Ostional National Wildlife Refuge

Ostional, Costa Rica

Text©Beatrice Blake-New Key to Costa Rica

The first arribada occurred at Ostional in 1959 and has happened regularly since then, usually occurring during the last quarter of the moon. As scientists studied the turtles, they found that eggs laid by the first wave of turtles were often excavated by turtles that arrive later, or by the strong surf at high tide. If excavated eggs are left to rot on the beach, they can contaminate healthy eggs as well. Turtle eggs are thought to have aphrodisiac properties, and are a favorite boca at Costa Rican bars.

The scientific studies mentioned above served as the basis for Ostional to become one of the only communities in the world where turtle eggs are harvested and sold in a sustainable way. Since 1987, the Integral Development Association of Ostional (ADIO) governs the harvesting and marketing of the eggs, and hires a biologist to monitor the health of the turtle population. Each of ADIO’s 240 members is allowed to collect eggs for 10 to 15 hours during the first 36 hours of each arribada. After that, it is their responsibility to protect the nests.

When the turtles hatch, 40 to 55 days after the eggs are laid, women and children from the community follow the baby turtles as they clamber toward the sea at dawn, protecting them from dogs and birds. Tourists can accompany them. Seventy percent of the income from the sale of turtle eggs is distributed among ADIO’s working members. The other 30 percent goes to beach protection and patrol, scientific research, scholarships, and support of the community’s schools, health center, sports teams, churches, and environmental education and social welfare programs.

Website & Contact

phone: (506)2682-0470, 2680-0467

Recommended Near Ostional National Wildlife Refuge

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Nearby Activities & Attractions

Nearby Hotels & Lodges

Lagarta Lodge
Lodge Vista del Mar
Giardino Tropical
Harmony Hotel
Casa Tucan

The nearest town is Ostional, 1 km away and Airstrip airport is 5.2 km.

Please note that distances for nearby hotels, attractions, activites & other points of interest are in a straight line. Distances by road may be significantly longer!

The exact gps map coordinates of Ostional National Wildlife Refuge are latitude 9.99068, longitude -85.69885. (exact GPS coordinates are accurate to within a few meters, gps data labeled approximate is within a few hundred meters)