At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- 4–5 hours on the paved road via Paquera and Nicoya. The coast road's rivers are often impassable in the rainy season, when arribadas peak
- From Liberia airport (LIR)
- About 2½–3 hours by road
- Swimming
- No. Strong rip currents, and it's a protected nesting beach
- Best for
- Nature lovers; couples; families with kids old enough to stay quiet and patient on a night tour
- Facilities
- A small village with basic services. The refuge is open every day, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Getting there
- About 10–12 km (20–30 minutes) north of Nosara on a rough dirt road. The Nosara and Montaña rivers are bridged, but the road and the stream crossing at the village can be impassable after heavy rain. Stay in Nosara
- Surf
- Powerful, reliable waves with dangerous rips: experienced surfers only
What is an arribada?
Arribada means "arrival". At Ostional, anywhere from 15,000 to around 200,000 female olive ridley turtles come ashore together, over several nights, to dig nests on a stretch of beach about 800 meters long. According to SINAC, the national park service, Ostional is the world's most important olive ridley nesting site and ranks second for arribadas after Escobilla in Mexico. The refuge also covers the beaches of Nosara, Pelada and Guiones.
The local community is part of the story: under a program managed with the refuge, the community legally harvests eggs in the first days of an arribada and in return helps protect the beach and the nests.
When can you see the turtles?
- All year: arribadas happen once or twice a month.
- Peak: the biggest come in the rainy season, roughly August to November, sometimes into December.
- Time of night: most turtles arrive between about 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Dates: arribadas tend to start around the last-quarter moon, about a week before the new moon, but not reliably, so exact nights can't be fixed months ahead. Ask the local guides' association a few days before.
- Other turtles: leatherbacks and green turtles nest occasionally, from about October to January.
Insider tip: Build two or three nights in Nosara around your hoped-for dates rather than one. Arribadas don't keep a timetable, and the rains that bring the best ones can also close the road for an evening.
What are the rules?
- A certified local guide is compulsory during arribadas and in nesting season.
- No flash photos, and no white lights except as your guide directs.
- No vehicles or ATVs on the sand, no horses, no pets, no fires.
- No reflective clothing: wear dark colors.
Can you swim at Ostional?
No. The beach has strong rip currents, and it's a protected nesting beach. For a swim near Nosara, go to Playa Guiones by the lifeguards or calm Playa Garza.
Is Ostional good for kids?
For children who can walk quietly in the dark and follow the guide's instructions, a turtle night can be the highlight of the trip. It's late, it's dark, and there's a lot of standing still, so it suits school-age kids better than toddlers.
How do you get there, and where should you stay?
Stay in Nosara, 20 to 30 minutes south, and go with your guide. From Santa Teresa, Ostional is about 5 hours on the paved road via Paquera and Nicoya, so it's not a day trip; the coast road is shorter on the map, but its rivers are often impassable in the rainy months, just when arribadas peak. Even from Nosara, the river bridges on the way can be closed after heavy rain. See where to stay in Nosara, and the best time to visit for the seasons.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the arribadas at Ostional?
The biggest arribadas come in the rainy season, roughly August to November. Smaller ones happen once or twice a month all year. Dates follow the moon and can't be fixed far ahead, so ask the Ostional local guides' association a few days before you go.
Do you need a guide at Ostional?
Yes. A certified local guide is compulsory during arribadas and in the nesting season. Ask your hotel, or contact the Ostional local guides' association (AGLO) directly.
Can you swim at Ostional?
No. The beach has strong rip currents and is a protected nesting site. Swim at Playa Guiones by the lifeguards or at calm Playa Garza instead.
How far is Ostional from Santa Teresa?
About 5 hours on the paved road via Paquera and Nicoya. It's 20 to 30 minutes north of Nosara, so stay there rather than trying a day trip.
Can children go to see the turtles?
Yes, with a guide. The tours are at night and involve walking quietly in the dark with no flashlights, so they suit school-age children who can be patient more than toddlers.