Just south of San Juan Del Sur, nature puts on a breathtaking show every year. Between July and January, thousands of olive ridley sea turtles return to the same stretch of sand at La Flor Wildlife Refuge to lay their eggs. For travellers, witnessing this ancient ritual is an unforgettable highlight—a true reminder of how special Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is.
The Spectacle of Arribadas
The main event is called an arribada, when hundreds or even thousands of female turtles come ashore in a single night to dig nests and lay their eggs. This usually happens a handful of times each season, particularly around the new moon, when the beaches are darkest and safest for the turtles.
Visiting La Flor Wildlife Refuge
La Flor is about 18 kilometres from San Juan Del Sur, reachable by car or organised tour. Rangers protect the area and offer guided nighttime tours, so visitors can watch the turtles responsibly without disturbing them. Tours often leave town after sunset and return late at night, but it’s well worth staying up for—seeing a giant turtle lumber out of the waves is something you’ll never forget.
Why It Matters
Olive ridley turtles are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. La Flor is one of only a few places in the world where mass nestings still occur regularly. The entrance fees and tours help fund conservation work, supporting the rangers who guard the eggs and hatchlings.
Hatchling Releases
If you visit from September to January, you might also see baby turtles hatching and making their first dash to the sea. Watching dozens of tiny hatchlings scramble down the sand is just as awe-inspiring as seeing the mothers lay their eggs.
Tips for Responsible Turtle Watching
- No flash photography: Flash can disorient turtles.
- Stay quiet and follow your guide: Respect the turtles and their nesting process.
- Wear dark clothing: This helps you blend in and avoid startling the turtles.
Did You Know?
- A single female turtle can lay more than 100 eggs in one night.
- Only a small fraction of hatchlings survive to adulthood, making every egg important for the species’ future.
If you’re in San Juan Del Sur during turtle season, don’t miss the chance to witness this incredible natural event—it’s a powerful reminder that some wild magic still exists in the world.