Ostional Refuge

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge:

The refuge's beach measures about 7.5 miles long. You may also find the town of Ostional located inside the refuge. The area was established as a wildlife refuge because the sea turtles lay their eggs there. This massive nesting, or "arribada" (arrival), as it is known, is located between La Roca, Las Cocineras, and the Ostional marsh.

The sea turtles that may be found in this wildlife refuge are: the Olive Ridley Turtle, which nests all year round, the Leatherback Turtle, which is the largest in the world, the Green Turtle, which nests between September and February, and the Hawksbill Turtle, which only nests occasionally in this refuge.

Location: The refuge is located along the coastal area bordering Santa Cruz and Nicoya, in Guanacaste. The strip is 656 feet from the coast and extends 1,270 acres in total.

Services offered: The Ostional Development Association offers local guides, and it is also possible to find food services and lodging in town.