Costa Rica Travel Forum

My internet research led me to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica (instead of Tortuguero). The problem is trying to identify which town is closest to the small section of beach where the turtles come ashore. Ostional is listed (but I am not sure if the town is meant or the Ostional Wildlife Refuge - which would make more sense).

We will have an SUV so getting there isn't the problem, I just don't know whether we should head to Nosara/Ostional or further south near Samara. I'd like to stay one or two nights and am trying to figure out which town to book a room in (We will be driving from Monteverde).

Thanks for any advice.

There is a place south of Dominical near ballena national park called playa tortuga where there is a lot of nesting going on during august .I was there in the springtime so we didnt see alot or really any turtles but the beach was beautiful and very uncrowded.We stayed in a place called Villa Gaia-there are two or three other hotels in the area too.It is quite a drive from Monteverde though so keep that in mind but It is probably what you're looking for.

You should have a great opportunity to catch an arribada sometime around the middle of the month. (see nesting prediction calendar for Aug 2009 here http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=495&Itemid=699)

There are VERY simple cabinas in Ostional town within walking distance of the nesting beach or if you're in the $100 price range you can check out the Luna Azul http://mapcr.com/information/9031/1/Costa-Rica-Hotel-Luna-Azul.html

Otherwise Nosara is ok. The drive from Samara in the dark (when the turtles nest) is not for the faint of heart.

Just because you have 4WD there is no guarantee you can make it from Nosara or Samara to Ostinal in the rainy season. Sometimes you may need a boat ;-)