we decided to hire Gredy, who spoke the best English between the two guides. He turned out to be a Delight to interact with; filled with lots of wonderful information to share and extremely passionate about sea turtle conservation! He leads local volunteers with saving the sea turtles at Ostional beach and I would highly recommend him as your sea turtle guide.
We arrived on Ostional beach and met Gready before dawn; at 4:30 a.m. It was still very dark, but we had our RED flashlights. White flashlights are not allowed since they blind the sea turtles; and even humans, for that matter! [Side note: we are sea turtle rescuers from S. Florida so we know about the white-red-light rules that also apply on our S.FL beaches]. As we got on the beach, we were not disappointed. Gredy immediately found a couple of nesting mothers and as the sun rose, we were pleasantly surprised to see several mama turtles that were nesting around us, as well as, coming out of the ocean to lay their eggs and walking back into the sea. Although this was still pre-Arribada, there were about 65+ sea turtles that nested on our night-to-dawn visit. We, as sea turtle rescuers, are only accustomed to seeing 1, or if lucky, 2 sea turtles, at night, nesting on our S. Florida beaches. So, seeing so many at a time, on one beach, was SO AMAZING to us! We would have enjoyed seeing the full-blown Arribada, which, by the way, had 16,600+ sea turtles arrive on Feb. 20th, but we were very happy and grateful that we got to see the smaller group of sea turtles that came to nest, ahead of time!
If you want to see this wonder of nature, here are some recommendations...
*Please be prepared to drive about an hour on an unpaved, bumpy dirt rode, to this remote beach. It helps to have a 4-wheel-drive SUV because you will be driving across a couple of streams to get to Ostional. During the dry season, the stream is not very deep, but if it's the rainy season, the streams will swell and may be impassable, so you may want to call ahead of time to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge Park office or contact a local Ostional guide to verify the road conditions.
*Also, be sure to put on bug repellent. There are sand fleas and other biting insects on the beach. It helps to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt at night; although once the sun rises and during the daytime this will be hot to wear on this black sand beach.
***Lastly, and most importantly, PLEASE be mindful that these female sea turtles are under a lot of stress and fearful when they come out of the ocean to lay their eggs. Listen to your local guide and keep a RESPECTFUL distance from them when they are walking to/from the sea; until they are settled into their egg-laying trance. It's best not to touch them or get in their face with your camera, as this will scare them back into the ocean and deter them from their necessary egg laying mission. Always remember that you are there as an observer of this miraculous event, so please be considerate and reverent of these gentle sea creatures. Thank you and enjoy this bucket list experience!
Before going to Ostional, we were informed that visitors are not allowed to go on the beach at night without an official local sea turtle guide. Many thanks to Luis of the Ostional Turtle Lodge who got us in contact with a couple of the local guides. After speaking to both of them, we decided to hire Gredy, who spoke the best English between the two guides. He turned out to be a Delight to interact with; filled with lots of wonderful information to share and extremely passionate about sea turtle conservation! He leads local volunteers with saving the sea turtles at Ostional beach and I would highly recommend him as your sea turtle guide.
We arrived on Ostional beach and met Gready before dawn; at 4:30 a.m. It was still very dark, but we had our RED flashlights. White flashlights are not allowed since they blind the sea turtles; and even humans, for that matter! [Side note: we are sea turtle rescuers from S. Florida so we know about the white-red-light rules that also apply on our S.FL beaches]. As we got on the beach, we were not disappointed. Gredy immediately found a couple of nesting mothers and as the sun rose, we were pleasantly surprised to see several mama turtles that were nesting around us, as well as, coming out of the ocean to lay their eggs and walking back into the sea. Although this was still pre-Arribada, there were about 65+ sea turtles that nested on our night-to-dawn visit. We, as sea turtle rescuers, are only accustomed to seeing 1, or if lucky, 2 sea turtles, at night, nesting on our S. Florida beaches. So, seeing so many at a time, on one beach, was SO AMAZING to us! We would have enjoyed seeing the full-blown Arribada, which, by the way, had 16,600+ sea turtles arrive on Feb. 20th, but we were very happy and grateful that we got to see the smaller group of sea turtles that came to nest, ahead of time!
If you want to see this wonder of nature, here are some recommendations...
