A visit to Costa Rica between March and November coincides with turtle nesting and hatching season. Known as the ‘arribada’ (arrival), thousands of sea turtles emerge from the ocean under the light of a full moon, and lay eggs on Costa Rica’s beaches.
What is special about Tortuguero National Park?
Home to the celebrated Tortuguero National Park, the network of canals, rivers, lagoons, beaches, and dense rainforest here are interlinked. These parks protect a long list of exotic plants and animals, including endangered species such as green macaws, jaguars, and several species of sea turtles.
Where can I see turtles in Costa Rica?
The best place to take a turtle tour in Costa Rica is Ostional, Tortuguero, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge and Gandoca Wildlife Refuge. We were also at Hermosa beach (near Jaco) in November and they had turtle tours running.
Why is the leatherback turtle endangered?
In Danger of Extinction: There are many reasons why the Leatherback turtle is endangered. One of many is because of pollution is harming their habitat and environment. Humans are leaving trash on the beach which later washes into the oceans. This results in the Leatherbacks taking in the trash for mistaken prey.
What does a leatherback turtle look like?
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest reptile on Earth. Adult turtles can grow to 2 meters long and weigh up to 900 kilograms. Interestingly, leatherback sea turtles do not have a hard shell like other turtles. Instead, they have leathery skin that covers a series of bony plates.
What is the biggest leatherback sea turtle?
About leatherback turtles . The leatherback is the largest sea turtle, reaching up to nearly 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length and weighing 1,190 pounds (540kg). Unlike other sea turtles, the leatherback does not have a hard shell. Its shell is made-up of a mosaic of small bones covered by firm, rubbery skin with seven longitudinal ridges.
What is the population of leatherback turtles?
The Pacific population of leatherback sea turtles has suffered most over the last twenty years: as few as 2,300 adult females now remain, making the Pacific leatherback the world’s most endangered marine turtle population.
