Mazatlan Sea Turtle Release: Conservation & Beach Day

Watch hatchlings race to the ocean, then name the one you release

This is a real sea turtle conservation encounter in Mazatlan, not a staged show. A marine biologist from the local conservation program (OAP) guides you through a hatchling release timed to actual nesting activity, September through December only, and you receive a Sponsor Certificate to symbolically name the turtle you watch enter the Pacific. Spots are limited to protect the hatchlings. After the release, you spend the afternoon at a beachfront Day Pass in Cerritos with full access to the pool and beach. Lunch and drinks are optional add-ons or included with the upgrade option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sea turtle release and beach day

• Drive along Mazatlan coastline
• Pass Golden Zone and Malecon boardwalk
• Visit sea turtle conservation site in Cerritos
• Observe hatchling release with marine biologist
• Receive Sea Turtle Sponsor Certificate
• Relax at beachfront hotel pool and beach

The experience

Hatching season runs September to December, and release timing follows what's actually happening in the nests that day, not a scheduled performance. A marine biologist leads the encounter, and you watch hatchlings make their first journey to the Pacific up close. Guests observe only. Handling is not part of this, because the point is real conservation, not a photo opportunity. The hatchlings you see will return to this exact beach 10–15 years later as adults, thanks to natal homing. Your Sponsor Certificate lets you name the one you release, creating a connection that outlasts the morning.

The drive to Cerritos takes you along Mazatlan's coastline, passing the Golden Zone and the Malecon boardwalk: one of the longest in the world. If you book a private group, you also get a brief city tour and a tequila tasting in the Golden Zone before heading to the conservation site. Every vehicle is stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, and ice throughout the ride.

After the release, you have the afternoon at the beachfront club in Cerritos: pool, beach, and ocean views. The Day Pass is included. Lunch and drinks are optional. You can buy them on-site, or choose the upgrade option that includes a meal and two drinks. The whole outing runs about four and a half hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Pickup from Mazatlan.
• scenic drive along the coastline passing the Golden Zone and Malecon boardwalk.
• live guide in English, Spanish, or French.
• sea turtle conservation encounter led by a marine biologist.
• Sponsor Certificate to name your released hatchling.
• beachfront Day Pass in Cerritos with pool and beach access.
• bottled water, soft drinks, and ice throughout the ride.
• wheelchair-accessible transportation and facilities.

Options for this experience

2 options

Baby sea turtle encounter and day passGuide in English, Spanish or French · 09:30, 10:00 and 16:00Encounter with a baby sea turtle led by a marine biologist, including a naming certificate. Pickup is included.

Turtle encounter, resort access and lunch, plus 2 drinksGuide in English, Spanish or French · 09:30, 10:00 and 16:00Lunch and 2 drinks included, with a baby sea turtle encounter led by a marine biologist and a naming certificate. Includes pickup.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MAZATLAN PLUS TOURS

Is this one for you?Book the base option if you want the conservation encounter and beach time without a meal commitment. Choose the upgrade with lunch and two drinks if you'd rather not decide about food once you arrive at the club. Either way, the release timing depends on actual nesting activity, so flexibility on your dates matters more than the meal choice.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

When can I actually do this sea turtle release in Mazatlan?

The release happens only during hatching season, September through December, and the timing follows real nesting activity each day. Spots are limited to protect the hatchlings, so book ahead to guarantee your date.

Do I get to hold or touch the baby sea turtles?

No, guests observe only. This is a real conservation encounter, not a photo-op or a handling experience. You watch the hatchlings make their first journey to the Pacific up close, and you receive a Sponsor Certificate to name the turtle you release.

What happens after the turtle release?

You spend the afternoon at the beachfront club in Cerritos with full access to the pool and beach. Lunch and drinks are optional. You can buy them on-site or add the upgrade that includes a meal and two drinks.

Is transportation from Mazatlan included?

Yes, pickup from Mazatlan is included. The drive to Cerritos passes the Golden Zone and the Malecon boardwalk, and if you book a private group, you also get a brief city tour and tequila tasting in the Golden Zone before the conservation site.