Baby Sea turtles release in Puerto Escondido

Discovering Baby Sea Turtles in Puerto Escondido: A Genuine Conservation Experience

Imagine standing at Palmarito Beach, just a short 20-minute drive from Puerto Escondido, watching tiny hatchlings take their first leap into the ocean at sunset. For $48 per person, this 2.5-hour guided tour offers an authentic chance to learn about and contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect three species of sea turtles — Olive Ridley, Green or Black, and Leatherback. Led by certified guides, the journey involves visiting an incubation camp managed by dedicated conservationists, meeting hatchlings just an hour old, and releasing them into the wild as the sun dips below the horizon.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to witness sea turtle conservation in action, combined with the memorable moment of releasing hatchlings ourselves. The bilingual guides (Spanish and English) make the experience accessible, informative, and engaging. Plus, the included transportation from Puerto Escondido saves you hassle and makes the entire outing smooth and straightforward.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the timing—since the tour revolves around sunset, you’ll need to be comfortable with an afternoon pickup and a modest drive. This isn’t a tour for those with mobility issues, as it involves walking on the beach and a rural camp setting. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate meaningful, hands-on experiences that support conservation and who enjoy a mix of education and natural beauty.

This tour would suit travelers who love wildlife, appreciate authentic local initiatives, and want to add a meaningful story to their trip. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity that combines education with a touch of adventure — and you’re okay with the modest price — this is a top pick.

Key Points

• Authentic Conservation: Supports local turtle incubation programs and allows direct involvement with hatchlings.
• Bilingual Guides: Interprets the experience in both English and Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers.
• Memorable Moment: The release of hatchlings at sunset creates a heartfelt and photogenic experience.
• Convenient Transportation: Round-trip pick-up and drop-off from 13 locations around Puerto Escondido.
• Educational Value: Learn about three different turtle species and their life cycles in a fun, approachable way.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 due to the nature of the terrain and activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deeper Look at the Experience

Weaving together education, conservation, and natural beauty, this tour delivers more than just a sunset walk on the beach. It offers a rare insight into sea turtle conservation efforts—a cause close to many travelers’ hearts. The tour starts with a pick-up from one of 13 designated locations around Puerto Escondido, making it adaptable to various accommodations.

The drive to Palmarito Beach takes roughly 25 minutes, giving a chance to relax and chat with your guides, Fabricio and Esmeralda, who are praised for their friendly knowledge and clear communication. The journey itself sets the stage for what’s to come: an opportunity to witness the incubation camp, where conservationists carefully monitor the hatchlings and educate visitors about the turtles’ life cycle.

Once at Palmarito, the real magic begins. You’ll stroll through the camp, observing tiny turtles only an hour old. The guides provide detailed explanations about each species’ characteristics, their nesting habits, and the threats they face. This educational component transforms what could be a simple beach walk into a meaningful learning experience.

The highlight is, of course, releasing the hatchlings. As the sun dips down, you’ll carefully pick up a tiny turtle, gently place it in the ocean, and watch it begin its journey into the vast sea. For many, this moment transcends the typical tourist activity—it’s a chance to connect with nature and feel part of something bigger.

Afterward, you return to Puerto Escondido, with the entire tour lasting about 2.5 hours. The included bottled water keeps you refreshed, and the transportation ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure: With 13 locations available, you can choose a convenient nearby spot. The tour departs around 4 p.m., giving you ample daylight to enjoy the drive and the camp visit. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers who don’t want to rearrange their entire day.

Travel to Palmarito Beach: The roughly 25-minute ride offers a relaxed start, giving you a glimpse of local scenery and a chance to meet your guides. They often share insights about the coastal environment and conservation efforts, adding context to the experience.

Visit to the Incubation Camp and Guided Tour: Once on the beach, your guides will lead a walk through the fenced camp, explaining how the hatchlings are monitored and raised. You’ll see the nests, learn about the different turtle species, and get a sense of the delicate balance involved in conservation work.

Releasing Baby Turtles: When the moment arrives, the sunset provides a stunning backdrop for this symbolic gesture. Watching these tiny creatures head into the ocean is both inspiring and humbling. Several reviews mention how impactful this is, with one saying, “Seeing the camp and the baby turtles, and releasing them yourself, was a real highlight.”

Return Trip: After the release, the guides escort you back to your transportation, with the drive lasting another 25 minutes. The evening sky and coastal views make the return trip a peaceful conclusion.

Authentic, Well-Reviewed Guides and Good Value

Many visitors praise the knowledgeable guides who make the experience accessible and engaging. According to reviews, Fabricio and Esmeralda “take care of yourselves,” and their friendly demeanor enhances the whole outing. The bilingual interpretation helps non-Spanish speakers understand the importance of conservation efforts, making this experience not just fun but educational.

For a price of $48, the value is often seen as reasonable considering the exclusive nature of releasing hatchlings into the ocean and the educational component. The inclusion of round-trip transportation and bottled water adds convenience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

While some note that the experience is on the pricier side for what it is, most agree the emotional payoff and the educational value justify the cost. One reviewer from the UK mentions the experience as “liked the baby turtles, but a bit on the pricey side,” but others from Italy and Germany emphasize how unforgettable the sunset and the release truly were.

Why This Tour Works

This experience is especially perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, hands-on activity that combines wildlife conservation with natural beauty. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to participate actively rather than just observe. The sunset timing creates a romantic and picturesque setting, perfect for memorable photos and heartfelt moments.

However, it’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxed, less physically involved activity. The beach walk and camp visit require some walking and comfort with rural settings.

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Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you want to combine your trip with a cause, this tour delivers a genuine opportunity to support local conservation while enjoying a beautiful coastal sunset. The guides’ friendliness, combined with the rare chance to release hatchlings, makes this a standout for anyone interested in marine life and environmental efforts.

For those seeking an authentic, educational activity that’s more than just sightseeing, this tour offers a heartfelt glimpse into the fight to save sea turtles — with a rewarding twist at sunset. It’s well-suited for curious travelers, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to leave with a meaningful story from Oaxaca’s coast.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from 13 designated locations around Puerto Escondido is included, making it easy to join without worrying about logistics.

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

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear suitable for walking on sand, and cash for any additional expenses or tips.

Is the experience bilingual?
Yes, guides interpret in both Spanish and English, ensuring understanding for international visitors.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most children who can walk comfortably should enjoy the experience, but it’s not recommended for those over 95 years or with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

To sum it up, this turtle release tour near Puerto Escondido offers a meaningful way to connect with nature, contribute to conservation, and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on the coast. It’s best for those who value authentic experiences, educational content, and memorable wildlife encounters. With friendly guides and an opportunity to actively participate, it makes for a truly enriching addition to your Oaxaca trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: