The Leatherback sea turtle is not only the largest sea turtle on Earth, but also one of the most ancient living creatures on the planet. These gentle giants have roamed the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, surviving ice ages, shifting continents, and mass extinctions. Yet today, despite their incredible resilience, the Leatherback sea turtle is in danger of becoming extinct.
Costa Rica plays a critical role in the survival of this species, as it provides some of the most important nesting beaches in the world. Through conservation, education, and responsible ecotourism, Costa Rica has become a global leader in protecting these magnificent animals—while also allowing visitors the rare opportunity to witness them in the wild.
Meet the Leatherback Sea Turtle
The Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is unlike any other turtle species. Instead of a hard shell, it has a leathery, rubber-like carapace with seven distinct ridges running from head to tail. This unique body structure allows it to dive deeper and travel farther than any other sea turtle.
Leatherbacks can grow to a shell length of up to 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) and weigh as much as 900 kilograms (approximately 2,000 pounds)—making them the largest sea turtle on Earth and one of the largest reptiles alive today.
These turtles are true global travelers. They can be found in every ocean in the world, except the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. Some have been tracked migrating thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds.
Leatherback Nesting in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, Leatherback sea turtles nest on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, making the country one of the most important nesting locations in the Eastern Pacific and Western Caribbean.
Southern Caribbean Coast (March – May)
If you are vacationing in Costa Rica between February and May, you have an excellent chance of witnessing Leatherback turtles nesting along the southern Caribbean coast, particularly in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
Located at the very southern tip of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline, near the border with Panama, this protected area is one of the most important nesting sites for Leatherbacks in the Caribbean basin.
Visitors may join park rangers on guided night tours to observe the turtles as they come ashore to nest. Because these turtles are extremely sensitive to light, photography is not allowed, and visitors must follow strict rules to avoid disturbing the nesting process.
Northwestern Pacific Coast (November – April)
On the Pacific side, Leatherback turtles nest in large numbers at Las Baulas National Marine Park, located in Guanacaste Province. Nesting season here typically runs from November through April.
Las Baulas is especially popular with visitors because it is close to the well-known tourist town of Tamarindo, a destination famous for its beaches, surfing, warm Pacific waters, and vibrant nightlife.
This combination of wildlife conservation and tourism makes Las Baulas a shining example of how ecotourism can help protect endangered species while educating the public.
A Nighttime Nesting Experience
Watching a Leatherback sea turtle nest is a humbling and emotional experience. Under the cover of darkness, these massive creatures slowly emerge from the ocean, using their powerful front flippers to pull themselves across the sand.
They dig deep nests using their rear flippers, lay 80 to 100 eggs, carefully cover the nest, and then return to the sea. The entire process can take several hours.
Visitors must remain silent, keep a respectful distance, and follow the ranger’s instructions at all times. Flashlights, camera flashes, and cell phone screens can disorient the turtles, potentially causing them to abandon nesting attempts.
Why Are Leatherback Sea Turtles Endangered?
Despite surviving for millions of years, Leatherback sea turtles are now facing rapid population declines due to human activity. Some of the major threats include:
1. Egg Poaching
In some coastal communities, turtle eggs are stolen for consumption. Locals often believe the eggs have aphrodisiac properties, though there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
2. Fishing Industry Deaths
Leatherbacks are frequently killed in fishing lines and nets or struck by boats. Longline fishing is especially dangerous for these turtles.
3. Coastal Development
Beachfront homes, hotels, and condominiums destroy nesting habitats. Artificial lighting disorients turtles and hatchlings, causing them to move inland instead of toward the ocean.
4. Plastic Pollution
Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish. Floating plastic bags resemble jellyfish and are often ingested, causing internal injuries, blockages, and death.
5. Climate Change
Global warming affects ocean temperatures and jellyfish populations. Rising sand temperatures also influence hatchling sex ratios, threatening future reproduction.
A Grim Statistic
It is estimated that only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. Predators, ocean currents, fishing gear, and pollution claim the vast majority long before maturity.
This staggering statistic highlights why every nesting site matters and why conservation efforts are so critical.
How Costa Rica Is Helping Protect Leatherbacks
Costa Rica has made remarkable strides in marine conservation. Through the establishment of National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, the government works closely with local communities to protect nesting beaches.
Examples include:
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
- Las Baulas National Marine Park
- Tortuguero National Park (primarily green turtles but supports broader conservation)
Park rangers, scientists, and volunteers patrol beaches, relocate vulnerable nests when necessary, and educate the public about turtle conservation.
How You Can Help Protect Leatherback Sea Turtles
You can make a difference by:
- Supporting organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which works globally to reduce turtle deaths in fisheries
- Visiting turtle nesting sites responsibly and following all rules
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Supporting eco-friendly hotels and tours
- Sharing knowledge and raising awareness
Ecotourism as a Force for Good
Tourism has brought significant revenue into Costa Rica, and a portion of that money has been wisely invested in conservation programs, park infrastructure, and environmental education.
By choosing Costa Rica as a travel destination, visitors directly support efforts to protect endangered species like the Leatherback sea turtle.
Understanding Their True Size
Photographs rarely capture the true scale of a Leatherback sea turtle. Standing beside one is a powerful reminder of how extraordinary these animals are. With a shell length of up to 1.7 meters and a weight of 900 kilograms, they are truly giants of the sea.
Learn More
To learn more about Leatherback conservation on the Pacific coast, visit:
www.costarica-nationalparks.com/lasbaulasnationalmarinepark.html
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Final Thoughts
The Leatherback sea turtle is a symbol of endurance, mystery, and fragility. After surviving for over 100 million years, its future now depends on us.
Costa Rica has shown the world that conservation and tourism can work together. By protecting nesting beaches, educating visitors, and involving local communities, this small country is helping ensure that future generations will still be able to witness the largest sea turtle on Earth emerge from the sea under moonlit skies.
We must continue to speak for these creatures who cannot speak for themselves—because their survival is a reflection of our own responsibility to the planet.