ASVO Sea Turtle Hatchery (Montezuma)
Nature spot · Nicoya Peninsula
A volunteer-run hatchery at the north end of Playa Montezuma, where sea turtle nests are protected in a fenced nursery on the sand. Nesting season runs May to December, peaking August to November, and in the late afternoon the volunteers often release the hatchlings to the sea.
- Time there
- 45 min
- Best time
- August-November, late afternoon (releases usually 3-5 pm)
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 3 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.658, -85.06375 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Walk
- 10 min
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Season
- nesting May-December, peak August-November; releases usually 3-5 pm
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Pass by in the morning to ask if a release is planned that afternoon - times change daily. No flash, and let the hatchlings crawl on their own.
Be careful
The north part of the beach is more open and rough; swim in the sheltered south section of Playa Montezuma.
Getting there
Walk north along Playa Montezuma from the village, about 10 minutes; at low tide you can pass behind the rocks, at high tide go through town.
Places nearby
- Ylang Ylang Beach ResortStays · from $224Beachfront jungle resort a short walk from Montezuma village.
- Soda La NaranjaSodas & Local FoodFamily-owned soda in Montezuma serving authentic Costa Rican plates: orange chicken, ceviche, fish tacos and mango smoothies in generous portions at reasonable prices.
- Soda El ArtesanoSodas & Local FoodSimple local soda in the centre of Montezuma, right next door to Soda La Naranja, serving typical plates and fish at some of the lowest prices in town.
- Ice Dream Gelato & Coffee ShopFood & CoffeeLittle café in the middle of Montezuma for coffee, breakfast and gelato - the easy cool-down stop between the beach and the falls.
- Restaurante Montezuma Latino Beach FoodFood & CoffeeA casual beachfront spot in the center of Montezuma for fish and shrimp tacos, patacones with guacamole and whole fried snapper, with mojitos, coco locos and passion fruit margaritas and an ocean view.
- Sano Banano Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeLong-running vegetarian-friendly restaurant a few steps from Montezuma beach, with a leafy patio, vegan and gluten-free plates and a mixed menu (mushroom pasta, tofu curry, seafood).
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/10740145906 · https://sallysees.com/things-to-do-in-montezuma-costa-rica/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/10740145906 · http://asvocr.org/