*Please be prepared to drive about an hour on an unpaved, bumpy dirt rode, to this remote beach. It helps to have a 4-wheel-drive SUV because you will be driving across a couple of streams to get to Ostional. During the dry season, the stream is not very deep, but if it's the rainy season, the streams will swell and may be impassable, so you may want to call ahead of time to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge Park office or contact a local Ostional guide to verify the road conditions.
*Also, be sure to put on bug repellent. There are sand fleas and other biting insects on the beach. It helps to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt at night; although once the sun rises and during the daytime this will be hot to wear on this black sand beach.
***Lastly, and most importantly, PLEASE be mindful that these female sea turtles are under a lot of stress and fearful when they come out of the ocean to lay their eggs. Listen to your local guide and keep a RESPECTFUL distance from them when they are walking to/from the sea; until they are settled into their egg-laying trance. It's best not to touch them or get in their face with your camera, as this will scare them back into the ocean and deter them from their necessary egg laying mission. Always remember that you are there as an observer of this miraculous event, so please be considerate and reverent of these gentle sea creatures. Thank you and enjoy this bucket list experience!
Written February 25, 2018
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.
Edwin H
Fairfield, CT866 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Ostional is not the easiest place to get to, the road is unpaved, rough, but a car can easily make it with a few bumps. This experience was incredible and I am so glad to have made the journey. Seeing the nesting turtle lay their eggs at night and early morning is a must-do experience.
The large turtles come up the beach in droves about 5 times per year (so call or research when they are nesting before you make the trip - 506-2682-1229 "Center of Tourist Information"). Bring a red light flashlight (a must do) since white lights are not allowed and interfere with the turtles. You need to be escorted onto the beach by a national park guide for a small fee (fee is only a few dollars and good for entrance at night and without a guide at sunrise). They will bring you out onto the beach at night with a red lens flashlight and show you the turtles while answering all your questions. If you bring your own red light you will have a better experience (especially when there is no moonlight). There were so many turtles that at any one time there were probably about 5 or 6 around us.
I took in the evening guided experience and returned just prior to sunrise to see the turtles without having to use lights. It was amazing how many turtle tracks could be seen.
The town is very small and very limited lodging. I recommend the place I stayed at owned and operated by a very nice couple Luis and Veronica at "Ostional Turtle Lodge" (see my review about this lodge), which was only about 5 minutes walk from the beach.
The large turtles come up the beach in droves about 5 times per year (so call or research when they are nesting before you make the trip - 506-2682-1229 "Center of Tourist Information"). Bring a red light flashlight (a must do) since white lights are not allowed and interfere with the turtles. You need to be escorted onto the beach by a national park guide for a small fee (fee is only a few dollars and good for entrance at night and without a guide at sunrise). They will bring you out onto the beach at night with a red lens flashlight and show you the turtles while answering all your questions. If you bring your own red light you will have a better experience (especially when there is no moonlight). There were so many turtles that at any one time there were probably about 5 or 6 around us.
I took in the evening guided experience and returned just prior to sunrise to see the turtles without having to use lights. It was amazing how many turtle tracks could be seen.
The town is very small and very limited lodging. I recommend the place I stayed at owned and operated by a very nice couple Luis and Veronica at "Ostional Turtle Lodge" (see my review about this lodge), which was only about 5 minutes walk from the beach.
Written May 19, 2015
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.
mills6025
St. John's, Canada210 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
My sister and I went to volunteer here from 29 Mar to 8 Apr, 2016. We stayed in the accommodations on the refuge. Food was also provided via the refuge, by one of the locals.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stayed in a room that held 6 people, all volunteers. The room was only air conditioned at night, so it was very stuffy during the days. You were in charge of cleaning the rooms and bathrooms and showers in your room, but the common area, where you are the food and hung out with others, was cleaned by the same local who cooked the food for us.
EXPERIENCE: We spent almost 2 weeks here, volunteering our time to assist with the research going on at the refuge. In the mornings, we would do a census, counting the turtle tracks along the 7km beach and seeing if the eggs were poached or laid successfully. At night, we would spend 4-6 hours finding turtles and counting how many eggs they laid, measuring them, and putting a tag on them to see if they come back in the future (we did this at night because the majority of the turtles would come on the beach then, as it's too hot to come on the beach during the day). During our stay, there was an Arribada, where thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach, in a span of a few days. It was an amazing site to see and fun to work with the turtles! One of the downsides was the numerous vultures and dogs that were around, trying to eat the eggs!
