Puerto Escondido: Turtle Release and Bioluminescent Plankton

Traveling to Puerto Escondido? You might have come across this tour offering a chance to release baby turtles and marvel at glowing plankton in the lagoon. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and here’s what you need to know before booking. It’s a trip that promises two stunning nature-based activities, but like many tours, it has its ups and downs.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how it combines hands-on conservation work with a mesmerizing natural phenomenon—bioluminescence. Plus, the sunset views at Punta Colorada are a real highlight. But, it’s worth mentioning that some travelers find the travel times between activities quite long, and the tour might not fully meet expectations if you’re hoping for a smooth, seamless experience.

If you’re after a meaningful way to connect with nature, enjoy spectacular views, and don’t mind a bit of travel time, this tour could very well suit you. However, if you’re sensitive to long rides or prefer tours with more precise logistics, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Conservation focus: You’ll help release newborn turtles, supporting local conservation efforts.
• Unique natural show: The bioluminescent plankton lagoon offers a rare glow that can be pretty magical.
• Sunset views: The panoramic sunset at Punta Colorada adds a memorable touch.
• Travel time considerations: Long rides and waiting times might affect your overall experience.
• Language and guide: Guides are available in both English and Spanish, but some reviews mention language barriers.
• Price and value: At $76, it’s an affordable way to experience both activities, though some feel the overall value is mixed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Puerto Escondido, making logistics easier. Expect your driver to collect you from your hotel lobby, and then the journey begins. The duration of the entire experience is about five hours, so you should plan accordingly.

Travel and Transportation

Once on the road, you’ll spend a significant amount of time in transit. One review pointed out that “we spent a lot of time in the car in-between the activities,” which can be a downside if you’re eager to spend more time at each spot. Depending on your group size and traffic, this can vary, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of long rides.

Visiting the Turtle Camp

The first real stop is at a preserved beach where you’ll join a local conservation group. Here, the main activity is helping release newly-hatched turtles into the ocean, which is quite a heartwarming experience. The guides are usually knowledgeable and present, making the process informative and engaging.

One reviewer mentioned, “The activities were great and so was the price,” but also noted the time spent waiting in between. This suggests that while the activity itself is meaningful, the overall pacing can be slow, especially if you’re keen to maximize your time.

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Sunset at Punta Colorada

After the turtle release, you’ll get a scenic stop at Punta Colorada to enjoy a panoramic view of the sunset. The views here are described as spectacular, offering perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful moment to soak in the natural beauty. This part of the tour is generally well-liked and a highlight for many travelers.

Bioluminescent Lagoon Night Swim

As evening falls, the tour moves to the Manialtepec lagoon to experience bioluminescence. Participants usually get into a boat or, as some reviews mention, swim in the lagoon. The microorganisms light up when disturbed, creating that signature glow that makes this activity so memorable.

However, not everyone finds it easy or comfortable. One traveler, for example, expressed concern about going inside the large floating tent-like covers on the water—something not clearly detailed in the description. For non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in dark water, this part could be challenging or intimidating.

Language and Guide Experience

Guides are available in English and Spanish. Yet, a review from Vietnam pointed out that guides for both the turtle release and bioluminescent tour did not speak English, opting instead to speak Spanish for the entire group. This could make understanding some details difficult if you’re not fluent in Spanish, so ask ahead if language is a concern.

Cost Breakdown and Overall Value

At $76 per person, this tour is priced reasonably, considering it includes hotel pickup, a boat ride, and access to both activities. But some reviews suggest the experience may not be worth the price for everyone. One traveler from Vietnam commented that “for the service and experience, it’s not worth the money,” highlighting that expectations for quality or organization may not always match the cost.

Additional Considerations

• What to bring: Swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sandals, and cash are recommended.
• Restrictions: Pets and large luggage are not permitted.
• Lunar effects: The visibility of bioluminescence is affected by the moon phase. Tour providers check the lunar calendar and will advise you beforehand.
• Suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users, primarily because of the nature of activities and boat rides.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

One person from Mexico shared, “The activities were great and so was the price. But we spent a lot of time in the car in-between the activities,” which echoes the common concern about long travel times. Another traveler from the US mentioned dissatisfaction with the guides not speaking English during the tour, which could be frustrating for non-Spanish speakers.

A Vietnamese traveler was quite disappointed, stating that “we booked the turtle and lagoon tour as one, but it was actually two separate tours,” and felt the overall experience didn’t meet expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value hands-on conservation efforts like releasing turtles and are okay with some long rides in between activities. It’s also ideal if you’re excited about catching a glimpse of bioluminescent plankton in a lagoon setting and enjoying sunset vistas. If you’re looking for a seamless, well-paced adventure or expect guides to speak fluent English, this might not be the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Escondido Turtle Release and Bioluminescent Plankton tour offers a mix of meaningful conservation work and a chance to see an incredible natural display. Its affordability and the chance to help baby turtles hatch and swim free are definite draws. The bioluminescence experience can be spellbinding, especially if the conditions are right, and the sunset views add a calming, picturesque element.

However, the tour’s long travel times and inconsistent guide language might detract from the overall experience. If you’re someone who’s tolerant of these aspects and enjoys authentic, eco-friendly experiences, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. But if you prefer a more relaxed schedule with fewer hours in transit or clear, bilingual guidance, you might want to consider alternatives.

In the end, this tour is a solid choice if your priorities include supporting nature conservation and witnessing one of the ocean’s most captivating phenomena. Just be prepared for some logistical quirks and manage your expectations about the organization and flow of the day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, children who are comfortable in water and eager to see turtles and bioluminescence will enjoy it. However, non-swimmers or very young kids might find the lagoon part intimidating.

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts about five hours, including pickup, travel, activities, and drop-off.

Do I need to bring any special gear?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sandals, and cash for extras. Sun protection and a hat are also recommended during daytime activities.

Will guides speak English?
Guides are available in both English and Spanish. However, some reviews suggest that guides may speak only Spanish during the tour, so clarify before booking if language is important.

Can I see the bioluminescence during a full moon?
Probably not. The activity provider checks the lunar calendar and will advise you if conditions aren’t ideal for seeing the glow.

Is the tour good value for money?
At $76, it’s reasonably priced considering the activities included, but some travelers feel it doesn’t fully meet expectations or has long waiting times.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

What should I do if I can’t swim?
You can still enjoy the sunset views and possibly observe the bioluminescence from the boat or water’s edge. However, some parts of the lagoon experience require swimming or getting into the water, which might be uncomfortable for non-swimmers.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the activities involved.

How does the tour support conservation?
By participating in releasing newborn turtles into the ocean, you directly help local conservation efforts aimed at protecting these creatures.

This tour offers a chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way, but it’s important to weigh the long transit times and logistics. For those who value authentic eco-activities and don’t mind some inconveniences, it’s a worthwhile experience. Just come prepared, keep expectations realistic, and enjoy what nature has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: