If you’re planning a trip to Huatulco and are intrigued by the idea of connecting with nature in a meaningful way, this Turtle Release & Bioluminescence tour could be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally done the tour, I’ve gathered insights from travelers and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
This tour is particularly appealing because it combines three of Oaxaca’s top natural attractions into one day — from helping out with endangered sea turtles, to enjoying stunning coastal scenery, and ending with a mesmerizing bioluminescent lagoon experience. What I really like about this experience is the personalized attention, thanks to small group sizes, and the added convenience of transportation and tickets included.
One thing to keep in mind: the day involves quite a bit of driving, so it’s not ideal if you’re seeking a laid-back, short outing. But if you’re eager for a full immersion into local ecosystems and natural phenomena, this tour seems well-suited. It’s best for travelers who are comfortable with longer days in transit and who want a mix of education, scenery, and a touch of magic.
To release the day old turtles was humbling. The passion for these turtles is obvious, to dedicate their lives to this commitment is awesome.
What an amazing day! Our guide was Tito who was very friendly and spoke good English and took us to some great spots. The journey was quite long from Huatulco but we stopped at a chocolate factory, and at Zicatela on our way. We got to the turtle nest sanctuary just before the sunset which was stunningly beautiful, learned about how the volunteers collect eggs and re-bury them to ensure they hatch safely. The babies were then brought out in a basket which I was fortunate enough to carry down to the waters edge, we were then each given a few turtle hatchlings to release individually and watch as they made their way toward the ocean. It was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend…
Edger Escobar, our guide, was so special. The turtle release was a fun, hart warming experience. But, Edgar’s knowledge and experience added to the adventure. I highly recommend this tour.
- Key Points
- What Does the Tour Cover?
- Stop 1: Santuario La Escobilla — Turtle Sanctuary
- Stop 2: Playa Zicatela — Scenic Stop and Photo Opportunity
- Stop 3: Laguna Manialtepec — Bioluminescent Lagoon
- What’s Included and What’s Not?
- Transportation and Group Size
- Duration and Pacing
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Huatulco
- Our NewestHuatulco Activity Reviews
Key Points
- All-in-one experience: See three top attractions in Oaxaca—turtle sanctuary, Zicatela beach, and bioluminescent lagoon.
- Small group size: Limited to nine travelers, ensuring more personalized guidance.
- Stress-free logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, saving you planning time.
- Rich reviews: Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery.
- Cost and value: At $120, it’s a reasonable price for the full-day experience with multiple stops.
- Potential drawbacks: The long drive might be tiring, and some entrance fees are extra.
What Does the Tour Cover?
This tour is designed to pack a lot into a single day, making it perfect for those who want a comprehensive glimpse of Oaxaca’s nature. Starting from Santa María Huatulco, the journey is around 9 hours, but don’t worry — transportation is covered, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The guide is bilingual, which is a big plus if you’re not fluent in Spanish, and the small group size means more personal attention.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Huatulco.
Stop 1: Santuario La Escobilla — Turtle Sanctuary
The day kicks off at the sea turtle sanctuary near Huatulco, where you’ll get to observe the nesting and release of newborn turtles. This part typically lasts about an hour, giving you time to learn about the endangered species and their conservation efforts. Many reviews highlight how heartwarming and meaningful this experience can be, with one traveler describing it as “fun, heartwarming,” and noting that the guide’s knowledge enhanced the visit.
It’s worth noting that the admission ticket for the sanctuary isn’t included in the tour price, so you might need to cover that separately. Still, the chance to witness these tiny creatures heading to the ocean is genuinely special and not something you see every day.
Stop 2: Playa Zicatela — Scenic Stop and Photo Opportunity
Next, the group heads to Zicatela beach in Puerto Escondido, just for about 25 minutes. Here, you’ll get to take in the stunning landscape, snap some photos, and soak in the vibe of one of Mexico’s iconic beaches. Many travelers have praised this stop for its beautiful scenery, and it’s an ideal quick break to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of fresh sea air.
While no admission fee is required for this stop, it offers a perfect chance to relax before moving on to the evening’s highlight.
Stop 3: Laguna Manialtepec — Bioluminescent Lagoon
The final part of the tour is the magical bioluminescence, experienced at Laguna Manialtepec. When the microorganisms in the water come into contact with movement, they light up, creating a fireworks-like display in the dark. This phenomenon is usually best viewed at night and lasts for about an hour.
This was a great trip. Edgar was a great driver and also spoke very good English. There was only us and 1 other couple. We stopped for a chocolate and cocoa demo and sampling and also a fruit stand for mangos a fruit along the way. The turtle release was fun and then we had dinner on Playa Zicatella in Puerto Escondido. The bioluminescence was fun more for being on boat at night and looking and stars and fish were jumping right into our boat. Entrance fees were included. It was a late night getting back but a very worthwhile trip.
We had the best time on this tour! Not only did we get the opportunity to experience a turtle release and the magical bioluminescence, our guide Edgar explained the all of the important culture, history and heritage this area has to offer. The drive was worth it for the experience and Edgar made it interesting the whole way! The street tacos and stories convinced us to book another tour the next day! Awesome experience!
We had the best experience with Edgar. He was extremely friendly and was happy to make a few extra spots. We stopped for a coconut drink on the side of the road, had an ice cream stop, saw a beautiful sunset, had the best tacos and still fit in the turtle release and bioluminescence. We would highly recommend!
Many reviews rave about how mesmerizing this natural display is — one reviewer described it as “fireworks in the water,” and several mentioned that the experience exceeded their expectations. Entrance to the lagoon isn’t included in the ticket, but the tour covers the lagoon tour itself, making it easy to just relax and enjoy the show.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
This tour provides a lot of value in terms of convenience and guidance. You get air-conditioned transport, a bilingual guide, tickets for the turtle release, and the lagoon tour — all in one package.
However, keep in mind that tips, food, and drinks aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to grab a snack or tip your guide. Also, check whether you’ll need to pay entrance fees separately for the sanctuary or the lagoon, as these costs aren’t covered by the tour price.
Transportation and Group Size
Travelers consistently mention that the vehicle is comfortable, and with a maximum of 12 travelers, you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd. Many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and good English skills, which makes the experience more engaging.
Duration and Pacing
The full-day commitment (about 9 hours) is something to consider. While it’s a well-rounded experience, the long drive from Huatulco to the various sites might be tiring for some. But as several reviews note, the stops — including a chocolate factory and a fruit stand — help break up the ride, making it more enjoyable.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for nature lovers, those interested in wildlife conservation, or travelers eager to witness unique phenomena like bioluminescence. If you enjoy scenic drives, and don’t mind spending a good chunk of the day on the road, this trip offers a nice mix of education, scenery, and a bit of magic.
It's also suited for travelers who appreciate small group tours, where you can have a more personalized experience and ask questions. If you’re traveling with kids, they might enjoy the turtle release and the bioluminescent lagoon, but keep the long drive in mind.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a thoughtfully curated day that balances natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and awe-inspiring sights. The small group size and attentive guides receive high praise from travelers, making the day feel intimate and engaging. For $120, you’re not just getting a series of stops, but an experience that’s likely to stick with you long after you leave.
Of course, the long drive might be a downside for some, and you should be prepared for extra costs for entrance fees — but if those aren’t deal-breakers, this tour stands out as a well-rounded way to explore some of Oaxaca’s most captivating natural features. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small family, it’s a memorable way to connect with the land, sea, and sky in Huatulco.
From Huatulco: Turtle Release & Bioluminescence
"To release the day old turtles was humbling. The passion for these turtles is obvious, to dedicate their lives to this commitment is awesome."
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from Santa María Huatulco to all the stops and back.
What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour starts at 2:00 pm, so it’s designed for afternoon to evening experiences, especially to see the bioluminescence after dark.
Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, which helps make the experience accessible for most travelers.
How long is the overall tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time, stops, and activities.
Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Entrance fees to the turtle sanctuary and lagoon aren’t included, so you might need to cover those separately.
Is this tour suitable for families?
While the reviews mention it’s a memorable experience that kids might enjoy, the length and travel might be tiring for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids who can handle a full day.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel or something to sit on during the lagoon tour, and cash for optional extras like entrance fees or tips.
If you’re looking to experience some of Oaxaca’s most enchanting natural sights in one day, this tour manages to balance adventure, education, and wonder — all with the comfort of small-group attention.