Like others who have reviewed this site, my sister and I were confused about why the government allows the locals to "legally extract" turtle eggs for selling purposes, during the first 3 days of an Arribada (which usually occurs once a month). We were told it was because the beaches are too small to accommodate all the eggs and they wouldn't survive anyways; I have trouble wrapping my head around that. In the Arribada we were apart of, the locals extracted about 70,000 eggs during the three days they were legally allowed to (one turtle lays anywhere from about 50-120 eggs, on average).
OVERALL: Ostional is definitely a site to see, especially when there is an Arribada, but I wouldn't get caught up in the political aspect of the whole thing, as it might leave you confused and possibly, upset.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stayed in a room that held 6 people, all volunteers. The room was only air conditioned at night, so it was very stuffy during the days. You were in charge of cleaning the rooms and bathrooms and showers in your room, but the common area, where you are the food and hung out with others, was cleaned by the same local who cooked the food for us.
EXPERIENCE: We spent almost 2 weeks here, volunteering our time to assist with the research going on at the refuge. In the mornings, we would do a census, counting the turtle tracks along the 7km beach and seeing if the eggs were poached or laid successfully. At night, we would spend 4-6 hours finding turtles and counting how many eggs they laid, measuring them, and putting a tag on them to see if they come back in the future (we did this at night because the majority of the turtles would come on the beach then, as it's too hot to come on the beach during the day). During our stay, there was an Arribada, where thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach, in a span of a few days. It was an amazing site to see and fun to work with the turtles! One of the downsides was the numerous vultures and dogs that were around, trying to eat the eggs!
Like others who have reviewed this site, my sister and I were confused about why the government allows the locals to "legally extract" turtle eggs for selling purposes, during the first 3 days of an Arribada (which usually occurs once a month). We were told it was because the beaches are too small to accommodate all the eggs and they wouldn't survive anyways; I have trouble wrapping my head around that. In the Arribada we were apart of, the locals extracted about 70,000 eggs during the three days they were legally allowed to (one turtle lays anywhere from about 50-120 eggs, on average).
OVERALL: Ostional is definitely a site to see, especially when there is an Arribada, but I wouldn't get caught up in the political aspect of the whole thing, as it might leave you confused and possibly, upset.
Written June 27, 2016
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.
Kimberly R
Redlands, CA319 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
Ok, I love sea turtles. When I heard that I could see a lot of sea turtles here, I had to go I booked a tour with my hotel in Nosara, Blue Spirit. It was $60 for ride and entrance to this place.
I did not like this place because we were probably annoying to the sea turtles. It was dark out when we got there, so people were flashing their cameras in mama sea turtles face. This place is CROWDED with people. There are also vultures everywhere trying to steal turtle eggs. If the vultures aren't trying to steal the eggs, there are a lot of Costa Rican people who have permission from the government to collect the eggs and steal them.
There were magical moments that I got to see such as watch a turtle make a nest, lay eggs, and go back to sea. However, I felt dirty afterwards.
I did not like this place because we were probably annoying to the sea turtles. It was dark out when we got there, so people were flashing their cameras in mama sea turtles face. This place is CROWDED with people. There are also vultures everywhere trying to steal turtle eggs. If the vultures aren't trying to steal the eggs, there are a lot of Costa Rican people who have permission from the government to collect the eggs and steal them.
There were magical moments that I got to see such as watch a turtle make a nest, lay eggs, and go back to sea. However, I felt dirty afterwards.
Written March 29, 2016
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.
Bonnie H
Las Vegas, NV3 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
Beautiful grounds. Two restaurants both have outside seating overlooking the pool and beach. Service was speedy. Staff was helpful and courteous. The bathtub was deep and long. It was amazing. The gift shop was expensive. I was charged $20 for an 8.5 oz of Aloe Gel.
Written February 25, 2014
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.
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
Written February 17, 2020
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.
Written February 24, 2020
Do we have to hire a guide ahead of time or can we wait until we arrive at Ostional? Thanks, Sue A
Written August 17, 2019
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!
Written June 20, 2019
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.
Written June 22, 2019
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 ?
Written November 8, 2018
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?
Written September 21, 2018
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!
Written September 27, 2018
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?
Written July 27, 2018
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.
Written August 2, 2018
Are the turtles nesting yet? I know it starts in August but hoped to visit on Thursday
July 19.
Written July 17, 2018
englishr0se48
London, United Kingdom
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?.
Written September 22, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 15
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing