Tortuguero is the most important green sea turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere, with tens of thousands of females hauling out between July and October to lay their eggs on the 35 km of black sand coastline. Guided night walks (only 2 hours, under strict red-light-only rules) are the only way to witness the nesting ritual. Leatherback turtles also nest here between March and May. Tortuguero is reached only by boat or small plane, adding to its wild atmosphere.
