Olive ridley sea turtle on the sand in Ostional Nacional Wildlife Refuge.

© Daniel - El Viejo Guarumo/Shutterstock

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional

Península de Nicoya


This 85 sq km coastal refuge extends from Punta India in the north to Playa Guiones in the south, and includes the beaches of Nosara and Ostional. It was created in 1984 to protect the arribadas (mass nestings of olive ridley sea turtles) which occur from July to December. At other times, it's possible to see individual turtles laying eggs on the beach.

The beach is accessible at night (and during arribada) by guided tour only. Contact the MINAE office to arrange.

The peak months for the arribadas are September and October.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Península de Nicoya attractions

1. Sibu Sanctuary

2.45 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…

2. Reserva Biológica Nosara

2.86 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

3. Playa Pelada

3.7 MILES

North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end,…

4. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

4.45 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

5. Playa Guiones

6.62 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…

6. Playa Garza

7.37 MILES

From the south, the first beach you'll hit is Playa Garza, still a sleepy Tico fishing village with an arc of pale brown sand, and headlands on either…

7. Playa Barrigona

11.69 MILES

A dreamy, hidden, white-sand beach about 30 minutes north of Sámara, where no development is visible. Just inland, though, sits a sprawling hacienda…