“An incredibly emotional experience. The local conservation team explained everything about the turtle protection program, then each of us got to release baby turtles into the ocean at sunset. My daughter still talks about it months later. Amazing and feel-good.”
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Sea turtle release
Playa Escobilla, Puerto Escondido
Duration
2.5 hours
Departs
4:30 PM
Returns
7PM
Location
Playa Escobilla
From
$800 MXN
Trusted by travelers from around the world
Gallery — 10 photos
On a quiet stretch of Playa Escobilla, one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world, you kneel in the sand as the Pacific sun sinks toward the horizon. A tiny olive ridley baby sea turtle, no bigger than your palm, scrambles from your hands toward the crashing waves and disappears into the ocean. The sea turtle release near Puerto Escondido is a conservation experience you can hold in your hands — literally.
Your experience
What to Expect
We pick you up at 4:30 PM from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. After a scenic 30-minute drive south along the coast, you arrive at Playa Escobilla natural reserve, one of the most critical sea turtle nesting sites on the planet. Thousands of olive ridley turtles and occasionally leatherback turtles nest on this beach throughout the year.
Local conservation teams patrol the beach, carefully collecting eggs that would otherwise be poached or destroyed by predators, and incubating them in protected hatcheries. Your guide walks you through the hatchery, explains the life cycle of the sea turtle, the threats these animals face, and what the program has accomplished. Then comes the magical moment: you receive your hatchlings and walk to the waterline to release the baby turtles toward the Pacific at sunset.
Hour by hour
Detailed Itinerary
4:30 PM
Pickup from Your Hotel
Your guide picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido. Enjoy the scenic 30-minute drive south along the coast to Playa Escobilla natural reserve.
5:00 PM
Arrival and Hatchery Visit
Arrive at Playa Escobilla and meet the local conservation team. Walk through the protected hatchery area, seeing nests at various stages of incubation. Learn how the team identifies nesting sites, collects eggs, and monitors each clutch.
5:30 PM
The Release at Sunset
Receive your hatchlings and walk to the waterline. Release the baby turtles toward the Pacific as the sun sets — a moment that is equal parts joyful and humbling. You are usually able to release multiple baby sea turtles, depending on daily availability.
6:30 PM
Return to Puerto Escondido
Your guide drives you back to Puerto Escondido. You'll be at your hotel by approximately 7:00 PM.
What makes it special
Highlights
Hands-on conservationDirectly participate in the release of endangered sea turtle hatchlings
Playa Escobilla natural reserveOne of the world's most important sea turtle nesting beaches
Sunset releaseWatch baby turtles take their first steps toward the ocean as the sky turns gold
Olive ridley turtlesThe most common species on this coast, with occasional leatherback releases
Community-led protectionSupport local families who patrol the beaches nightly to protect nests from poaching
Door-to-door transportation includedPickup and drop-off at your accommodation, no extra cost
All set
What's Included
Round-trip transportation — pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Escondido
Knowledgeable local guide passionate about marine conservation
Access to Playa Escobilla natural reserve
Participation in baby turtle releases (multiple turtles depending on daily availability)
Pack light
What to Bring
Camera — this is one experience worth photographing
Comfortable beach clothing and sandals
Sunscreen and a hat for the late afternoon sun
Light jacket — evenings can be breezy near the ocean
Before you book
Good to Know
Transportation is included;
we pick you up at 4:30 PM and drop you back by approximately 7:00 PM — door to door from anywhere in the free pickup zone (La Punta to Playa Escobilla area).
Turtle releases happen year-round;
Puerto Escondido's coast is one of the most active sea turtle nesting regions in the world, with releases available every season.
Hatchling availability depends on natural incubation timing;
releases happen when the turtles are ready. You are usually able to release multiple baby turtles.
Flash photography is not permitted;
flash can disorient the hatchlings. Use natural light or turn off flash on your camera.
This experience is wonderful for children and families;
minimum 2 participants required. Solo travelers can message us on WhatsApp to join a group.
Playa Escobilla is about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido;
the scenic drive south along the coast is part of the experience.
Real traveler stories
What travelers are saying
“Un'esperienza che resta nel cuore. Abbiamo rilasciato le tartarughine sulla spiaggia al tramonto. La guida ci ha spiegato tutto il lavoro di conservazione. Perfetto per famiglie con bambini, molto educativo.”
“Moment inoubliable en famille. Relâcher les bébés tortues au coucher du soleil, les regarder rejoindre l'océan… j'ai failli pleurer. Notre guide était passionné et a pris le temps d'expliquer aux enfants. À ne pas manquer si vous êtes ici entre août et décembre.”
“A highlight of our Puerto Escondido trip. It's not just a photo op — they really walk you through the conservation effort and why it matters. Releasing the turtles is just the final, magical part. Do this if you're here during nesting season.”
4.9 (185)
5.0 (140)
Ready to Book This Experience?
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From
$800 MXN