Baby Sea turtles release in Puerto Escondido

If you’re considering a unique experience during your trip to Oaxaca, the Baby Sea Turtles Release tour near Puerto Escondido might catch your eye. This isn’t just a typical sightseeing outing—it offers a chance to get involved in sea turtle conservation and witness a truly special moment as tiny hatchlings make their way into the ocean.

What we love about this experience is how it combines education with a meaningful act of helping wildlife, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific coast. The knowledgeable guides and stunning sunset views make it a memorable outing. On the flip side, it’s not the cheapest activity around, and the 2.5-hour duration means it’s a somewhat quick peek into conservation efforts.

This tour mostly suits travelers who enjoy meaningful, eco-friendly activities and are interested in marine life. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking to contribute to a good cause while witnessing an unforgettable scene. If you’re open to a short but impactful experience, this might be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Learn about sea turtle species and their life cycle from certified guides.
• Participate in the release of hatchlings into the ocean at sunset, feeling part of conservation.
• Includes transportation and camp entrance, making it convenient and straightforward.
• Offers bilingual interpretation in English and Spanish, accessible for most visitors.
• Perfect for nature lovers wanting an ethical and educational activity.
• Price of $48 offers good value, considering the guided tour, transportation, and hands-on experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Baby Sea Turtles Release Tour?

This tour is a chance to learn about three species of sea turtles—Olive Ridley, Green or Black Turtle, and Leatherback—and to see their early life stages firsthand. The experience takes place on the Pacific coast at Palmarito beach, which hosts an incubation camp managed by conservationists. It’s not just about watching; you’ll actually meet hatchlings that are only an hour old and, if timed right, help release them into the sea at sunset.

The main goal? To support the conservation program and get a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these incredible creatures. It’s a small, meaningful contribution that feels more personal than a quick glance at some turtles in a zoo.

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including transportation, which is worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule. The pickup begins at 4 p.m. from various locations around Puerto Escondido, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Transportation

The experience kicks off with pickups from 13 different locations—from Playa Zicatela to Viajero Puerto Escondido Hostel—making it easier to join regardless of your accommodation. The vans take around 25 minutes to reach Palmarito beach, giving you time to relax and get excited about what’s ahead.

Visit to the Incubation Camp

Once at Palmarito beach, you’ll tour the camp with a guide. This is where the real education happens. You’ll learn about the life cycle of sea turtles—from eggs to hatchlings—and the ongoing efforts to protect these species. The guides, who are certified nature experts, interpret the experience in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

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Meeting the Hatchlings

The highlight? Seeing hatchlings that are only an hour old. These tiny creatures are irresistibly adorable—fuzzy and fragile—yet full of promise. We loved the way guides explained their development and struggles in the wild, making the experience richer than just a cute photo opportunity.

Sunset Release

As the sun sets, the moment everyone waits for arrives. You’ll be invited to release the hatchlings into the ocean, helping them start their journey. It’s a quiet, powerful moment—knowing you’re helping these little guys start life in the sea. Many reviews mentioned how emotional and memorable this part of the tour was, with one traveler saying, “Seeing the camp and the baby turtles, and releasing them yourself, was a real highlight.”

Return Trip

Afterward, the vans bring everyone back to their accommodations, with drop-offs from Punta de Zicatela to Casa Olas Boutique Hotel. The entire outing, including transportation, guidance, and the camp fee, is about 2.5 hours.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Expect a well-organized, educational, and participatory experience. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and fluent in English and Spanish, helping you understand both the biology of turtles and the importance of conservation.

The scenic setting of Palmarito beach adds to the experience. Watching the sunset as you release hatchlings creates a sense of connection to nature that’s hard to top. The beach itself is relatively quiet, making it a peaceful environment for reflection and appreciation.

Some travelers mentioned that the transportation worked out perfectly and that the views during sunset were stunning. This aligns with what we’d expect from a tour that emphasizes both education and natural beauty.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The cost of $48 per person includes round-trip transportation, the entrance fee to the camp, and bottled water—a fair deal given the scope of the experience. The price reflects the guided nature and conservation efforts behind it.

However, some might find it a bit pricey compared to lesser activities, especially if they’re on a tighter budget. That said, considering the value of the educational component and the hands-on involvement, many would agree it’s money well spent.

Practical Tips

• Bring beachwear and cash (for any extras).
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95, mainly because of the terrain and nature of the activity.
• It’s a shorter experience, so if you’re after a full-day adventure, this might be better as a quick addition rather than a main event.
• Book in advance, as spots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand.

What Do the Reviews Say?

With a solid 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews, feedback is generally very positive. Travelers love the knowledgeable guides—one said, “Our guide was very friendly and spoke good English”—and the beautiful sunset views. Many describe the experience as “unforgettable” and “worthwhile”, citing the emotional impact of releasing the hatchlings.

A slightly negative note from one traveler from the UK was that the experience felt a bit on the expensive side, but they still appreciated the authenticity and effort involved.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip works well for nature lovers, environmentally conscious travelers, and anyone interested in marine life. It’s particularly suited to those who want a meaningful activity that combines education with a touch of adventure. If you love sunset views and want to contribute to wildlife conservation, this tour is a good match.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a long, physically demanding excursion. It’s a brief, impactful experience rather than a full day out.

The Sum Up

The Baby Sea Turtles Release tour near Puerto Escondido offers an authentic, educational look into sea turtle conservation with the bonus of participating in an emotional and beautiful part of wildlife protection. The guides’ expertise and the chance to release hatchlings into the ocean make it a memorable highlight of any trip to Oaxaca.

While the price isn’t the lowest, the value lies in the personal connection and meaningful contribution you make during the activity. If you’re passionate about marine life, enjoy sunset views, or simply want a unique story to tell, this tour will likely resonate with you.

Overall, it’s an experience that’s well-organized, impactful, and beautifully set—perfect for travelers who want to make a difference and leave with a sense of warmth and wonder.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from 13 pickup locations around Puerto Escondido is included, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 2.5 hours, including both transportation and the camp visit.

What do I need to bring?
Just beachwear and cash for any additional purchases or tips. The tour provides bottled water.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes, guides interpret in English and Spanish, so language won’t be a barrier.

Is it suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly mentioned, but given the nature of the activity, it’s suitable for older children who can handle walking and being outdoors.

What is the best time to go?
The release is timed to happen at sunset, usually around 6 p.m., but check the specific schedule when booking.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old, mainly due to terrain and activity nature.

What’s the value for money?
Considering the guided tour, camp access, transportation, and hands-on release, most travelers find the $48 fee reasonable for such a meaningful experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: