Baby sea turtle crawling toward the ocean at sunset

Guide holding a baby sea turtle before its release

Baby sea turtles swimming toward the ocean after release

Baby sea turtles crossing the sand at sunset

Sea Turtle Release

Duration

2.5 hours

Season

Aug - Jan

Groups

Up to 12

Offered

Eng / Spa

Visit a sea turtle conservation camp near Puerto Vallarta and help release baby Olive Ridley turtles into the ocean at sunset.

Join the Sea Turtle Conservation Camp in Puerto Vallarta! Did you know that six out of the seven sea turtle species recognized worldwide nest along Mexico's coasts? Since 1990, all of them have been under full federal protection. In Puerto Vallarta, the most commonly seen species is the Olive Ridley, or Golfina in Spanish (Lepidochelys olivacea). Each summer, the beaches of Banderas Bay become a sanctuary for these incredible creatures. Female Olive Ridley turtles leave the safety of the ocean to lay their eggs in the warm sands of our coastline. After nesting, they return to the sea, entrusting their offspring to nature. Around 50 days later, once the hatchlings are ready to emerge, dedicated volunteers protect them until sunset. This careful timing helps ensure a safer journey to the ocean by reducing the threat of predators like birds and fish. Be a part of this miracle. By joining our Sea Turtle Camp, you'll not only witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring events — you'll actively help protect it. Assist in the release of baby turtles, support the tireless efforts of Mexican biologists and volunteers, and learn firsthand how turtle camps work. Make a difference — one turtle at a time. Available days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except holidays).

Highlights

Educational talk about sea turtles
Biologist guide
Small groups
Visit to the sea turtle camp
Donation to the sea turtle camp conservation program

Includes

Ground transportation in vans with A/C
Talk about biology, ecology and conservation of turtles in Mexico and Puerto Vallarta
Visit and tour in a Sea Turtle Camp
Soft drinks, juices and granola bars, water refill

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities for guides

Itinerary

6:00 p.m.: Check-in at Ecotours Office — introduction to sea turtle biology and ecology, then a short drive to the beach
Walk to the Sea Turtle Camp — a gentle walk of under half a mile along the beach, passing mangroves along the way
Arrival at the Sea Turtle Camp — your guide explains the camp's conservation efforts, including nest monitoring and incubation
At sunset: turtle release — your guide provides a coconut and shows you how to help hatchlings reach the ocean
8:15 p.m.: return to Ecotours Office

Know Before You Book

If there are no hatchlings on the day of your tour, our staff will contact you to reschedule
Not recommended for children under 3 or pregnant women
Infants must be seated on a parent's lap during the short drive
Not recommended for guests with back, neck, heart, or knee issues
Parents assist children under 7 in carrying a coconut to the sand for the release
All participants must be able to walk 1 mile on sand and loose gravel
Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers

What to Bring

Refillable water bottle (available for purchase with 10% discount)
Comfortable clothes, insect repellent, comfortable shoes or sandals for sand, camera, umbrella/raincoat (rain season)

Cancellation Policies

Cancellations 36 hours before, 100% refund
Cancellations 25 hours before, 50% refund
Cancellations the day of tour, no-shows, or late arrivals, no refund
Activities may change due to natural conditions (no hatchlings, hurricane threat, storms, swell)
All guests must sign a risk acknowledgment
No tour is refundable once taken

Gallery

Reviews

Joe UserVerified

“EcoTours did a great job with the Encounter with Nature at the Sea Turtle Camp. We were able to release just-hatched turtles into the ocean. The short briefing given by Maria and Michael helped us understand how turtles mate, lay eggs, are born, and return to the ocean — they have an immense amount of knowledge of the wildlife in the Puerto Vallarta area. It was really interesting, but the stars of the show are the just-hatched turtles eager to get to the water! I've done a lot of things in my life, but this ranks right up there with one of the most rewarding things I've done.”

23 months ago

Maria AndersonVerified

“Our family did the baby turtle release tour and it was a highlight of our trip to Puerto Vallarta. The tour started with an informative and interesting presentation that gave us background about the nesting of the turtles. Our guide took our group in a nice van on a short drive to a nearby beach, and we walked about 20 minutes down the beach to the turtle rescue site. We were each given a coconut shell with an adorable little baby turtle to release — they were so cute! As the sun was setting, we watched the babies crawl into the ocean; our guide helped a few strays along their way. As we were led back to the van by flashlight, our guide had us wait for a moment as three large crocodiles made their way from their daytime habitat to the ocean for nightly hunting. We felt safe and it was fascinating to see them cross the beach. Great experience!”

10 months ago

Tracey ThompsonVerified

“Maggie and Michael were our tour guides, along with a trainee. We cannot say enough good things about this tour. The pre-tour talk was incredibly educational. Once we got to the turtle release site, they made sure that we all got to see the baby turtles and we all understood the importance of why we cannot touch them and why we were releasing them instead of letting nature take its course. I know my little SHELLdon Cooper made it to the water and I hope it grows to a healthy adult. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat.”

10 months ago

Marissa PVerified

“Margarita and Michael were amazing tour guides. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Me and my family really enjoyed this experience. A must do in Puerto Vallarta. Something we will never forget. Important to know: our original date was for Friday but they contacted us to let us know the turtles weren't hatched yet and were able to reschedule for the next day. Definitely plan for flexibility with this experience, as the babies decide when they want to make their appearance.”

9 months ago

vwutdogVerified

Utah

“It was an informative and relaxing experience. It was a lot of fun to be able to release a baby turtle to make its way down to the ocean. The two guides were great and took whatever time we wanted in answering questions. Highly recommended.”

9 months ago

ColoNat19Verified

“We did not have hatchlings on our date we scheduled, but they called us back on a day they had hatchlings and took us, even though it was a day they were not open. Thank you Francisco for being patient and guiding us! The turtles are so cute and they do their best to give them their best chance to survive. We loved it!”

10 months ago

Julie JVerified

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

“Been to Puerto Vallarta a dozen times and have never done this! What an amazing experience for all ages, as long as you are able to walk a bit. The tour started with an educational session instructed by an amazing bilingual guide. Then we loaded up in a van and drove to the beach — drinks and snacks were provided. After a 10 minute walk we were at the turtle camp. There were so many hatchlings that each of the women in the group got 2 turtles to release. After a few moments of picture taking, it was time to watch the turtles make their way into the ocean. One of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. Add this to your bucket list! We will definitely do this again!”

11 months ago

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