- October to February, at night, with a guide, as of 5 Oct 2026.
- Other months this beach is a walk, not a turtle tour, as of 5 Oct 2026.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Costa Rica
The leatherback beach north of Tamarindo, at night, with a guide, October to February.
Check before you go
Facts
Season: October to February.
Visit: At night, with a guide.
Fee: Fees differ for foreigners and for residents. SINAC posts the figure, and it usually includes IVA, as of Oct 2026.
Map
- The night beachLeatherbacks, October to February, with a guide. Lights stay off the sand.
Leatherbacks, at night, in season. You do not see that from the road at noon.
With a guide, at night, from October to February.
October to February. Other months the beach is a walk, not a tour.
Playa Grande, north of Tamarindo. A boat crosses the estuary, or you drive around.
Yes, in season. The night visit is with a guide.
Fees differ for foreigners and for residents. SINAC posts the figure, and it usually includes IVA, as of Oct 2026.
The visit is at night, in season. It is not a noon swim in any month.
Yes. At night, and the lights stay off the sand. No flash.
Guide, night, October to February. No flash and no white light on the sand.
Where to stay
Playa Grande is the beach. Tamarindo is the town across the estuary.
Playa Grande
Costa Rica
The long beach north of Tamarindo, where leatherbacks nest. Wide, peaceful sand across the estuary from town.
Tamarindo
Costa Rica
The town sits on the sand. Sunset fills the beach, and easy waves out front suit a first lesson.
Thinking about living in Las Baulas?
See homes and land for sale in Las Baulas through Costa Rica MLS, or ask a local agent a question.
Parks near
Diriá
Hill forest inland from Tamarindo, above Santa Cruz. A 4x4 and a river crossing.
Barra Honda
Caves under the dry hills near Nicoya. You go down on a rope with a guide, in the morning.
Palo Verde
Wetlands on the Tempisque, full of birds from September to March. Gravel from Bagaces.
Santa Rosa
Dry forest, a battle museum, and a far surf beach north of Liberia. Closed Tuesdays.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Mud pots, fumaroles, and waterfalls an hour from Liberia. Las Pailas closes Mondays.
Guanacaste
Two volcanoes and research stations north of Liberia. You arrange it with Santa Rosa first.