Tortugranja Isla Mujeres
A small but impactful sanctuary dedicated to protecting and showcasing various species of sea turtles, offering interactive experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Turtle nesting season
Tortugranja Isla Mujeres
Best Time
Turtle nesting season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small but impactful sanctuary dedicated to protecting and showcasing various species of sea turtles, offering interactive experiences.
"A turtle terrific way to spend my birthday! The ladies working there were very sweet and helpful."
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very cheap, making it a great value stop.
🐢 Buy Turtle Food
Get food to feed the turtles for an interactive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Encounters
Witness adorable baby sea turtles and even hold them! A truly heartwarming experience for all ages.
Diverse Turtle Species
See various species of turtles, from hatchlings to adults, in both indoor and outdoor enclosures.
Feeding the Turtles
Purchase special food to feed the turtles, a fun and interactive activity that kids (and adults!) love.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reopening & What to Expect
+1Best Value & Turtle Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very cheap, making it a great value stop.
🐢 Buy Turtle Food
Get food to feed the turtles for an interactive experience.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Visit
Explore at your own pace; no formal tours are offered.
☀️ See More Turtles
Check the side and back areas for more turtles beyond the main building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is very cheap, making it a great value stop.
🐢 Buy Turtle Food
Get food to feed the turtles for an interactive experience.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Visit
Explore at your own pace; no formal tours are offered.
☀️ See More Turtles
Check the side and back areas for more turtles beyond the main building.
🥥 Fresh Coconuts Nearby
Vendors outside offer tasty, cold coconuts for a refreshing treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Tortugranja to be a small but charming sanctuary with a noble conservation mission. The low entry fee and the opportunity to feed and interact with turtles, especially babies, are highlights. Some wish for more educational content or guided tours, but the overall experience is positive and heartwarming.
"This place is pretty small, and the entree fee reflects that. It's a cheap 30 minute thing to check out. Loses a star because they gave me change in small denomination coins (probably thinking I would just leave the coins as a tip. Literally 40 pesos in 16 coins)"
Aneel Maan
"30 pesos to get in, another 30 pesos to get some turtle food. This was such a fun stop for the kids (and me, who am I kidding.) We even got to hold a tiny baby turtle. Make sure to go around the side and back of the main building to see more turtles than just what was inside."
Shay Bachelder
"The turtles are so beautiful! I love the reason behind this! We stopped in on a boat tour with the kids. It’s small and they do not walk you through or give any information or educational guides/tours while we visited. You walk yourself through the aquarium. I would’ve really loved it if they had educated tours and talked about the turtles and different species etc. I still love what they are doing! We spent maybe 20-30 minutes there inside and out. 🐢Visited 1/25/21"
Melissa Madden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tortugranja is located on Isla Mujeres. You can reach Isla Mujeres by ferry from Cancun. Once on the island, you can take a taxi or rent a golf cart to get to the Tortugranja. Many boat tours also include a stop here. +1
Yes, you can take a taxi or rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres to reach Tortugranja. Buses are also available on the island.
Absolutely! Many day tours from Cancun include a visit to Tortugranja. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Isla Mujeres and explore independently. +1
Isla Mujeres is generally considered safe for tourists, including mother-daughter trips. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-trafficked areas, especially at night.
The ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, often around 30 pesos. It's a small price for a meaningful experience.
Yes, Tortugranja reopened on June 16, 2023, after being closed due to legal disputes.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your tour operator.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site. Given the low cost, advance booking is usually not necessary.
No, Tortugranja is a self-guided experience. Visitors walk through the sanctuary at their own pace.
🎫 🐢 Onsite Experience
You can see various species of sea turtles, including babies, juveniles, and adults, in both indoor and outdoor enclosures.
Yes, you can purchase special food to feed the turtles, which is a popular and enjoyable activity.
Yes, Tortugranja is known for its baby sea turtles, and visitors often have the chance to hold them.
Most visitors spend about 20-30 minutes at Tortugranja, as it's a relatively small sanctuary.
Many visitors find the opportunity to get up close with the turtles and the conservation mission to be the most rewarding aspects.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of the turtles' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them.
The baby turtles are incredibly photogenic. Getting shots of visitors interacting with the turtles (like feeding them) also makes for great memories.
While personal photography is fine, professional shoots might require special permission. It's always best to inquire on-site if you plan extensive professional photography.
Be respectful and avoid disturbing the turtles. Some areas might have specific rules, so observe signage.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing memories. If you have a waterproof camera or action camera, it could be useful for close-ups.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a self-guided visit, so you can let your kids explore at their own pace. The low entrance fee makes it an economical choice for families looking for an educational and enjoyable activity. The nearby coconut vendors also offer a refreshing treat for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a ferry ride from Cancun and exploring Isla Mujeres via golf cart for a cost-effective island adventure. The opportunity to interact with the turtles and support a conservation effort adds significant value to the minimal cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conservation Mission of Tortugranja
+1The project aims to educate visitors about the importance of sea turtle conservation and the threats they face. By allowing controlled interactions, such as feeding and observing baby turtles, Tortugranja fosters a deeper appreciation for marine life. This educational aspect is crucial for inspiring future generations to become stewards of the ocean.
+1Despite past legal challenges that temporarily closed its doors, the Tortugranja has reopened, continuing its mission to protect sea turtles. Visitors can contribute to this cause by visiting the sanctuary and learning about the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these magnificent marine animals.
+1Experiencing Tortugranja: What to Expect
A major draw is the opportunity to purchase food and feed the turtles. This interactive element is particularly thrilling for children, who also get a chance to hold baby turtles. Beyond the main building, exploring the side and back areas can reveal even more turtles, enhancing your viewing experience.
While the facility might not be overly fancy, the care provided to the turtles is evident. The low admission fee makes it an accessible and worthwhile stop, especially for families. Many visitors also appreciate the chance to buy fresh coconuts from local vendors outside the sanctuary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit