Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas

El Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas protects the beaches Grande, Ventanas and Langosta, in Guanacaste (near Tamarindo) — created specifically to protect the **tortugas baula**, the largest species of sea turtle in the world, which nests there.

**Horario**: every day of the year, 6:00am to 6:00pm. During the nesting season (see below), staying on the beach is allowed until 5:00pm.

**Temporada de desove**: from **20 October to 15 February**. Outside that window, there is no nesting activity to see.

**Entrada**: free in all areas — you can enjoy the beaches and most estuaries at no cost. The only paid activity is the tour to Estero de Tamarindo (2 hours, about $35 per person).

**Ver el desove de tortugas**: during the season, nighttime beach access to observe nesting requires being accompanied by an authorized guide or tour promoter — you cannot enter on your own at night. Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Note: confirm authorized tour operators and availability directly with the park or in Tamarindo before you go, as nighttime beach access is controlled to avoid scaring the turtles.