Olive Ridley's Nesting in Ostional

Date of the trip:
Two days, one night

Once we get to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, if Nature allows us, we'll have the chance to watch rare phenomenon, witnessed in few places of the world: the arribada (arrival), or mass nesting, and the posterior birth of thousands of little turtles. This unique opportunity will allow us to know the four kinds of turtles that nest in this area.

We'll learn about how the inhabitants of the area have organized their selves forming an association that in harmony with Nature they legally and rationally utilize this resource through the Rational Exploitation, Conservation and Handling of Turtle Eggs Project. During the afternoon, if the weather allows us, we'll have a walk to watch some of the different types of birds of the area. At night, following the guide's advice and suggestions, we'll watch the turtle's nesting. The usual nesting area, about 900 meters long, it's located between the estuary of the Ostional River, that runs parallel to the beach, and a rocky point that goes into the sea water.

Because it's a Wildlife refuge, it is possible to watch near to town birds and howling monkeys, and at night, several nocturnal animals, such as raccoons, skunks and others. Sometimes, it's also possible to watch in the estuaries close to the beach, crocodiles, iguanas, and aquatic birds. North of the refuge there are several shaped rocks and there is a cave with a large colony of bats.

Friday morning, we'll enjoy Ostional Beach and after lunch, we'll go back to San Jos.

This refuge is located in the 200 m beach line between Punta India and the Nosara River mouth and includes the Ostional village. It belongs to the Santa Cruz area, in the Province of Guanacaste.

Its importance is based in the protection that the Wildlife Refuge gives to the fauna of the area that includes olive ridley and leatherback turtles, and a wide variety of marine birds. To watch turtle nesting, the arribada and little turtle's birth, it is necessary to obey some regulations:

• Not to use flashlights with bright light
• It's recommended to use red cellophane paper over the flashlight light,
• Not to illuminate directly over the turtle's eyes,
• Not to take pictures with flash,
• To not move marks or any other signs on the beach, since these are used in marines turtle's research
• Every organized group should be divided in smaller groups of eight people.

Recommendations:

Dark clothing, suitable and comfortable for walking on the beach. Sneakers or sandals with a stripe. Mosquito repellant

*** The use of cameras or any other artifact with light is totally forbidden. The use of a red light flashlight will be limited by the guide in charge.

Included Services:

Transportation in luxury van or minivan, with AC, one entrance to national park (for foreigners), one accommodation night in a hotel of the area, one breakfast, one snack, a turtle nesting tour, Assist Card insurance for medical expenses, specialized guide services during the whole time of the activity, taxes.

Rate per person: $211.25 (4 people minimum)