Ostional Sea Turtles: How to See the Arribada from Nosara by ATV
Imagine a dark-sand beach slowly filling with turtles. First a few, then hundreds, then thousands, all crawling out of the Pacific to dig their nests at the same time. This is the arribada at Ostional, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Costa Rica, and it happens just a short ATV ride north of Nosara.
In this guide we cover what the arribada is, when to go, how to get from Nosara to Ostional, the rules you need to know, and our best tips for a responsible, unforgettable visit.
What is the arribada at Ostional?
"Arribada" is Spanish for "arrival". It's the name for a mass nesting event, when huge numbers of female olive ridley sea turtles come ashore together over a few days to lay their eggs. Only two turtle species in the world nest this way: the olive ridley and its close relative, Kemp's ridley.
Ostional is one of the most important olive ridley nesting beaches on the planet. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge was created in the 1980s to protect it, and the largest arribadas here have brought hundreds of thousands of turtles to the beach in a single event.
Each turtle digs a nest with her back flippers and lays roughly 100 eggs, each about the size of a ping-pong ball, before covering the nest and heading back to the sea. Around 45 to 60 days later, the hatchlings dig their way out and race for the ocean.
Ostional is also known for its community egg harvest. Because many eggs laid in the first days are destroyed by later turtles digging new nests, the local community is legally allowed to collect eggs during the first days of an arribada. It's a rare example of conservation and community working together, and something your guide can tell you much more about.
When is the best time to see the turtles?
Arribadas happen at Ostional roughly once a month, and the biggest ones come in the rainy (green) season, from about July to December, with August to November usually the peak. Smaller arribadas can happen in the dry season too, and single turtles nest on many nights throughout the year.
No one can predict the exact date, but there are signs. Arribadas are often linked to the moon cycle, and the local guides can usually tell when one is coming. The easiest way to stay updated is to follow the Ostional guide association on Facebook, or simply ask us. We keep an eye on it for our guests.
An arribada usually lasts several days, so if you hear one has started, you still have time to plan your ride. Early morning and evening are the classic times to visit, when the turtles are most active and the sand is cooler.
How to get from Nosara to Ostional by ATV
Ostional is about 15 km (9 miles) north of Playa Guiones, and the ride takes around 30 minutes. You follow the main gravel road (Route 160) north out of Nosara, cross the Nosara River and continue through farmland and forest until you reach the small village of Ostional.
This is exactly the kind of road an ATV was made for. It's mostly dirt and gravel, with potholes, dust in the dry season and mud in the green season. There are also several creek crossings without bridges. In the dry season they are usually dry or shallow, but in the rainy season, right when the arribadas are biggest, the water can rise quickly.
A small car can really struggle here. On an ATV you'll handle the bumps easily, park right by the beach and enjoy the ride as part of the adventure.
Safety first: Never drive into a river crossing if the water is high or flowing fast, and avoid crossings after heavy rain. Crocodiles live in the Nosara River, so stay on your ATV and don't wade in. If you're unsure about the road conditions, message us before you go and we'll give you an update.
Rules at the Ostional Wildlife Refuge
When there's an arribada, you must visit the beach with an accredited local guide. Visitors without a guide are not allowed onto the nesting beach. The guides belong to the Ostional guide association, and booking with them also supports the local community.
Book your guide in advance. Contact the guide association before you go, or visit their office in the village near the soccer field.
Expect a small fee. There's a modest entrance and guide fee [check the current price before publishing].
No flash or lights at night. Bright light disturbs and disorients the turtles, so night photography is not allowed.
Keep your distance. Never touch the turtles, nests or eggs, and always follow your guide's instructions.
Use official access points. Only enter the beach where your guide takes you.
When there is no arribada, you can usually walk the beach freely and enjoy Ostional's wild, quiet coastline.
Our tips for visiting Ostional
Bring cash. Ostional is a tiny village, and the guide fee and local sodas are often cash only.
Pack water, snacks and sunscreen. There are only a few small shops in town.
Wear closed shoes or sandals with straps. The beach is covered in nests, debris and driftwood.
Bring a red light, not a white one, if your guide allows any light at night.
Leave early. Give yourself time for the ride and to meet your guide, and avoid driving the river crossings in the dark if you can.
Bring your surfboard. Ostional also has powerful beach-break waves for experienced surfers. Add a surf rack to your ATV and make a day of it.
Combine it with Playa Pelada or Boca Nosara on the way back for sunset.
Frequently asked questions about Ostional
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About 15 km (9 miles) north of Playa Guiones, or roughly a 30-minute ATV ride.
Find the right ATV for your Ostional tour
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Yes. During an arribada, you must enter the nesting beach with an accredited local guide.
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Arribadas happen roughly monthly all year, with the largest usually between August and November.
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It's possible in the dry season, but the gravel road and river crossings make an ATV or 4x4 the better choice, especially in the rainy season.
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Mainly olive ridley sea turtles. Leatherback and green turtles also nest there occasionally.
Ride to Ostional and see the turtles with Nosara ATV
Seeing the arribada in Ostional is one of those Costa Rica moments you'll never forget, and getting there on an ATV is half the fun. Rent an ATV with Nosara ATV and explore Ostional, Guiones, Pelada and beyond on your own schedule.