La Flor Wildlife Refuge protects one of Nicaragua's most important olive ridley sea-turtle nesting beaches, about 20 km south of San Juan del Sur. From July to January, turtles come ashore in large numbers to lay their eggs; between August and October, spectacular arribadas occur when thousands of females arrive simultaneously on a single night and transform the beach into a moving, shifting mass of reptiles.
Day visits are possible during the nesting season (entrance fee around US$10) and night tours, which require a local guide, are the highlight — watching turtles haul themselves up the sand by moonlight is one of the more unforgettable experiences on the Pacific coast. The refuge also supports populations of white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatis, and a variety of coastal birds. Outside turtle season the beach is deserted and the waves are usually uncrowded. To get there, take a taxi or rent a motorbike from San Juan del Sur; the road becomes rough in the final stretch.