Experience the Arribada

A group of olive ridley sea turtles resting on a sandy beach near the ocean shore.

The arribada is a little-understood phenomenon during which thousands of sea turtles come ashore and lay their eggs at the same time! In Ostional, this happens almost every month but it is almost impossible to predict when.

Once the arribada starts, we can take you on a tour and show you the 7-step nesting process that each sea turtle completes after leaving the water. We will also explain the legal egg harvest that takes place in the local community in the first couple days of the arribada and how it supports the locals.

What People Are Saying

  • CAROLINE F.

    “

    Fran is a wonderful guide, passionate about the sea turtles and their survival, informative about their life cycle and the struggles they face to survive. He explained how involved the local community is in their protection, and was above all concerned that visitors get to witness this awe-inspiring phenomen without disrupting or disturbing the turtles.

    I can’t rate Fran highly enough!

    ”

  • JEANETTE K.

    “

    Fran speaks fluent English, can tell you a lot about the local flora & fauna, especially the arribada and has always a smile on his face. highly recommended!

    ”

  • TAL E.

    “

    Francisco will treat you so well, he is kind, knowledgeable and sweet. We saw some amazing turtles hatching from their nest and racing to the ocean and one big mama turtle on the beach.

    ”

  • MARIA E.

    “

    We had a private tour with Francisco to watch turtle arrivals. He is very knowledgeable guide. We would recommend his company for ATV tours or to go see turtles.

    ”

Book a Turtle Tour


While we are unable to predict exactly when the next arribada starts, we can contact you once there is turtle activity and schedule a tour.

Book Now

$40/person ⦿ 1 hour ⦿ Ostional


*Inquire about transportation to/from Ostional

“Ostional is one of the two most important areas in the world for nesting of the Olive Ridley turtle.”

-World Wildlife Fund

After the arribada occurs, baby turtles hatch about 45 days later, often affected by the moon cycle. If you’re not able to take a tour during the arribada, another great option is to take a hatchlings tour! While watching the baby turtles come out of their shells, you can keep an eye out for vultures, dogs, and other predators to make sure that they make it safely to the ocean.