Nicaragua is one of seven places in the world where Pacific Ocean turtles arrive en masse to nest.
Community, naval and environmental authorities protect these species, such as the paslama, tora and torita, from hunters and predators when they reach the coasts, ensuring that they complete their reproductive cycle and return to the ocean.
It is possible to see sea turtles up close in Nicaragua. We tell you about two places you can visit and some recommendations.
Escalente-Chacocente River Wildlife Refuge
With an area of 29,604 hectares, it is located between the departments of Carazo and Rivas, receiving annually, in the second half of the year, thousands of turtles that seek the coasts to nest. Here you can go camping, hiking and birdwatching.
Playa La Flor Wildlife Refuge
It is located 25 kilometers from the city of San Juan del Sur, Rivas, receiving thousands of turtles between the months of July and January. After 50 days of the eggs being laid, the baby turtles are born and then head out to sea. In this refuge you can practice activities such as hiking, camping and birdwatching.
More than 3,000 turtles can arrive in a single night, a spectacle worth witnessing that occurs during the waning and waxing moon phases.
If you are planning to visit, please note that to access the refuge, nationals must pay C$ 100.00 and foreigners C$ 200.00. To get there, you must travel by private vehicle.
When you visit, it is important to know that you should not approach the turtles, especially if they are laying eggs, touch the eggs or leave trash on the beach, especially plastic waste.
