Turtle Release at Escobilla Sanctuary: Sea turtles and crocs

Release hatchlings into the ocean and watch crocodiles hunt in the mangroves

A 6-7 hour tour from Huatulco to Escobilla Sanctuary, Mexico's most important sea turtle nesting site, where you release hatchlings into the ocean, then travel to Ventanilla to spot crocodiles, caimans and wading birds in the mangrove ecosystem. A bilingual guide leads the trip in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup included. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit turtle sanctuary and mangrove ecosystem

• Explore La Escobilla turtle sanctuary
• Discover mangroves and wildlife habitat

The experience

Escobilla stretches 25 kilometers along the Oaxacan coast and serves as the nesting ground for more sea turtles than any other beach in Mexico. The sanctuary protects multiple species that arrive year-round to lay eggs. Your role is to help release hatchlings that have been incubated and are ready for the ocean. The guide explains the conservation work the community runs here and how your visit funds the protection of this critical habitat.

After the release, you move into Ventanilla's mangrove system, one of the planet's most productive ecosystems. Mangroves stabilize the coastline, regulate temperature and humidity, and shelter an enormous variety of life. You'll spot crocodiles, iguanas, woodpeckers, kingfishers, diving ducks and multiple species of heron. Many of these animals are endangered. The guide points out how the mangrove forest keeps them alive and why it matters globally.

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total with an air-conditioned vehicle and a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish. Hotel pickup is included. Bring a hat, sunblock, insect repellent, sunglasses, water and sand shoes. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Note that from August through early November, turtle sightings drop sharply because it falls outside nesting season: releases depend on wild arrivals, so the timing is nature's call, not the operator's schedule.

What’s included

• A bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup from Huatulco.
• access to Escobilla Sanctuary and the turtle release.
• entry to Ventanilla mangroves for wildlife viewing.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 13:30

Book up to19h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 36

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 30

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Paraíso Huatulco

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the experience personal and give the guide room to answer questions about turtle biology and mangrove ecology without rushing between stops. If you're traveling with children from age 4, the pace suits families, though the beach walk and outdoor time mean you'll need to manage sun exposure and hydration carefully.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When is the best time to see sea turtles at Escobilla Sanctuary?

Turtle nesting season runs year-round, but sightings are most reliable from November through July. From August to early November, releases are rare because fewer turtles arrive to nest. The sanctuary maintains its conservation work regardless, but hatchling availability depends entirely on wild turtle arrivals during those months.

What animals will I see in Ventanilla's mangroves?

Crocodiles are the main draw, but the mangrove habitat also hosts caimans, iguanas, woodpeckers, kingfishers, diving ducks and multiple heron species. Many are endangered. The guide explains how the mangrove ecosystem keeps them alive and why it's critical to global ecology.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish, an air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel pickup from Huatulco. You'll need to bring your own water, hat, sunblock, insect repellent, sunglasses and sand shoes. Cash is useful for any purchases at the sites.