Huatulco Turtle Release & Bioluminescence Tour: 10 Hours

Release turtles, chase a sunset, then paddle through glowing water

A 10-hour tour from Huatulco that combines three distinct moments: releasing hatchling sea turtles at La Escobilla sanctuary, watching the Pacific break at Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido, and paddling Manialtepec Lagoon at night to witness bioluminescence. A natural light show found in only three places in Mexico. Hotel pickup, certified guide in English or Spanish, and liability insurance are included. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Turtle release and bioluminescence tour

• Pick up at hotel lobby
• Travel to Santuario La Escobilla
• Release turtles at Escobilla beach
• Visit Zicatela Beach for sunset
• Tour Manialtepec lagoon by boat
• Swim to see bioluminescence
• Optional dinner or snack stop
• Return to lodging in Huatulco

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Huatulco hotel and a drive to La Escobilla, a beach designated by CONANP as a turtle sanctuary where millions of hatchlings arrive each year. You'll name a turtle before releasing it into the ocean, following all protocols to protect the species. This is the core of the morning: a direct, hands-on moment with the animals rather than observation from a distance.

The second stop is Zicatela Beach near Puerto Escondido, known for the massive waves that draw international surfers. You'll have time to walk the beach, watch the sunset, and take photos before heading to the lagoon. The guide helps frame the moment, but the pace here is yours: some travelers swim, others stay on the sand.

The final stop is Manialtepec Lagoon, where you board a small boat to see bioluminescence. The phenomenon happens when microorganisms in the water emit light in response to movement. Shaking the water or swimming activates it. Moonlight dims the effect, so the operator recommends checking the lunar calendar before booking: nights with less moon are best. If you visit during a bright moon, covered houseboats let you watch from inside. Bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the water and see the glow firsthand. After the lagoon, the group can choose to stop for dinner or a snack before the return to Huatulco.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return to Huatulco.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• liability insurance.
• turtle release activity at La Escobilla sanctuary.
• sunset time at Zicatela Beach.
• small-boat access to Manialtepec Lagoon for bioluminescence viewing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 30

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ocean Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to participate directly in a turtle release and see bioluminescence on a night with minimal moonlight. The lunar calendar matters here, so plan around darker nights for the brightest display. The 10-hour commitment packs three distinct experiences into one day, which works well for travelers with limited time in Oaxaca but means an early start and a late return.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What exactly happens during the turtle release at La Escobilla?

You'll name a hatchling sea turtle and carry it to the ocean, releasing it while following safety protocols designed to protect the species. La Escobilla is a working sanctuary where millions of turtles arrive each year, so you're participating in an active conservation site, not a staged activity.

Is the bioluminescence visible every night, or does the moon affect it?

Moonlight significantly dims bioluminescence, so nights with less moon produce the brightest display. The operator recommends checking the lunar calendar before you book. On nights with heavy moonlight, covered houseboats are available so you can still observe the phenomenon from inside the boat.

Can I swim in Manialtepec Lagoon to see the bioluminescence up close?

Yes, swimming is optional and encouraged if you want to experience the glow firsthand. Bring a swimsuit. The bioluminescence activates when the water moves, so swimmers can see it light up around them. Those who prefer to stay dry can watch from the boat.

How long is the drive from Huatulco to each stop?

The tour spans 10 hours total, including all three stops and travel time. La Escobilla is the first stop after pickup, Zicatela Beach is the second, and Manialtepec Lagoon is the final destination before the return to your hotel.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring a swimsuit for the lagoon, sunscreen and a hat for the beach stops, and a camera for the sunset at Zicatela. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the guide will help with photos. Dinner is not included, though the group can stop to eat before heading back to Huatulco.