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Turtle Nesting Season in Gandoca
Posted by Editor | March 9, 2009 | Categories: Tourism | 6 Comments
It’s the prime time of year to see turtles come ashore for nesting near Gandoca.   There are a few things though to keep in mind if you want to see these incredible wonders of nature, some weighing in at over 600 pounds (the leatherbacks)!
- You will need to go at night and you must be properly equipped – for example flashlights will confuse the turtles and they may abort the nesting.. Only special red lights can be used.
- You must go with a guide. Not only is this the law and is needed for safety given that you are out at night on a remote beach but you are much more likely to see the turtles.
- You should work with a guide who is supporting conservation efforts.
Beyond that, this is an unforgetable experience, not to be missed!
We recommend the tours with Gecko Trail Adventures. They hire the guides through ANAI, the local turtle conservation organization, so you are supporting their conservation work. They also hire reliable local drivers and vehicles who can get you to the Gandoca beach without mishap. Because much of the cost of this tour is the transportation to the remote starting point, the more people who do this tour, the cheaper it is per person!
You can get more information on this tour and make a booking here.
Comments
6 Comments so far
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ANAI no longer runs the sea turtle conservation work in Gandoca, it is now Widecast Latin America (www.latinamericanseaturtles.org). They can also set up tours directly and have a wonderful volunteer program. Leatherback turtles also nest in Cahuita National Park, Widecast runs that program as well and tours are available.
Ah, I contacted ANAI for the information and Widecast responded…but I actually just thought it was multiple names or a name change not a different organization. In either case, people have been enjoying the Widecast tours at Gandoca so far!
Did you feel the earthquake yesterday?
Just so that folks know, The Gandoca Development Association (ADIG) also coordinates volunteers for turtle monitoring. The beach at Gandoca is divided into 2 sections for sea turtle protection, one portion administered by Widecast and the other by ADIG with the University of Costa Rica. They both work jointly with community housing and food for people who would like to stay for a few days and help out. The phone number of MINAET office in Gandoca is:2754-1103.
One can catch a boat to Gandoca from Manzanillo or hike down the coast with a local guide – both great experiences thru the wildlife refuge, can book guide at Guiasmant office in Manzanillo.
“Development” agency? What does development have to do with turtle conservation? why is the beach split into two sections administered under two different agencies?
You are very intelligent to ask that question! The truth is ugly…and the decision that was made that brought this situation on was not done in favor of tutle conservation nor scientific research. Like most bad decisions it was due to petty and corrupt people. If you want to participate in conservation always go with the most scientifically sound organisation.