Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Release: Sunset Conservation Activity

Walk baby turtles to the ocean at sunset and learn why they matter

The Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Release is a 2.5-hour sunset activity where you help baby sea turtles reach the ocean for the first time, guided by a bilingual marine biologist. You'll check in at the Marina Vallarta office, receive a brief talk on turtle biology and conservation, take a short drive and walk to the beach camp, then release hatchlings at sunset before returning to the office. Transport from the office, camp entry, a donation to conservation efforts, water and a snack are included. The experience depends on hatchlings being present that day.

The experience

The activity runs 2.5 hours total, starting with a 5:30 PM check-in at the Ecotours office in Marina Vallarta. A bilingual marine biologist leads a short talk on sea turtle behavior, their life cycle and the conservation challenges they face, so you understand what you're about to witness. Then you drive a short distance and walk ten minutes along the beach (a gentle stretch on sand and loose gravel), while your guide points out the mangrove ecosystems that shelter young turtles and shape the coastal environment.

At the turtle camp, you'll see the ongoing work: nest monitoring, hatchling care, the infrastructure that keeps these animals alive long enough to reach the sea. When sunset arrives, the biologist brings out the baby turtles. You and other guests help them safely across the sand and into the water. The moment they've been protected for, their first swim into the ocean. It's a direct, unmediated thing: you're not watching from a distance or through a barrier. You're part of the release itself.

By 8:00 PM you're back at the office. The walk totals about a mile across sand and loose gravel, so comfortable shoes and a willingness to move slowly matter. If no hatchlings are present on your scheduled day, the office will reschedule you. Infants can sit on an adult's lap. Children under seven must be accompanied by an adult and will share a coconut to carry the turtles to the water. The office has a locker for luggage, and restrooms are available before you leave and when you return.

What’s included

• Transport from the Marina Vallarta office to the beach and back.
• bilingual marine biologist guide.
• entrance fee and a donation to the turtle camp.
• bottled water, juice or soda, and a granola bar.
• safe luggage storage at the office.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 16:45Last departure this season: 23 Dec

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 6 years)

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ECOTOURS VALLARTA

Is this one for you?The activity starts and ends at the Ecotours office in Marina Vallarta with transport included, so you don't need a car or need to arrange your own way to the beach. Book this if you're staying in Puerto Vallarta without a rental and want to reach the turtle camp without the logistics of finding the trailhead yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 6 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do with the baby sea turtles when I get to the beach?

You help the hatchlings walk from the camp to the ocean and release them into the water at sunset. Children under seven share a coconut to carry the turtles. Older guests and adults carry them by hand or assist them across the sand.

How far is the walk from the office to the turtle camp?

The walk is about ten minutes and covers roughly half a mile along the beach on sand and loose gravel. The total walking for the activity is about a mile, so you need to be comfortable moving on uneven ground.

What happens if there are no baby turtles the day I'm scheduled?

If hatchlings aren't present, the Ecotours office will contact you to reschedule your reservation for another date when turtles are available for release.

Does the price include the ride from my hotel?

Transport is included from the Ecotours office in Marina Vallarta to the beach where the walk begins. If you're staying elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the office, though public transportation options are available nearby.

What's included in the activity besides the turtle release?

The experience includes the marine biologist guide, transport from the office to the beach, entrance to the turtle camp, a donation to conservation efforts, bottled water, juice or soda, and a granola bar. Restroom access is available at the office before departure and after you return.