Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica is one of the country’s most important and inspiring conservation success stories, especially when it comes to the protection of endangered sea turtles. Remote, pristine, and largely untouched by modern development, Pacuare is not a destination for luxury tourism or crowded beaches. Instead, it is a place for travelers, volunteers, and nature lovers who want to experience Costa Rica in its rawest and most authentic form—while actively contributing to the protection of one of the planet’s most vulnerable marine species: the green turtle.
A Remote Sanctuary on the Caribbean Coast
Pacuare Nature Reserve is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, approximately five kilometers north of the Atlantic port city of Limón. The reserve lies between the Tortuguero canals and the Caribbean Sea, creating a unique landscape of waterways, lowland tropical rainforest, and six kilometers of deserted, wild beach. Covering hundreds of acres of protected land, Pacuare is a place where the rainforest meets the ocean, and where nature still dominates every aspect of daily life.
This isolation is part of what makes Pacuare so special. There are no towns, resorts, or paved roads nearby. Access is only possible by boat, and once you arrive, you quickly realize that this is a place governed by the rhythms of the natural world rather than the clock. The sound of ocean surf replaces traffic noise, and the calls of birds and monkeys replace alarms and cell phones.
One of Costa Rica’s Most Important Turtle Nesting Sites
Pacuare Nature Reserve is internationally recognized as a critical nesting site for several species of endangered sea turtles. Most notably, it is an important nesting beach for:
- Green turtles
- Leatherback turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
Each species follows a different nesting schedule, making Pacuare an active conservation site for much of the year.
Leatherback turtles, the largest sea turtles in the world, arrive first. These massive reptiles come ashore between March and June, hauling their enormous bodies out of the ocean under cover of darkness to lay their eggs in the warm Caribbean sand. Witnessing a leatherback turtle nesting is an unforgettable experience and a powerful reminder of how ancient and fragile these creatures are.
Green turtles, the focus of much of Pacuare’s conservation work, arrive later in the year, nesting primarily between June and September. Hawksbill turtles also nest in smaller numbers throughout the season. All three species are listed as endangered, facing ongoing threats from poaching, egg theft, fishing nets, pollution, and the destruction of coastal nesting habitats.
Why the Reserve Was Created
By the late 1980s, turtle populations along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast were in serious decline. Poaching for turtle meat and eggs was widespread, and coastal development was rapidly destroying critical nesting beaches. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the British-based Endangered Wildlife Trust established Pacuare Nature Reserve in 1989 as a protected area dedicated specifically to sea turtle conservation.
The goal was simple but ambitious: protect nesting beaches, stop poaching, and involve people directly in conservation through education and hands-on participation. Pacuare quickly became a model for community-based conservation, combining scientific research, volunteer programs, and eco-conscious tourism.
The Volunteer Turtle Protection Program
In 1994, a formal volunteer turtle protection program was established at Pacuare Nature Reserve. This program is the heart of the reserve’s mission and continues to operate today. Volunteers and students from around the world come to Pacuare to assist with night patrols, data collection, nest monitoring, and environmental education.
Visitors who stay at the reserve are invited to participate in these activities, even if only for a short stay. Upon arrival, guests receive an orientation explaining the turtle life cycle, the threats turtles face, and the rules for observing nesting turtles responsibly. Later in the evening, visitors may join the night patrols, which involve walking the beach in small groups to ensure that nesting turtles and their eggs are not disturbed or stolen by poachers.
Walking the beach at night, guided only by moonlight and the sound of the waves, is one of the most powerful experiences Pacuare offers. When a nesting turtle is encountered, strict protocols are followed to minimize stress on the animal. Flashlights are used sparingly, photography is restricted, and silence is maintained. It is conservation in action, and visitors quickly gain a deep respect for the work being done.
Rustic Accommodations: Living Close to Nature
Pacuare Nature Reserve is not a place for luxury travelers, and that is exactly its charm. Accommodations are intentionally very rustic, designed to minimize environmental impact and keep visitors closely connected to nature.
The lodge on the property offers three simple bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities. There is one shared bathroom, with an outdoor shower. Hot water is available, but many guests choose to shower under the open sky, surrounded by jungle sounds. There is no electricity at the lodge, which means evenings are lit by candles and lanterns.
This lack of modern conveniences may sound intimidating at first, but most visitors quickly adapt. Without artificial light or electronic distractions, nights become peaceful and restorative. Guests fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves and wake up with the sunrise around 5:30 a.m., accompanied by birdsong and rustling leaves.
The cost to stay at the lodge is approximately $80 per person per night, which includes meals and boat transportation from La Trocha. For those who wish to volunteer, a one-week volunteer program is available for around $175, making it an affordable and meaningful way to contribute directly to conservation efforts.
Abundant Wildlife and Pristine Rainforest
Beyond turtles, Pacuare Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife. The surrounding rainforest is home to monkeys, including howler monkeys whose calls echo through the forest at dawn. Birdlife is especially impressive, with more than 50 species of birds, ranging from colorful toucans to migratory shorebirds.
The vegetation is lush and diverse, with towering trees, tangled vines, exotic flowers, and dense undergrowth. Simply walking through the reserve feels like stepping back in time. There are no manicured trails or artificial landscapes—just raw, living jungle.
The combination of rainforest and ocean creates a sensory experience unlike any other. Early mornings bring mist rising from the forest, while afternoons often bring tropical rain showers. The climate is hot, humid, and rainy year-round, which is exactly what sustains this vibrant ecosystem.
What to Bring When Visiting Pacuare
Because of the remote location and rustic conditions, visitors should pack thoughtfully. Essential items include:
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A sun hat
- A small folding umbrella or rain jacket
- A small flashlight or headlamp (essential for night patrols)
- Bottled water, if preferred
- A camera (used responsibly around wildlife)
Packing light is recommended, as transportation is by boat and storage space is limited.
How to Get to Pacuare Nature Reserve
Getting to Pacuare is part of the adventure. From San José, travelers take the highway toward Limón, a drive of approximately four hours. Near the village of Matina, visitors turn off the main highway and continue for about 30 minutes through scenic banana plantations until reaching La Trocha, located along the Tortuguero canals.
From La Trocha, the lodge arranges boat transportation, which takes about 40 minutes through canals and waterways before reaching the reserve. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from San José to Matina, then a taxi to La Trocha. Detailed instructions are provided when reservations are made.
A Meaningful Experience Beyond Tourism
Pacuare Nature Reserve is not just a travel destination—it is an opportunity to participate in conservation, learn about endangered species, and experience Costa Rica in a way that few visitors ever do. It offers a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature, while knowing that your presence directly supports the protection of sea turtles and their habitat.
For travelers seeking more than sightseeing, for those who want their journey to make a difference, Pacuare Nature Reserve is an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience.
Contact Information:
Carlos Fernandez
Phone: 2485-68
Website: www.turtleprotection.org