Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach

The pickup worked smooth and we were only 4 persons in total. The tour was in English. At the beginning the guide said we might not be seeing any turtles at all or only one but in that case he would have photos. But we were really lucky as it was a night where many turtles showed up. We went to Playa Corozalito and at the entrance where some rangers. For the way to the beach we got red lamps but at the beach only the guide used his one to not distract the turtles more than necessary. He shared his knowledge and we got to see the whole process for one turtle. He tried not to put the light on the head of the turtle and we got take photos and videos. Afterwards we got a cold water or ice tea and cookies before we drove approx. 45 min. back to Samara. Was a nice tour and overall experience. Maybe also offer it in Spanish or bilingual would be nice.

Christopher and Rodrigo were our guide and driver for perhaps the most magical night you can experience in Costa Rica. Following an informative drive and introduction session on arrival where we learned about the turtles and the incredible community efforts to protect them, we were taken to the beach to wait to see if we would be lucky enough to see a turtle return to the beach to nest. After helping to check the beach for hatchlings and just when we had come to terms with the fact that we may not be lucky, Christopher received word over the radio a mother had been sighted. What followed, which was respectfully marshalled by Christopher, was the beautiful process of nest building, egg laying, burying and the return to the ocean of the mother turtle. We were provided red lights so as not to scare the mother (she cannot see red lights) and we were able to see with our eyes and take photos of the process. A wonderful tour, a magical moment. 5 stars 🌟

My kids (11 and 12 years old) and I had an awesome experience with Christopher on the turtle tour! The shuttle ride out of Samara is about an hour. We walked along the beach for a while and then, after our guide spotted a turtle coming onto shore, got to see the entire process of an Olive Ridley turtle laying her eggs. Our guide was phenomenal- shared all of his turtle knowledge. This was such a special night.

Although we had to be in the van by 3am, this was well worth it! We lucked into a prime day for viewing both nesting sea turtles and the hatching of previous nestings. It was amazing! Another guest had studied the turtles and said that they come on shore to nest just in the last days of a waning moon. We just lucked out!

Drive to the beach was in a rough road. Minimal instruction to start the tour. People were shining red lights everywhere and turtles got confused. I’m surprised we should be that close. We saw a lot of hatchlings. Cool experience.

Despite being the end of the season (mid December) we could see babies turtles and one nesting turtle so that was a great! They changed the time ahead of the meeting to improve our chances. The guide seemed a bit tired of repeating stuff but when you asked him he always knew the answer and got more into details which was really interesting.

We have seen many baby turtles - a great experience. Our tour guide has instructed us well so that we do not disturb the animals too much. He also explained a lot and answered all questions patiently.

The tour is highly recommended. We saw baby turtles hatching and accompanied them towards the sea. We were also lucky enough to observe an adult turtle nesting. The tour takes place on a beach about 40 minutes drive (shuttle service is included).

Think twice wether you really need to experience this event. I felt really disturbing on this amazing beach. Although we all had red torches and the guide instructed us never to use the flash while taking photos or videos, the baby tortugas gathered like moths in our torch light as they were misleaded by our light. Usually they head to the sea, which should be the brightest point at the beach. I can’t tell wether the nesting mother was disturbed by our group, but as she headed to the sea our group was standing in her way with the red torch light in her face for some seconds. Although, our guide was nice and very informative, he told us a lot about the tortugas and their life. We saw a snake and an anteater on our way back.

An absolutely magical experience...highlight of our lifetimes. Logistics were as easy as can be and our guide Christopher was magnificent. We were fortunate to see Olive Ridley turtles both nesting AND hatching. Christopher was always quick to make sure respect for the turtles came first. Please Samara Adventures, give this man a raise.