Leatherbacks Sea turtles Barra Pacuare
The Leatherback Sea Turtles nest between February and August, but in greater quantity between March and July, near Barra de Pacuare, the southern part of the Tortuguero Canals in Costa Rica. Barra de Pacuare is located near the Pacuare River Rivermouth, a pristine and virgin area with few inhabitants where conservation projects of sea turtles, forests and private, semi - private and state natural reserves predominate.
About the Leatherback Turtle
It is the largest species on the planet. Its size in adults is up to 210 cm. The number of eggs per nest is 180 and its feeding consists of marine jellyfish. Some general characteristics of the Leatherback Turtles are that it has a shell without shields or scales, with prominent keels. It has a black to dark color with white spots on the front extremities, which are large and strong. It is the only species of Turtle that does NOT have shell, but it is a hard leather extension.
When do they nest and how to see them?
Like the other sea turtles, they nest in the dark of night, so night tours are made with special equipment not to disturb them and led by a marine turtle scientist. During the spawning season, with luck you can see turtles spawning at night or very early in the morning, sometimes even during the day.
Where do they nest? What is the best time to see them?
On the Pacific coast they nest during the months of September to March, especially on Naranjo beaches, within the Santa Rosa National Park, as well as Grande beach in Guanacaste and Playa Langosta, as well as Ventanas Beach. On the Caribbean coast, the season is from February to August, being best March to July. We offer expeditions of 2 days and 1 night as well as 3 days and 2 nights to Canales de Tortuguero, Barra de Pacuare sector (Sector Lirio); where we include a night expedition that goes from 9 30 - 11 30 PM and has a cost of 35 U $ per Person.
