Sea turtle release

Welcome to an unforgettable experience in Puerto Escondido! Our Baby Sea Turtle Release tour lets you witness one of nature’s most magical moments while helping protect these amazing creatures on a pristine beach at sunset. 🐢

Why This Experience Matters

Making a Real Difference

When you join us, you become part of a conservation effort that truly saves lives. Every year, thousands of sea turtles nest along our coast, but baby turtles face incredible challenges reaching the ocean safely. Working alongside dedicated local conservationists, you’ll help give these tiny creatures their best chance at survival.

Supporting Marine Conservation

Our local turtle sanctuaries work year-round to protect nesting sites and care for eggs until they hatch. The work they do is incredible – rescuing thousands of baby turtles annually and gathering crucial research data about sea turtle populations. When you participate in a release, you directly support these conservation heroes and contribute to protecting endangered species for future generations.

What to Expect on the Turtle Release Tour

Getting There

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from anywhere in Puerto Escondido. We’ll take a scenic 30-minute drive to reach our special release beach – it’s the perfect time to relax and get excited about what’s coming!

Learning About Our Turtle Friends

Once we arrive, our passionate local guides will share fascinating stories about sea turtles and their incredible journey. You’ll discover how these ancient creatures navigate the ocean and learn simple guidelines that help protect them during the release.

The Magic Moment

Here comes the highlight of your evening! You’ll carefully hold baby turtles in special containers and watch as they make their very first journey to the sea. It’s incredible to see their natural instincts kick in as they head straight for the waves. Don’t forget your camera – these precious moments make for unforgettable memories!

Heading Home

As the sun sets and our turtle friends swim away, we’ll make sure you get back safely with a relaxing ride to wherever you’re staying in Puerto Escondido.

Booking Your Turtle Release Experience

Great Value for an Unforgettable Evening

We’ve kept this experience accessible at $800 MXN per person. When you book with us, you’re not just treating yourself to something special – you’re also supporting vital conservation work in our community.

Perfect Timing

Our tours depart at 5 PM, which means you’ll witness the release during the most beautiful time of day. There’s something magical about watching baby turtles head to sea as the sun paints the sky in brilliant colors. The whole experience takes around 2 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak it all in without feeling rushed.

What We Provide

Your tour includes everything you need for a smooth experience: a knowledgeable local guide who’s passionate about turtle conservation and comfortable round-trip transportation. Just bring yourself, your camera, and maybe a light jacket for the evening breeze. Food and drinks aren’t included, but we’re happy to recommend great local spots for dinner afterward.

What Kinds of Turtles Live in Puerto Escondido?

Our stretch of coastline welcomes several remarkable turtle species throughout the year. The ones you’re most likely to encounter during our releases are the Olive Ridley, Black/Brown turtle, Hawksbill, and the impressive Leatherback sea turtle.

1. Olive Ridley Turtle

The Olive Ridley is probably the species you’ll meet most often on our tours. These smaller turtles typically measure around 70 centimeters in length and weigh roughly 40 kilograms when fully grown. Their name comes from the distinctive olive-green coloring of their shells.

What makes them truly special is their nesting behavior – they arrive in large groups to lay their eggs, sometimes creating incredible scenes along our beaches. Unfortunately, they’re considered vulnerable, which is exactly why the conservation work we support matters so much. Thanks to dedicated local efforts, Puerto Escondido has become an important sanctuary for these beautiful creatures.

2. Black Turtle

Locally known by several names including “parlama,” “torita,” or simply the “black turtle,” this species is noticeably larger than the Olive Ridley. Adults can reach 1.2 meters in length and weigh over 120 kilograms. Their shells often have a dark greenish hue, which comes from their plant-based diet of algae and seagrass.

These turtles are true ocean gardeners. By grazing on marine vegetation, they help maintain the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds that countless other marine species depend on.

3. Hawksbill Sea Turtle

The Hawksbill is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive pointed, curved beak that resembles a bird of prey. These medium-sized turtles typically measure between 60 and 90 centimeters but can weigh over 120 kilograms.

Historically, Hawksbills were heavily hunted for their stunning shell patterns, which were used to make jewelry and decorative items. Today, protection programs like the ones we support have given these magnificent animals a fighting chance at recovery.

