This was awesome! The turtles are huge and we got to see three of them either making their way up the beach or back down to the ocean. The highlight, though, was one that decided to nest, where we got to see the eggs as they came out and landed in the nest, and then the turtle covering up the eggs with sand. Really special to see these majestic creatures in the wild! A few things to know: - There is high variability here -- you may or may not get to see turtles at all, and if you do see them, they may or may not nest. We booked two tours on consecutive nights just in case it didn't work out the first night. - There are no lights or phones allowed, and you must keep your voices to a low whisper so as not to scare off the turtles. For us, this meant that we were standing more or less still and silently in the dark for the majority of two hours. - Bring good raingear. It started pouring on us about half an hour in and our rain jackets and pants did not hold up. Wet, silent, and blind is not a super fun way to spend an evening! We saw at least one other group turn around and go back rather than wait in the rain. All that said, we STILL would have done it all over again just to have the chance to see the turtle laying her eggs!
The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $40 / person
- Location
- Tortuguero
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 32 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 10
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Sunbittern Nature Tours
- Meeting point
- Almonds main dock Tortuguero Village
Description
Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites for Atlantic Green Sea Turtles in the Caribbean during the months of July to October. During the night at high tide, the females come to lay their eggs. This is a unique experience that will provide priceless memories. Our Naturalist Guide will share learned secrets and expertise about this marine species and its history in Tortuguero, in a totally natural environment with profound respect for nature. The tour always takes place even if it rains, it cannot be postponed for another day. It's important to understand that the chances of having the opportunity to observe a sea turtle in its natural habitat are high, but the possibility of not seeing one exists. Therefore, please take this opportunity as a gift from Mother Nature. Recommended attire: Wear dark clothes, closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes, rainjacket, insect repellent and reusable water bottle. Cellphones or any other electronic device aren't allow during the tour.
Tour Options
What's included
Included
Certified guide, permit procedure to enter the beach, turtle spotter tracker
Not included
Transporte
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
32 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommend for travelers with suffer from nyctophobia.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour take?
The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour lasts about 2 hours.
How much does The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour cost?
Prices start at $40 per person for this Tortuguero experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Almonds main dock Tortuguero Village. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 32 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Sunbittern Nature Tours.
Reviews(32)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
W
A really special wildlife experience
F
Small Groups and nice guides
We had a nice night tour to the turtles. The guides took enough time to see everything and explained everything very detailed.
Operator response
Dear fn733, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the Sea Turtle Nesting Tour and appreciated the time and detailed explanations provided by our guides. For us, it is very important that our guests not only witness this incredible natural experience, but also learn about the sea turtles, their nesting process, and the importance of protecting them. Thank you for choosing Sunbittern Nature Tours. We hope your time in Tortuguero left you with wonderful memories to take home!
N
Superb and touching experience!
Carmen accompanied us for this activity. We were lucky enough to see 2 turtles laying eggs on the beach just a few minutes' walk from our accommodation in Tortuguero. A rendezvous with nature not to be missed if you are passing through Tortuguero.
Operator response
Dear Nicolas, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure for me to accompany you on such a special evening. Having the opportunity to witness two sea turtles nesting is a unique and unforgettable encounter with nature that makes Tortuguero such an extraordinary place. I’m very happy to know that you enjoyed the experience and will take home wonderful memories of your time here. Thank you for choosing Sunbittern Nature Tours and for allowing me to share one of Tortuguero’s most special natural experiences with you.
B
Turtles observation - August 2025
The experience was great and Carmen gave a lot of comments and explanation. There is a good communication between guides to synchronyze the excursions and turtles observation.
Operator response
Dear bernar... Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience and that the explanations and information provided by Carmen added value to your tour. We place a lot of importance on good communication and coordination between our guides, especially for activities like turtle observation, to ensure everything runs smoothly and respectfully. Your comments truly motivate us to keep delivering well-organized and meaningful experiences in Tortuguero. We hope to see you again in the future
P
Well worth going to see several turtles
Angelo was an excellent guide. Within 10 minutes of arriving at our designated location, we were able to observe a female turtle laying eggs. We were also able to observe her covering her nest and creating a decoy nest to thwart predators. We saw a total of 4 turtles return to the ocean after laying their eggs and 1 turtle attempt to come on shore to lay her eggs. We would definitely book this tour again. Definitely need to wear good walking/hiking shoes and bring a pin flashlight or headlamp that has both white beam and red beam capabilities. White beam to walk on the trail at night and red beam to be able to walk on the beach if you are in a large group.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌿🐢 We are truly happy to know that you had such a special experience during the turtle nesting tour with Angelo. Seeing a female turtle nesting, covering her nest, creating a decoy, and watching others return safely to the ocean is truly a magical moment, and we’re grateful you could witness it. Angelo is very passionate and knowledgeable, and your words mean a lot to us. Thank you as well for sharing your helpful recommendations for future guests. We would be delighted to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Tortuguero.
