Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary
Witness the miracle of life at Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary, where you can help baby turtles reach the ocean.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak nesting and hatching season
Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary
Best Time
Peak nesting and hatching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the miracle of life at Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary, where you can help baby turtles reach the ocean.
"This experience was life changing. We all got to put baby turtles on the beach by the ocean. "
🎯 Book in Advance
Reservations are often required, especially during peak season. Inquire about release schedules.
🌅 Sunset Release Magic
The golden hour provides a stunning backdrop for baby turtle releases. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Release
Escobilla Beach
Help tiny hatchlings find their way to the ocean in a truly unforgettable, heartwarming experience.
Nesting Mother Turtles
Escobilla Beach (Night Patrol)
Witness the incredible sight of mother turtles laying their eggs under the starry sky.
Hatchery Visit
Sanctuary Hatchery
See where precious turtle eggs are protected and nurtured before their journey to the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turtle Releases
Support Conservation Efforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book in Advance
Reservations are often required, especially during peak season. Inquire about release schedules.
🌅 Sunset Release Magic
The golden hour provides a stunning backdrop for baby turtle releases. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on sand, so sturdy, easy-to-remove footwear is best.
💰 Tipping Supports Conservation
Tips help the dedicated staff continue their vital work protecting turtles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book in Advance
Reservations are often required, especially during peak season. Inquire about release schedules.
🌅 Sunset Release Magic
The golden hour provides a stunning backdrop for baby turtle releases. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on sand, so sturdy, easy-to-remove footwear is best.
💰 Tipping Supports Conservation
Tips help the dedicated staff continue their vital work protecting turtles.
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Especially for evening patrols, mosquitoes can be present.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary as a life-changing and deeply moving experience. The opportunity to participate in baby turtle releases and witness nesting mothers is a profound highlight. The dedication of the local guides and community to conservation efforts is highly praised, making it a worthwhile and impactful visit.
"I came to this location with a group of college students for a conservation/service trip. Our group stayed on site in the cabins for a week stay and I would highly recommend it! The cabins are rustic but provide great comforts like comfortable beds, ceiling fans and mosquito netting. The service was incredible as our package included on site meals at the restaurant, daily room cleanings and connections with other eco-touristic co-ops in the area. The guides are very knowledgeable and have so much experience with the turtles and local fauna. The turtle releasing's and night patrol were the highlight of our trip. Seeing and guiding the baby turtles in their journey to the ocean was such a rewarding experience. We also got to join in on a night patrol which allowed us to view the momma turtles nesting on the beach and help the guides collect the eggs to be taken to the hatchery. Truly an amazing and once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget! The community here is dedicated to this work and it really shows."
Hillary Rodriguez
"You may book a tour from Puerto Escondido or go by yourself. Reservation is required. The area is monitored and guarded because of it's importance in protecting the turtles. Going there also helps the organization continue their efforts. Entrance fee as of July 2025 is 200 pesos. Tipping helps the people who work there to continue to keep the place running."
Ana Keefe
"We arrived at the end of the day.
Our guide was nice and answered our questions.
They told us that we were lucky because de mamas where giving birth tonight. Good!
But we didn’t put the small turtles to the ocean, and we came for that… We don’t know why we paid $200 MXN each just to see a turtle grabing the sand…
Disappointed"
Explorations Guidées
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can book a tour from Puerto Escondido or travel independently. Taxis or local buses are options. Tours often include transportation and guide services, making it a convenient choice for many visitors.
The area is monitored due to its ecological importance. Follow signs for 'Santuario Tortugas Escobilla' or ask locals for directions.
Yes, driving is possible, but be prepared for sandy conditions. Parking is usually available near the sanctuary entrance.
Many eco-tours from Puerto Escondido use vans or small buses. Some tours might offer pick-up from your accommodation.
Local buses run along the coast, but you may need to confirm specific stops and schedules for Escobilla. It's often easier to arrange transport via a tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of July 2025, the entrance fee was 200 pesos. Prices can change, so it's always good to confirm upon arrival or when booking a tour.
Yes, reservations are generally required, especially if you want to participate in a turtle release. It's best to book ahead to secure your spot.
Absolutely! Knowledgeable guides are essential for understanding the turtles' life cycle and conservation efforts. They enhance the experience significantly.
The sanctuary is accessible, but turtle releases and night patrols are scheduled events. It's best to check their specific hours for activities.
While you can visit the beach, participating in releases or patrols usually requires booking through the sanctuary or an affiliated tour operator.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sunset is a particularly magical time for turtle releases, offering beautiful lighting for photos and a serene atmosphere.
You'll have the opportunity to gently place hatchlings on the sand and watch them make their way to the ocean. Guides will assist and protect them from predators.
Night patrols offer a chance to witness mother turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. This is a protected activity, and guides ensure minimal disturbance.
Basic facilities are usually available. Some packages include meals at an on-site restaurant, offering a convenient dining option.
The beach environment can be challenging. While guides are helpful, sandy terrain might pose difficulties. Inquire about specific accessibility when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach at sunset is ideal for capturing the turtle releases. The vast coastline also offers scenic views.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, but be mindful of the delicate process and avoid using flash directly on the turtles.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for sunset releases and night patrols. A zoom lens can be useful for observing wildlife from a distance.
While generally permitted, always follow your guide's instructions to ensure the safety and well-being of the turtles.
Early morning and late afternoon/sunset offer the best light for photography and are often when wildlife activity is highest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that includes transportation and meals for added convenience. While the beach environment is natural, ensure children are supervised and follow guide instructions carefully, especially during releases. The experience fosters a sense of responsibility and wonder about the natural world.
🌍 Eco-Tourists & Conservation Enthusiasts
Participating in a night patrol to observe nesting mothers or assisting in the release of hatchlings offers a deeply rewarding experience. Engaging with the knowledgeable local guides provides a unique perspective on the ecological importance of this site and the ongoing efforts to preserve it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life Cycle of Sea Turtles at Escobilla
Visitors often have the chance to witness this incredible cycle firsthand. During the nesting season, night patrols allow observation of mother turtles laying eggs, which are then carefully collected and moved to protected hatcheries. This process is vital for increasing the survival rate of the hatchlings, as natural nesting sites can be vulnerable to predators and environmental changes.
The release of baby turtles is a highlight for many. Seeing these tiny creatures, guided by conservationists, make their first dash towards the vast Pacific Ocean is a profoundly moving experience. It underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the dedication of the people working at the Escobilla Turtle Sanctuary.
Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement
Guides are often local residents with deep knowledge of the turtles and the ecosystem. Their passion for conservation is infectious, and they share valuable insights into the challenges faced by sea turtles, such as pollution and habitat loss. Participating in a release or a night patrol not only provides an unforgettable experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife protection.
Many visitors highlight the incredible work done by the sanctuary staff, often with limited resources. The commitment shown by the community in safeguarding this precious natural resource is inspiring and a testament to the power of collective action in conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit