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Hundreds of Leatherback Turtles make Yearly Trips to Playa Grande Costa Rica

In 1990, Playa Grande was incorporated into a national park being the natural breeding ground for the leatherback sea turtles. During the 'arribadas' or the turtle nesting season, Playa Grande would be restricted to most tourist and locals to protect the turtles and their eggs. Police would patrol the area at night time during arribadas as there are many poachers and some tourist who would try to steal the eggs on the belief that these are aphrodisiacs and an exotic delicacy.

The months of October to May is the best time to visit Playa Grande as during this time for 'arribadas'. However, make no mistakes of wandering into the beach at night as you might get arrested and fined. According to local laws, no one is allowed to roam the beach at night especially during the nesting season and no lights are allowed on the shore. The reason for this is because the lights scare away the turtles and would disrupt the nature order of things. Such disruption could cost hundreds and hundreds of turtle casualties that could further deplete their already diminished number.

If you really wish to see the turtles coming to shore a Playa Grande, ask for local assistance and get some clearance from proper authorities. This way, you can watch hundreds and hundreds of turtles coming to shore in the cover of darkness to lay their eggs. It is quite a sight, as the beach would be covered with these gentle giants of the sea.