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| Las Baulas National Park is a marine park located at the northern tip of Tamarindo Bay by Playa Grande. |
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The park is one of the world's few remaining sites where the Giant Leatherback Turtle comes and lays her eggs. The females, often weighing more than a 1000 pounds, make their way laboriously up the beach to lay their eggs at night. |
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The Giant Leatherbacks Turtles have been around for over 65 million years, and have witnessed the fall of dinosaurs and the rise of humanity. Their habitat spans the globe from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific. Not only are these gentle giants are the largest reptiles on Earth, they are also one of the most endangered. |
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Nightly tours can be arranged from October to February. In order to minimize visitor impact on the nesting turtles, the number of people allowed on the beach is limited by the National Park Service, and a qualified guide will accompany all visitors. You will not be allowed on the beach at night without a guide. The departure of the tours vary nightly according to the tides. Next to the park is a small museum devoted to the life and history of the Giant Leatherback Turtle. Tours can be organized through your hotel. |
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What you can do:
Do
- tell a park official if you see any practices that may be harmful to turtles
- appreciate this fascinating animal
- share your knowledge of leatherbacks
- speak very softly if near a turtle
- turn off bright lights on the beach
Do Not
- drive or walk on the beach above the high tide line, this crushes eggs and hatchlings in the nest
- walk on the beach at night, this scares turtles away
- walk or stand in front of a turtle
- use flash photography or video around a turtle
- buy products made from turtles
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