Private Tour to Carrizalillo Mirador Turtles and Release Turtles

Exploring the Private Huatulco Tour: Carrizalillo, Mirador, and Turtle Release

If you’re planning a trip to Huatulco and looking for a way to enjoy both its natural beauty and wildlife conservation efforts, this private tour offers a well-rounded day. While it’s not a quick beach hop, it packs in some of the most scenic views, a chance to relax on a gorgeous beach, and a meaningful experience with turtle conservation.

What immediately caught our eye are the personalized touch—since it’s a private tour, you get a tailored experience, and the expert guide, who seems to make the journey both informative and enjoyable. The stunning views from Mirador Las Tortugas and the chance to watch turtles being released into the ocean are definite highlights.

That said, there are some considerations—mainly, the tour involves quite a bit of moving around and some walking, including descending 176 steps to reach Playa Carrizalillo. So, it’s best suited for travelers who are moderately active and comfortable with a full day’s outing.

This tour balances scenic sightseeing, beach relaxation, and wildlife conservation, making it ideal for those craving a mixture of nature, culture, and a bit of adventure. Perfect if you want an experience that’s both relaxing and meaningful, away from crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

• Private tour offers personalized attention and flexibility—only your group participates.
• Includes scenic viewpoints, beaches, and turtle conservation activities—a mix of relaxation and education.
• A full-day experience, roughly 11.5 hours, so be prepared for a packed schedule.
• Good for travelers comfortable with some physical activity—there’s walking and descending stairs involved.
• Cost is around $320 for up to five people, offering decent value given the private nature and diverse stops.
• Highly rated guides make a difference, with reviews highlighting Gabriel’s attentiveness and storytelling skills.

The Full Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

This private tour from Huatulco unfolds as a thoughtfully curated journey through some of the most picture-perfect spots in the region. It starts in the morning, with pickup included, setting the tone for an effortless day. The group size is small, creating an intimate vibe—perfect for those who dislike large, noisy tours and prefer a more relaxed, tailored experience.

Playa Carrizalillo: A Hidden Gem

Your adventure kicks off at Playa Carrizalillo, a beach renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft sands, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the scenery. To get here, you’ll descend 176 steps—so be ready for some leg work, but trust us, the view at the bottom makes it worth it. The beach is relatively secluded, offering a peaceful environment away from crowded resorts.

Visitors often mention how tranquil and beautiful this spot is, making it a perfect first stop to unwind after the drive. The calm waters are great for a quick dip or just lying on the sand, listening to the waves.

Mirador Las Tortugas: Breathtaking Views

Next, the tour takes you to Las Tortugas Viewpoint, a stunning cliffside spot where panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean unfold before you. It’s hard not to be impressed by the sweeping vistas—your chance to snap some memorable photos and appreciate the vastness of the coastline. Our guide mentions that this is a prime spot for appreciating the region’s beauty and learning about the area’s geography.

Reviewers praised this part of the tour, citing the guide’s storytelling about the region and the relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great pit-stop for those who love nature and want to pause for a moment of reflection while soaking in scenery.

Zicatela Beach: Surf, Vibe, and Energy

From the viewpoint, you’ll head to Zicatela Beach, internationally famous for its powerful waves and vibrant surf scene. This stretch of over three kilometers is lively, with surfers riding the waves and vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. While not everyone might want to get in the water here—those with little surfing experience might find the waves intimidating—it’s a lively spot to walk, watch the action, and soak up the energy.

This part of the trip offers a taste of the region’s lively beach culture, with plenty of opportunities to people-watch or just enjoy the ocean breeze.

Playa Palmarito: Turtle Release and Sunset

The highlight for many is the visit to Playa Palmarito, where you get to participate in the release of turtles—a rare chance to witness conservation in action. You’ll learn about the importance of protecting these fascinating creatures, and as the turtles make their way to the sea, you’ll feel a meaningful connection to nature.

The timing here is perfect for watching the sunset, adding an extra layer of beauty to this experience. Witnessing turtles launch into the ocean as the sky turns fiery orange is genuinely special and makes the whole day feel even more worthwhile.

Return to Huatulco

After a full day of sightseeing, relaxing, and engaging in conservation efforts, the tour wraps up with a comfortable ride back to Huatulco. The entire experience spans about 11.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The Value of This Tour

At around $320 for a group of five, this private experience offers good value compared to larger group tours. The personalized attention from your guide, Gabriel—who’s praised for his knowledge and storytelling—adds a lot to the experience. Many reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the guide’s attentiveness and local insights, which can turn a standard sightseeing day into a memorable adventure.

The inclusion of bottled water and soda keeps you hydrated throughout the day, making the long itinerary manageable, though note that there’s no breakfast included. Also, if you want to participate in the turtle release, there’s an additional fee of 200 pesos, which is quite reasonable for such a unique activity.

Flexibility and Practicality

The tour’s flexibility and private arrangement mean you can tailor it to your interests. If you love photography, the viewpoints and sunset will give you plenty of beautiful shots. If you’re into wildlife, the turtle release is a standout feature.

However, be prepared for some physical activity—there’s walking, standing, and descending stairs involved. Travelers with moderate fitness will find this manageable, but those with mobility issues might want to consider this aspect beforehand.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a full day of exploring diverse sites without feeling rushed. It’s ideal if you appreciate scenic viewpoints, relaxed beaches, and wildlife conservation. The small-group, private nature makes it perfect for couples, small families, or friends who want a more intimate experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local areas from knowledgeable guides and taking part in meaningful activities like the turtle release, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

All in all, this private tour offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a chance to contribute to wildlife conservation. The personalized approach, combined with the natural beauty of Huatulco’s beaches and viewpoints, makes it a compelling choice for travelers wanting a meaningful day out.

While it’s a full schedule, the stops are varied enough to keep it interesting, and the guide’s expertise really enhances the experience. It’s a solid pick for those who want to see the region’s highlights without the chaos of large groups.

If your trip to Huatulco includes time for a scenic, relaxed, yet enriching day, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking, descending stairs, and some physical activity, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate fitness levels. Families with older children who can handle a full day outdoors will probably enjoy it.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers private transportation, bottled water, and soda. The turtle release activity itself costs an additional 200 pesos if you want to participate.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 11 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 11:00am, so prepare for a full day of sightseeing and activities.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast isn’t included, so you might want to have something before the tour or bring snacks.

What are the main highlights?
The most praised features are the spectacular viewpoints, particularly Las Tortugas, and the turtle release at Playa Palmarito, which many reviewers found touching and memorable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours in advance, you won’t get a refund.

Is this tour weather dependent?
Yes, as it’s outdoors and involves wildlife activities, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

This tour offers a charming blend of natural beauty, cultural sights, and impactful conservation work. If you’re after a day that combines scenic vistas with a chance to give back, it’s worth considering. Just be ready for some activity, and you’ll come away with a richer appreciation of Huatulco’s landscapes and wildlife.