Beach Club Playa Grande is located 75 meters before reaching the main entrance of Playa Grande. The guide will be waiting for you in a champagne-colored 4X4 Nissan Terrano model car.
Description
You will be able to learn about the natural process of turtle sighting on the beaches near Cabo Velas. They are virgin beaches, where you will enjoy the splendor of the sunset and nightfall. They are spectacular simultaneous natural events. Start time is 5.30pm
Schedule & prices
Runs
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
Start times
5:30 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 22
Adult (ages 12–65)
$55
Child (ages 7–11)
$55
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Meeting point 3 hours
Turtle tour
Guided Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Cape Candles
4WD
What's included
Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Bottled water
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.5
20 reviews
5
16
4
2
3
0
2
1
1
1
How it compares in Playa Flamingo
Starting price $55 is 15% above the typical $48 for tours of similar length in Playa Flamingo
Price unchanged over the last 19 days
Excurgo comparison of 565 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
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
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 Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR take?
Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR lasts about 3 hours.
How much does Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR cost?
Prices start at $55 per person for this Playa Flamingo 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.
What days does Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 5:30 PM.
How much does Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR cost for children?
Children aged 7–11 pay from $55, adults from $55.
Can I cancel Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR 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 Beach Club Playa Grande is located 75 meters before reaching the main entrance of Playa Grande. The guide will be waiting for you in a champagne-colored 4X4 Nissan Terrano model car. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR 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 12 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 20 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by HIGH TIDE TOURS PLAYA GRANDE.
Reviews(20)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
Lee_R
March 9, 2026 · via Viator
Turtle watching Tour
Pablo is a knowledgeable, helpful, communicative guide. The tour is at a remote and lovely beach about 25 minutes from Plays Grande where we were staying. With his assistance, we saw more than a half dozen nesting turtles come ashore, and were very fortunate to see a nest of turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. We are senior citizens, and Pablo was helpful and patient while we took our time to carefully traverse the somewhat steep trail from the car to the beach (a 15-20 minutes hike). Excellent value. Highly recommended
Operator response
What a lovely review! I love what I do, and your company was a delight. I appreciate every detail, and the sighting was majestic. Thank you again! Pura vida!
K
Kate M
March 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Super fun and unique to experience
such a great experience super fun- would recommend wearing some type of hiking shoes and outside hiking clothes. to get to the turtles it is about a 15 min walk over some rocks but was very worth it and so much fun! Would highly recommend
Operator response
Thank you so much for this review! I love what I do and I work to protect turtles. I'm so glad it was majestic!
K
katensteve
February 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A highlight of our trip
A highlight of our trip - we were able to see both a mom turtle and a baby turtle during our tour! Some things to know, as I was confused initially. The tour is not in Playa Grande, it just picks up there (we had our own transportation, so we drove ourselves about 20-30 mins to the beach where the turtle nesting viewing actually happens.) I would also advise wearing sneakers/hiking shoes - it's a solid 15 minute hike down to the beach, and it's rocky and hot. You also spend a good amount of time waiting in the dark, so use the bathroom prior/bring water with you as once you get there you could be sitting there for quite a while in the dark just waiting. But it was all worth it to actually see the turtles! The guides are very knowledgable and respectful of the turtles themselves. We had grandparents as well as a 7 and 10 year old in our family who came with us, and everyone enjoyed it.
Operator response
Hi, thank you so much for the amazing review! Sea turtles are enchanting. I'm glad you had a nice memory of the area where I grew up, Cabo Velas, and its beautiful beaches. These are rarely explored and are home to a lot of wildlife. Currently, observing the species has been prohibited on Playa Grande for several years due to the endangered nature of the turtles. We were very lucky that night!
L
Leah B
February 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Good tour but we didn’t know that we had to drive ourselves. Fewer people on the beach would be better for the turtles.
It was very special to see the baby turtles leave their nest and then make their way to the ocean. And then our highlight was seeing the Mama turtle on the beach returning to the sea.
One unfortunate part of the experience is that there were at least 3 other groups there and the other guides were not asking their tourists to give the turtles more space. Some people followed the turtles so closely that they could have stepped on one of the babies and interfered with the big challenge of getting to their ocean home.
Our tour guide, Paolo was very friendly and kept us together during the hike to and from the beach. He also gave us water bottles and shared some interesting information with us.