4. Leatherback Sea Turtle

Meeting a Leatherback is like encountering a gentle giant from another era. These incredible animals can grow over 2 meters long and weigh more than 600 kilograms. Unlike other sea turtles, their shells are leathery and flexible rather than hard.

Leatherbacks are the ultimate ocean travelers. They can swim thousands of kilometers across entire ocean basins, diving to incredible depths in search of jellyfish. Their ability to regulate their body temperature allows them to venture into surprisingly cold waters that would be impossible for other sea turtle species.

Is it Ethical to Release Sea Turtles?

Understanding the Conservation Challenge

The question of sea turtle release programs comes up frequently, and it’s one we take seriously here in Puerto Escondido. Sea turtle populations worldwide face mounting pressures from climate change, coastal development, and illegal harvesting. The statistics are sobering – marine biologists estimate that only about 1% of hatchlings survive to adulthood in the wild.

How Conservation Programs Work

The local conservation organizations we partner with operate scientifically-based protection programs. Their teams patrol nesting beaches at night, carefully relocating eggs from vulnerable areas to protected hatcheries. These controlled environments maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, dramatically improving hatching success rates compared to natural nests that face threats from predators, erosion, and human activity.

The Impact of Responsible Tourism

When visitors participate in turtle release experiences, they’re contributing to a sustainable funding model for conservation work. The fees directly support these organizations’ operations – from paying local staff who monitor beaches year-round to maintaining equipment and educational programs. This community-based approach creates economic incentives for protection rather than exploitation, giving local people a stake in the turtles’ survival.

By joining a release, you’re not just witnessing conservation in action – you’re helping fund the ongoing protection of these ancient mariners for future generations.

Join Us

An Experience You’ll Never Forget

There’s something truly special about watching baby sea turtles take their first steps toward the ocean. Our Turtle Release Experience offers you the chance to be part of Puerto Escondido’s conservation story while creating memories that will stay with you long after your vacation ends. It’s one of those rare opportunities where doing good feels amazing, and we’d love to have you join us.

Questions About the Tour?

We know you might have questions about what to expect, what to bring, or how the whole process works. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us on WhatsApp – we’re always happy to chat about the experience and help you plan the perfect evening with the turtles.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Turtle Release Experience?

Our Turtle Release Experience gives you the chance to help baby sea turtles reach the ocean safely while watching the sunset from one of Puerto Escondido’s most beautiful beaches. It’s conservation tourism at its best.

Why is turtle release important?

Sea turtles face numerous challenges during their nesting season here in Puerto Escondido. Baby turtles have an incredibly low natural survival rate, so these conservation programs significantly improve their chances of reaching adulthood and continuing their species.

Where do we meet for the tour?

We’ll pick you up wherever you’re staying in Puerto Escondido – just let us know your location when you book.

How long is the Turtle Release Experience?

Plan on about 2 hours total, including travel time. This gives you plenty of time to learn about the turtles, participate in the release, and soak in the beautiful evening atmosphere.

Can I hold and release more than one turtle?

This depends on how many hatchlings are ready for release that evening. When possible, we love giving everyone the chance to release multiple baby turtles – it makes the experience even more meaningful.

Do I need any special equipment or clothing for the tour?

Just come as you would for any beach outing – comfortable clothes, sandals, and sunscreen. Bring your camera too, because you’ll definitely want to capture these moments.

Are drinks and meals included in the tour price?

Food and beverages aren’t included in the tour cost, but you’re welcome to bring water or snacks if you’d like.

Is this tour suitable for children and families?

Absolutely! This experience is perfect for families with children of all ages. Kids especially love getting involved in conservation efforts, and it’s a wonderful educational opportunity.

Can I book the tour in advance?

Yes, and we actually recommend booking ahead, particularly during peak season when spots fill up quickly.

How can I contact you for more information or to book the tour?

The easiest way to reach us is through WhatsApp. We can answer any questions you have and help you choose the perfect date for your turtle release experience.

Is there a minimum group size for the tour?

Not at all – we welcome solo travelers, couples, and large groups alike. The experience is special regardless of your group size.

Are there any restrictions or rules to follow during the tour?

We do have some simple guidelines to ensure the safety of both the turtles and our guests. Our guides will walk you through everything you need to know before we begin the release – it’s all straightforward and easy to follow.

Have other questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to help make your turtle release experience unforgettable!