Tortuguero National Park

Visit a turtle hatchery – the beaches of Costa Rica become a busy place during the two seasons – one where thousands of turtles come to the beach to lay eggs, and the second season when the eggs hatch. Here at the hatchery, two things are illegal, so be cautious – to pick up the eggs, the hatchlings, or to sport them. When the eggs hatch, some locals encourage tourists to race the baby turtles and place bets. Poaching of eggs or hatchlings attracts heavy fines, and the act is punishable by law. There are a few government certified organisations where you can volunteer to protect, be a vigilante, and take care of the eggs during the season. It is nature's marvel to see the turtles coming back, a rough estimate pins it to 50,000 turtles, from thousands of kilometers to the exact same spot where they lay eggs to escort their little ones into the vast ocean.