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Tortugas Preciosas de Osa: A Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Conserving endangered sea turtles on the Osa Peninsula through research, education, and community involvement at Playa Platanares.

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Tortugas Preciosas de Osa, located on Playa Platanares near Puerto Jiménez, is a non-profit organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation on the Osa Peninsula. They integrate conservation, research, and education to protect endangered sea turtle species and their nesting grounds.

A brief summary to Tortugas Preciosas de Osa

Local tips

  • Check in advance for turtle release schedules to plan your visit and witness this incredible event.
  • Consider visiting during nesting season (June-April) for a chance to see nesting adult turtles.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the beach.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unforgettable moment of baby turtles heading to the ocean.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Puerto Jiménez, Tortugas Preciosas de Osa is approximately 5 km away. Head southwest along the main road, following signs for Playa Platanares. The walk takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. As you approach Playa Platanares, you'll find Tortugas Preciosas de Osa located on the beach.

  • Public Transport

    From Puerto Jiménez, take a local bus or 'colectivo' taxi towards Carate. Ask the driver to drop you off near Playa Platanares. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to Tortugas Preciosas de Osa on the beach. The bus fare is approximately $4 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Puerto Jiménez. A taxi ride to Tortugas Preciosas de Osa on Playa Platanares will take around 10 minutes and cost approximately $5-10 USD.

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Discover more about Tortugas Preciosas de Osa

Tortugas Preciosas de Osa is a vital conservation program dedicated to protecting sea turtles on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. This non-governmental organization focuses its efforts on Playa Platanares, a key nesting ground for several endangered sea turtle species. These include the Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles, and most significantly, the Hawksbill turtle, for which Playa Preciosa is one of the most important nesting sites in the Pacific region of Central America. The organization's work encompasses several key areas: conservation, research, and education. Conservation efforts include morning census patrols, night patrols, nest relocation and protection, and beach cleanups. They protect nests in situ with bamboo meshes or relocate them to a hatchery. Research involves data collection and analysis to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on sea turtle populations. They also conduct health assessments, measure, and mark turtles. Education is a key component, with outreach to local communities, schools, eco-lodges, and tourists. Visitors can participate in night patrols, morning patrols, or hatchling releases. The Osa Peninsula is a region of significant biodiversity, but faces environmental and social challenges. Tortugas Preciosas de Osa actively involves the local community in its conservation program, providing training and employment opportunities. They also collaborate with governmental and educational institutions to drive change in the sector. The organization also works to manage the free-roaming dog populations that can pose a threat to turtle nests. By integrating conservation, research, and education, Tortugas Preciosas de Osa strives to protect these endangered species and their vital nesting habitats for future generations.

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