
Leatherback Sea Turtle
A dark, leathery back rather than large hard shell plates.
Explore • Learn • Protect
Playa Grande is one of the nesting beaches protected by Las Baulas National Marine Park. A visit offers a chance to explore the shoreline and understand why a beach matters to sea turtles. SINAC also lists surfing among the park’s coastal activities.
Pico notices the waves first. Tati notices the wide stretch of sand. Together they wonder how the same beach can welcome explorers and provide a place for turtles to nest. Their discovery begins with looking carefully and asking thoughtful questions.
Beach detectives: Draw the shoreline without taking anything home. Mark three features you can see. Add one question about how visitors can help protect a nesting beach.
Plan a daytime visit and confirm beach access with park staff. The current SINAC page states that turtle observation is unavailable. Do not plan a nighttime turtle encounter without current authorization. Reach Playa Grande by road; do not treat the Tamarindo estuary as a walking or swimming shortcut.

A dark, leathery back rather than large hard shell plates.

An olive or gray-green hard shell.