An arribada is one of the most remarkable wildlife events in Costa Rica: thousands of olive ridley turtles coming ashore on the same beach over a few days to lay their eggs. Ostional, about 2 hours south of Tamarindo, is the best-known place to see it. This guide explains when arribadas happen, how to get there, the rules to respect on the beach and how an Ostional arribada tour from Tamarindo works.
What is an arribada?
Arribada means arrival in Spanish. Instead of nesting one by one, olive ridley turtles gather offshore and come up the beach in huge numbers at the same time. During an arribada at Ostional, more than a thousand turtles a day can arrive to dig their nests and lay their eggs, and the event lasts several days.
The beach is part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area where the local community works closely with the authorities on its care and management. Visiting with respect helps keep it that way.
When does the arribada happen?
Arribadas take place roughly once a month during much of the year, each one lasting about six days. They usually begin in the afternoon and continue into the night, although the exact schedule changes with each one.
- May to July: smaller arribadas are possible.
- August to December: the main season, with larger and more frequent arribadas.
- September to November: the peak, when the biggest arribadas of the year usually occur.
For the full picture of the year, including leatherbacks and hatchling releases, see our guide to the best time to see turtles in Guanacaste.
An unpredictable event
Nobody can set the date of an arribada in advance. The turtles decide when to come ashore, and an arribada may start earlier or later than expected, or be smaller than the previous one. That is why it is best to keep your dates flexible and stay in touch with your operator in the days before.
How to get to Ostional from Tamarindo
Ostional is about 2 hours south of Tamarindo by road. Part of the route is unpaved and conditions can be difficult in the rainy season, which is also arribada season. Driving yourself is possible, but you would still need an authorized local guide at the beach and up-to-date information on whether the arribada has started.
A guided tour takes care of the drive, the timing and the guiding, so you can focus on the experience.
Ostional arribada tour with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey
- Price: $130 per person.
- Minimum: 4 people. Children 3 and under are free.
- Includes: transportation from Tamarindo or Langosta, a bilingual guide, bottled water and seasonal fruit.
- Duration: varies with each arribada; departure time is confirmed according to its progress.
- Deposit: $20 per person online; the balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour.
Because the tour needs a minimum of 4 people, write to us early so we can plan the group. If you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, we refund the deposit.
Rules to respect on the beach
- No flash and no white light. Light disorients nesting turtles and hatchlings heading to the sea.
- Go with a guide. Visits during the arribada are done with authorized local guides.
- Follow the rangers. Their instructions on where to walk and where to stop always come first.
- Keep your distance. Stay behind the turtles, never in front of them, and do not touch turtles, eggs or hatchlings.
- Watch your step. Nests are everywhere on the sand during an arribada.
What to bring
- Dark clothing
- Water shoes or tennis shoes
- A camera you can use without flash
- Insect repellent
More turtle experiences near Tamarindo
If the arribada does not fit your dates, you can still see turtles closer to town. The Turtle Nesting Tour ($60 per person, departure at 5:30 pm) visits Playa Minas or Playa Jesús, and the Sunset and Baby Turtle Release ($50 per person, departure at 3:30 pm) is available from November 12.
Want to witness the arribada with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey? Reserve the Ostional Arribada Tour online, or write to us on WhatsApp to check the next expected arribada and organize your group.
Book these tours
Ostional Arribada Tour$130 per personSee tour and book →
Turtle Nesting Tour$60 per personSee tour and book →
Sunset & Baby Turtle Release$50 per personSee tour and book →
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the arribada at Ostional?
The largest and most frequent arribadas usually happen between August and December, with the peak from September to November. Smaller arribadas can occur from May onward.
Can the arribada date be known in advance?
Not exactly. Arribadas happen roughly once a month and last several days, but the start depends on the turtles. We follow each arribada and confirm the plan with you by WhatsApp.
How much is the Ostional arribada tour from Tamarindo?
The tour costs $130 per person with a minimum of 4 people, and children 3 and under are free. It includes transportation from Tamarindo or Langosta, a bilingual guide, bottled water and seasonal fruit.
Can I visit the Ostional arribada without a guide?
Visits to the nesting beach during an arribada are done with authorized local guides, and visitors must follow the instructions of the rangers. Going with a tour also solves the long drive and the uncertain timing.
Can I take photos during the arribada?
Yes, but never with flash or white light, and always from the distance your guide indicates. Light disorients turtles and hatchlings.
More Tamarindo guides
- Best Time to See Turtles in Guanacaste: Month by MonthBest time to see turtles in Guanacaste, month by month: leatherbacks at Playa Grande, Ostional arribadas, olive ridleys and baby turtle releases.
- Playa Grande Turtle Tour: Night Nesting Near TamarindoPlaya Grande turtle tour from Tamarindo: why it goes to Playa Minas or Playa Jesús, the night step by step, species you may see and the $60 price.
- Turtle Watching Rules and Tips: What to Expect on a Night TourTurtle nesting tour rules and tips: no white light or flash, keep your distance, what to wear and bring, how long you wait and what happens if no turtles.
- Baby Turtle Release in Tamarindo: How It WorksBaby turtle release in Tamarindo: how the sunset release works, conservation rules, what visitors can and cannot do, price and dates. From Nov 12.
- Sea Turtles of Guanacaste: Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Green TurtleSea turtles of Guanacaste, Costa Rica: leatherback, olive ridley, green and hawksbill. Size, nesting habits, status and where each nests near Tamarindo.
- Best Tours in Tamarindo: A Local Operator's GuideBest tours in Tamarindo ranked by a local operator: estuary boat, kayak, turtles, horseback and day trips, with the price and length of all 13 tours.