I was surprised that I was expected to drive my family to the beach. It was a 25 minute drive from Playa Grande. This was not mentioned when we booked our tour and when I asked if I could receive a reduced fee, I was informed that was not possible since it was already a good price. It was just a little frustrating that the other 5 people were able to drive in the tour guide’s vehicle and they did not have to pay for gas or drive in the dark on dirt roads.
All in all, we had a very memorable experience but I think that the tour company should make it clear that we had to drive ourselves or they should not have booked more than 5 people that night.
Operator response
Hello, thank you for the review. Sea turtles are not easy animals to see; we have to travel to their habitat. If I asked you to bring your vehicle, it was only for your convenience. You can return to your country in peace, satisfied that you saw this sensitive species. As for the other groups, I cannot control them; Costa Rica is in its peak tourist season.
B
bbdbbq
January 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
overall great experience
Our family had a great experience with Pablo. He was knowledgeable and friendly and accommodating with our 7-year-old son. It was amazing to see 2 mommy turtles, a turtle hatching with many cute little turtles making their way to the ocean, and bioluminescence in the sand on the beach. We took a video of the sweet baby turtles; I’m attaching a photo.
The only problem was that there was a big group coming after us making a lot of noises, which must have disturbed the mommy turtle trying to dig a nest. She took a long time and couldn’t get it done. We left early due to the commotion.
Operator response
I'm glad it was so unforgettable; they now have a consciousness that will last them the rest of their lives. I will always remember them fondly. Greetings to Dilan, pura vida!!! Pablo
F
Friedrich_V
December 10, 2025 · via Viator
Turtles nestling 🤩🤩🤩
Be respectful to the turtles. No lights, only red-light.
............................................
Operator response
That's right, my friend, it's not an object, it's not a toy, it's a turtle, and here we take the issue of respect for all species very seriously, regardless of what they are. That's my main message, my friend Friedrich. Thank you for the review.
C
Curious12203335829
November 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great!
Pablo was great, very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the turtles. We managed to see a big green turtle just as we arrived at the beach!
Operator response
I'm glad you're enjoying this learning time and I hope you take away a nice memory of my country. Greetings!
M
Martina_K
October 16, 2025 · via Viator
None 🐢🐢 showed up
It's not so likely to see turtles. It costs a lot of money. The beach was also very narrow, where should the eggs be buried??
Operator response
Hallo Freunde, das Fehlen der Schildkröten liegt außerhalb meiner Kontrolle. Man muss aber Geduld haben, um das herauszufinden. Die Schildkröte kam in der Nacht, kurz nachdem wir abgereist waren. Andere Guides haben sie gesehen. Die Kosten sind die gleichen wie in den fünf Jahren, seit ich das Nistgebiet angelegt habe. Es hängt von der jeweiligen Art ab. Die Lederschildkröte laicht beispielsweise mitten am Strand. Ich wünsche euch viel Spaß mit Schildkröten. Tut etwas für ihren Schutz, sie werden es euch danken. Pablo
E
Elizabeth_H
August 6, 2025 · via Viator
Uneasy and weird
Felt off from the start. Was contacted the day before and asked to meet at a different location. Drive to location was long and uneasy and my husband and I were both worried about where this guy was taking us. When we got there we walked to a beach where another tour guide was with their guests and our guide left us to scout the area. Turns out he actually left… to two other locations. Left us alone on a dark beach with strangers who we didn’t know. We didn’t know when he was coming back or when. The whole thing was unnerving. Eventually the other guide told us to follow them and our guide would meet us in the parking area. Result, no turtles and a lot of anxiety.
Operator response
Good evening, if I moved from the site it was with your consent and in order to see the species. I remind you that the event is totally natural and from the beginning I explained that I would try to visit 3 sites. The guide was my assistant and trusted at all times we were in communication and turtles are not easy animals to see. I have many incredible experiences with them and many beautiful memories. I think that this event is for people with a lot of awareness and above all patience. I have been a volunteer for the conservation of turtles in Playa Grande and I know how the process works. We had the beach full of traces. I could not control the moment of your sighting. I am sorry and I send you my apologies and best wishes.
A
Amanda_M
June 23, 2025 · via Viator
Good experience
Although we weren't able to see any turtles, the beach was an experience. Pablo worked hard to try to find them but it was not guaranteed and off season. Definitely would like to try again and the beach was extremely secluded.
Operator response
We will have our moment now is a very important time to raise awareness and take care of our global warming, undoubtedly a crucial factor for the species sometimes they come out with a favorite tide and it is usual to see them lay their eggs we will try again soon friends. Pablo
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