This is your chance to help release baby turtles on Escobilla beach near Puerto Escondido, learn about sea turtle conservation from local guides, and take part in a moving wildlife moment right on the sand. Feel the excitement as you watch hatchlings reach the ocean—an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
We hopped into the van just as the sun started to dip, our guide greeting us with a big smile and a few words in both Spanish and English. The drive out to Escobilla Ecotourism Center was quiet except for the soft hum of the radio and the occasional rooster crow drifting through open windows. I noticed how the air changed—salty, but with a hint of earth from the nearby fields.
At Escobilla beach, we stepped onto warm sand scattered with tiny tracks—evidence of last night’s turtle hatchlings. Our guide explained why this stretch is Mexico’s most important nesting spot for sea turtles, sharing stories about local families who help protect these creatures. Holding a baby turtle in my palm felt unreal; its shell was cool and smooth, and it wriggled with surprising energy.
The moment came to set them free. We crouched low as waves rolled in, watching dozens of tiny turtles make their way toward the surf. There was a gentle cheer from everyone as each one disappeared into the water. Before heading back, we snapped some photos—my shoes still full of sand and my mind buzzing with what I’d just seen.
The tour usually begins in the late afternoon or early evening when it’s safest for hatchlings to reach the sea. Exact timing depends on daily conditions and will be confirmed after booking.
Yes, this experience is family-friendly and safe for all ages. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.
You’ll want comfortable shoes that can handle sand, plus sunscreen and maybe a hat. Everything else—including entry fees—is covered.
Turtle releases are planned around hatching seasons for the best chance to participate, but nature can’t be guaranteed 100% of the time. Guides do their best to ensure visitors see hatchlings whenever possible.
Your private tour comes with roundtrip hotel transfers in Puerto Escondido, entrance tickets to the turtle release activity at Escobilla or Palmarito camp, plus guidance from a certified bilingual expert who shares insights along every step. And when it’s time for your hands-on moment with the turtles, everything is arranged so you can focus on enjoying it fully.
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