Las Baulas National Marine Park, located on Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast near Playa
Grande, is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of the endangered leatherback sea turtle.
The park spans both land and marine ecosystems, covering beaches, mangroves, and coastal
waters.
This is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the giant leatherback turtle, which
visits the beaches between October and March to lay eggs. The park also offers mangrove
estuaries, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful natural surroundings for eco-travelers.
- Turtle Watching 🐢: Join guided night tours 🌙 to see nesting leatherback turtles 🥚. 🌊
- Mangrove Tours 🛶: Explore the estuaries 🌿 filled with birds 🐦, monkeys 🐒, and reptiles 🐊. 🌳
- Beach Walks 👣: Walk 🚶 along Playa Grande’s long sandy beach 🏖️. 🏝️
- Birdwatching 🦅: Spot herons 🦢, ibises ✨, and migratory birds 🕊️. 🔭
- Nature Photography 📷: Capture beautiful coastal 🌅 and wildlife scenes 🐾. 🖼️
- From Tamarindo 🏘️: 25 minutes ⏱️ by car 🚗. 🚘
- From Liberia International Airport ✈️: About 1 hour ⏳ by car 🚕. 🛬
- From San José 🇨🇷: Roughly 5 hours 🛣️ by car 🚐 or shuttle service 🚌. 🗺️
- Do not use flash photography 📸 when watching turtles 🚫. 🛑
- Visit with a certified guide 🧑🤝🧑 for turtle tours 🐢. ✅
- Carry mosquito repellent 🦟 and water 💧. 🚰
- Respect all wildlife 🐒 and follow park regulations 🌿. 🙏
- 7:00 AM – Visit the park’s visitor center 💡 to learn about conservation efforts 💚. 🐢
- 8:00 AM – Explore mangrove trails 🌳 and estuary viewpoints 🔭. 🛶
- 9:30 AM – Relax 😌 on Playa Grande beach 🏖️ and enjoy the ocean breeze 🌬️. 🌊
- 6:00 PM – Join a guided turtle nesting tour 🥚 (seasonal 📅). 🐢🚶
