Turtle Sanctuary Puerto Escondido
Participate in releasing baby sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean at Playa Bacocho, supporting vital conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Main release times
Turtle Sanctuary Puerto Escondido
Best Time
Main release times
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Participate in releasing baby sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean at Playa Bacocho, supporting vital conservation efforts.
"A truly heartwarming and unforgettable experience, supporting conservation efforts for sea turtles."
🎯 Go independently to save money
Avoid tours; head directly to Playa Bacocho for a cheaper experience.
💰 Fee supports conservation
Your payment helps protect sea turtles. It's a donation for a good cause.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Release
Playa Bacocho
Witness and participate in releasing tiny sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean. A truly heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
Vive Mar Turtle Sanctuary
Playa Bacocho
Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts and the sanctuary's vital work in protecting these endangered creatures.
Sunset Views
Playa Bacocho
The release often coincides with stunning Pacific sunsets, adding a magical backdrop to this incredible natural event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turtle Release
Understanding the Cost and Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go independently to save money
Avoid tours; head directly to Playa Bacocho for a cheaper experience.
💰 Fee supports conservation
Your payment helps protect sea turtles. It's a donation for a good cause.
🥺 Be prepared for nature's cycle
Seagulls may prey on hatchlings; it's part of the natural circle of life.
⏰ Arrive by 4:50 PM
To avoid long waits, queue up around this time for the release.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go independently to save money
Avoid tours; head directly to Playa Bacocho for a cheaper experience.
💰 Fee supports conservation
Your payment helps protect sea turtles. It's a donation for a good cause.
🥺 Be prepared for nature's cycle
Seagulls may prey on hatchlings; it's part of the natural circle of life.
⏰ Arrive by 4:50 PM
To avoid long waits, queue up around this time for the release.
🗣️ English & Spanish groups
Sessions are often split by language for clear explanations.
👨👩👧👦 Great for all ages
An enriching experience for families and individuals alike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The baby turtle release at Puerto Escondido offers a heartwarming and educational experience, with many visitors finding it a highlight of their trip. While the cost is seen as a donation to conservation, some find the price high for the number of turtles released and are saddened by the natural predation by seagulls. Customer service experiences can vary, with some reporting rudeness from staff, while others praise the passion of the educators.
"I do not recommend this place. There are many other places that do the same thing but cheaper and better customer service. We were treated badly by most of the crew for the exeption of one girl and the woman police officer. Everyone else was rude and still wanted a tip after providing a bad experience, it is 500 pesos per group and they give you 1 turtle to release, the price is not what mattered to me what mattered most was the employees bad attitude. I would say go somewhere else not only will it be cheaper but im sure you will get better customer service as well"
Nestor Hernandez
"What an experience this was! We arrived around 4:50pm and there was already a bit of a line, however, it went relatively quickly and there were enough turtles for everyone to release.
You pay 150MXP per person for the coconut bowl to hold and release one turtle. If you want to release two turtles then the cost is doubled.
Once everyone had their bowls we were split into English or Spanish speaking groups where we were given a brief explanation about their project and what they do there. They all seemed really passionate about the work that they do there and it was cool to hear about it.
We were pre-warned by our guide that the seagulls would attack the turtles once they were released but he also explained to us that this is the circle of life and natural selection. Despite this warning, it was still pretty heartbreaking seeing most of the turtles being swooped up by sea gulls. There are people (working for the center) who were trying to prevent the seagulls from grabbing the turtles by throwing sand at them, but it’s not super effective method.
It was definitely a once in a life time experience being able to release a baby turtle, I would recommend it to people if you’re okay with the high probability of watching your turtle being taken away by a sea gull and not making it to the water."
Ansa Hammond
"Informative and inspiring experience. They were knowledgeable and this organization does important work for rehabilitating turtle populations. Please support them :)"
Izabel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular spot for turtle releases is Playa Bacocho. You can take a taxi or a local bus to get there. Many visitors also walk from nearby hotels or areas like the main Puerto Escondido strip. +1
Yes, the Vive Mar turtle sanctuary is well-known on Playa Bacocho. Look for signs or ask locals; it's a common activity.
Local colectivos (shared taxis or vans) can take you towards Playa Bacocho. It's a good budget-friendly option.
You can fly into Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) or take a bus from major cities like Oaxaca City or Mexico City.
Yes, many tour operators offer packages, but it's often cheaper and more flexible to go independently to Playa Bacocho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The price typically ranges from 150-200 MXN per person for one turtle. This fee is a donation to support conservation efforts.
Generally, you can pay upon arrival at Playa Bacocho. However, arriving a bit early is recommended, especially during peak season.
The fee usually includes a coconut bowl to hold the baby turtle and the opportunity to release one turtle. You'll also receive an explanation about the conservation project.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the per-person fee is generally consistent. It's a worthwhile experience for children.
Releases typically happen daily in the late afternoon, often around 5 PM, and can continue until sunset.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll receive a baby turtle in a coconut shell, learn about conservation, and then help it make its way to the ocean. It's an emotional and educational event.
Yes, it's common for seagulls to prey on hatchlings. While heartbreaking, it's part of nature's cycle and natural selection.
Yes, you'll hold the baby turtles in a coconut bowl provided by the sanctuary before releasing them.
Absolutely! It's a highly recommended and enriching experience for children, teaching them about wildlife and conservation.
Wear comfortable beach attire. Light clothing, swimwear, and sandals are ideal. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed. Many visitors capture the heartwarming moments of releasing the turtles. +1
While generally permitted, be mindful of the sanctuary staff and other participants. Avoid using flash photography directly at the turtles.
Late afternoon, leading into sunset, offers beautiful lighting for memorable photos of the release and the ocean.
A waterproof camera or phone case is a good idea if you plan to get close to the water's edge, though the release itself is usually on dry sand.
Check out TikTok and Instagram using hashtags like #TurtleRelease, #PuertoEscondido, and #BabyTurtle for inspiration and visual examples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
The entrance fee is a donation that directly supports conservation, making it a worthwhile expense. 🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Your participation and donation directly fund vital sea turtle protection programs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conservation Mission of Vive Mar
The organization relies heavily on donations and visitor participation to fund its crucial operations, as it receives no government funding. By participating in the turtle release, visitors directly contribute to these conservation efforts. The fees collected help cover the costs of nest monitoring, providing safe incubation environments, and ensuring the hatchlings have the best possible chance of survival.
Understanding the Circle of Life
Some visitors express concern that this natural process makes the release a 'tourist trap' or even 'cruel.'
Best Practices for a Meaningful Experience
Opting to visit independently rather than through a tour can be more cost-effective and allow for a more personal interaction with the sanctuary staff.
Engage with the educators to learn more about the turtles' life cycle and the importance of conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit