Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo: Baby Sea Turtle Release Tour Juluchuca

Summary

See sea turtles hatch on Juluchuca’s quiet sands with a local guide

You’ll stand on Juluchuca’s quiet sands near Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo as baby sea turtles make their first wild dash to the ocean. With a local guide explaining each step (and answering your random questions), you’ll help release hatchlings and taste fresh coconut macaroons before heading back — probably with sand still stuck between your toes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Ixtapa that afternoon — just this vague excitement in my chest. The drive to Juluchuca was bumpy and full of those quick flashes of palm trees and roadside stands selling coconuts. Luis, our guide, talked about how this stretch of beach is quieter than the busy tourist spots, which apparently makes it perfect for mama turtles. He laughed when I asked if he ever gets tired of seeing them — “never,” he said, “every hatch is different.” There was something about the way he said it that made me pay attention.

We got to the turtle camp just as the light was turning soft and golden. The air smelled a little salty, but also sweet — maybe from the coconut macaroons they bake nearby (we’d get to try them later). Luis showed us a chart with four different kinds of sea turtles that visit Mexico. I’m not usually one for charts, but seeing the little differences up close made it feel real. Then he knelt down and brushed sand away from a nest; I could see one tiny egg, smooth and almost fragile-looking. It’s strange how quiet everyone got in that moment.

The real magic started when the baby turtles began poking up through the sand. They’re smaller than you think — all flippers and determination. We waited while they wriggled around in a shallow container, Luis explaining how they need those few minutes to “wake up” before their big run. My hands were sandy by then, and honestly I was nervous about messing something up, but Luis kept things calm without being bossy. When we finally placed them on the wet sand about 25 feet from the water, everyone just held their breath watching these tiny creatures scramble toward the waves. Some made it fast, some took their time — one even paused like it was reconsidering everything (I get it).

Afterwards there were sticky coconut macaroons — still warm — and more stories from Luis about turtle survival rates (not great, but every release helps). The sun dropped lower and we stood there longer than necessary, just listening to the surf and thinking about where those little turtles might end up years from now. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea turtle life cycle and release

• Travel to Juluchuca community
• Explain sea turtle life cycle
• Show turtle egg from nest
• Witness turtles hatching
• Release baby turtles to ocean

Top questions

How long does the baby sea turtle release tour take?

The tour lasts around 3.5 hours including travel time from Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip transport from your hotel lobby in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo is included.

Can children join the sea turtle release tour?

Yes, infants and children can join; small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour happens at Juluchuca beach near Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo.

Will we see baby turtles hatching during every tour?

You will witness hatchlings being released; nests are selected based on recent findings for best timing.

Is food included during the tour?

You’ll get to taste a fresh locally made coconut macaroon after visiting the turtle camp.

Is this suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup from your hotel in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo, all entry fees at Juluchuca’s turtle farm, guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local like Luis who shares both facts and stories, plus time to taste warm coconut macaroons before heading back as dusk settles in.