Turtle tracks - Photo by Playa Reserva Tortuga

Wildlife & Nature

Wonderful Surprise: Turtles at Playa Hermosa

January 11, 2021

1 minute read

It’s dubbed an excellent surf spot in Costa Ballena, both for the enjoyment of locals and tourists; with good waves and postcard sunsets. It is one of Costa Ballena’s gem’s: Playa Hermosa, located at KM157 off of the Costanera.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle – Photo by Playa Reserva Tortuga

But what secret does this wild piece of our coast hide when the sun breaks? As in other places in the Pacific, with the arrival of the rains some mystical visitors appear, who take advantage of the veil of the night to go unnoticed, among the wood, like rocks, emerging on the beach with the rhythm of the waves and the impulse of the tide to find a nest on the soft shores we call home.

Playa Hermosa – Photo by Playa Reserva Tortuga

Beyond the obvious Playa Hermosa is a special place, visited every night by our friends from the sea, the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. This year we were blessed with their visit to this beach, which for the first time in year’s has not been inhabited by the species. What a gift from Nature!

Author

Oscar Brenes

Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit biological research and education center formed in 2009 by community members and Costa Rican scientists. RPT aims to contribute to the fields of biological research and science-based conservation management as well as fomenting a culture of environmental conservation in the areas influenced by the National Wetlands of the Terraba-Sierpe basin. The main focuses of RPT over the past eight years has been to gain an understanding of the current state of key coastal environmental resources and to identify stakeholders in the coastal zone who are influenced by the Térraba-Sierpe wetlands. Our mission is to develop and to implement community-based real world projects and conservation management solutions, using the best research science and conservation management practices. RPT receives volunteers and students (Internship) from all around the world, all year round, and also welcomes visitors if is any activity available for them. The volunteer program includes accommodation, meals, laundry, internet access, etc. and the opportunity to be part of a serious scientific research project, working with experienced staff members, who will show volunteers proper scientific methods for working with sea turtles, crocs, among others. The articles are written by Oscar Brenes, Director of Reserva Playa Tortuga.