O
Unforgettable experience
The walk to see the green turtles laying their eggs was amazing! We saw the turtles laying their eggs, cover them up and then watched one green turtle return to the sea. Angelo is so respectful of nature and passionate about the Tortuguero wildlife and he explained everything about the process we were watching. This was an unforgettable experience which I highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for this beautiful review! 🌿🐢 We are truly happy to know that the turtle nesting walk was such a special and unforgettable experience for you. Witnessing green turtles laying their eggs and returning to the sea is something truly magical, and we’re honored you were able to experience it with us. Angelo’s respect for nature and passion for Tortuguero’s wildlife are at the heart of everything we do, and your kind words mean a lot to us. Thank you for recommending the experience. We hope to welcome you again someday in Tortuguero!
K
Great. Great.
The guides wait for the turtle to come into some kind of trans. At that moment you can watch her lay her eggs very closely. Very special. Guide has a lot of information about the animals. On the way there also spotted some nocturnal animals.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback! 🌙🐢 We’re glad you had the opportunity to observe the turtle up close at the right moment, always respecting her natural process and well-being. Our guides are committed to sharing their knowledge and ensuring a responsible and meaningful experience. We’re also happy to know you enjoyed spotting nocturnal wildlife along the way. Thank you for joining us and for appreciating this special experience in Tortuguero. We hope to welcome you again in the future!
7
Best tour ever; Saw the entire process of turtles coming out of the sea to Lay their eggs
Carmen was our guide for the tour and her enthousiasm was great. The tour was brilliant. We have seen the whole proces of turtles entering the beach, digging a hole, laying the eggs, covering the hole and the turtles walking back to sea. Carmen was a very positively, kind and good host
Operator response
Dear 795fam... Thank you so much for your kind words! 🐢🌿 It truly makes us happy to know you enjoyed the tour and had the opportunity to witness the turtles laying their eggs. Sharing this unique experience and our knowledge of Tortuguero’s wildlife is something we are very passionate about. Thank you for joining us, it was a pleasure having you!
J
Amazing experience
Carmen was super knowledgeable and helpful. The tour was amazing, with many opportunities to see the turtles laying their eggs.
Operator response
Dear Joe, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! 🌙🐢 It truly means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the tour and were able to witness the entire nesting process, from the turtles arriving on the beach to their return to the sea. Guiding this experience with respect, enthusiasm, and care for nature is something we are deeply passionate about. I’m very grateful for your kind comments and for sharing this special moment with us. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you again in Tortuguero!
A
You can't miss this unforgettable activity
The tour was amazing, our guide Carmen is super prepared and willing to solve all the doubts. She was very friendly and fun. We could see up to five turtles in each spawning phase.
Operator response
Querido AG3903... ¡Muchísimas gracias por compartir su experiencia! 🐢🌿 Nos llena de alegría saber que disfrutaron tanto del tour y que Carmen pudo acompañarlos con su conocimiento, buena energía y entusiasmo. Ver varias tortugas en distintas fases del desove es realmente un privilegio, y nos encanta haber sido parte de un momento tan especial para ustedes. ¡Gracias por elegirnos!
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Majestic Green Turtle Nesting Tour | 2 hours | 5.0 (32) | $40 | |
 Night tour. Sea turtle nesting | 2–3 hours | 4.8 (56) | $27 | View |
 Small Group Tortuguero Turtle Nesting Tour | 2 hours | 4.7 (14) | $40 | View |
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 Observation of Turtles in their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero | 1–2 hours | 5.0 (69) | $40 | View |
 Turtle spawning in Tortuguero | 2 hours | 4.8 (35) | $30 | View |
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from$40
5.0(32) Free cancellation