Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ostional — Attraction in Cuajiniquil

A Massacre on the Sand… I recently visited the stretch of beach near the Cemetery, and what I witnessed was not conservation, but a massacre. The path the tiny hatchlings must navigate to the ocean is neglected and hazardous: • Environmental Debris: The sand is littered with hazards, including glass, plastic, and large, broken tree trunks that create impassable barriers for the emerging young. • Uncontrolled Predation (Domestic Dogs): The most devastating threat comes from domestic dogs, which are permitted to roam freely. I saw multiple instances of dogs digging up nests, leaving behind hundreds of opened, empty eggshells. This is not natural predation; it is a direct consequence of lax security and community negligence. • Scavenging Birds: Compounding the dog problem, scavenging birds are easily accessing the exposed nests, further contributing to the slaughter. The result is heartbreaking. We are talking about hundreds of nests being destroyed before the hatchlings even have a chance to emerge. The sight of these dug-out, empty nests—a testament to a complete breakdown in security—is...

What an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! We saw hundreds of turtles and even helped baby turtles get into the water (with the permission of the guides of course). The guides were very knowledgeable, though it helps if you speak Spanish. Follow them on their Facebook page to know exactly when the turtles come out. They usually come out with the new moon in the rainy season every month, though it's not always predictable that's why timing your arrival in the Ostional is key if you want to see lots and lots of turtles. Make sure to follow the Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional(AGLO)Costa Rica Facebook page as they usually post 1 day before the turtles' arrival, when they 1st start spotting them. And, you need a guide to enter the beach. P.S. Avoid any other turtle-watching tours in Costa Rica, as they usually don't guarantee you'll see any turtles, yet they'll happily charge you for a small chance of seeing them. In Ostional, you're guaranteed to see hundreds of turtles, but you have to time...

One of the parks security men with a bushy mustache took an instant dislike for my daughter. Had her and 2 granddaughters with me. He was abusive in nature. Chased us off beach. We offered money for grandchild to go with guide to see turtles. Guide said he had room. STATE PARK DUDE says no he doesnt. Meanwhile the female just looked away as she knew he was a nob. Said we could go north side of beach where locals were drinking etc. So we went that way..then he chased off that beach. Definitely an abusive man ..feel sorry for the women in his life. Pura Vida. Beware the...