Puerto Escondido Turtle Release: Complete Guide
The turtle release in Puerto Escondido is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Every nesting season, olive ridley sea turtles lay about 110 ping-pong ball-sized eggs in large holes in the sand along Puerto Escondido’s beaches. Local conservation teams patrol up to seven kilometers of shoreline to locate hidden nests and relocate them to protected enclosures, giving the hatchlings a fighting chance against predators and poachers.
In Puerto Escondido, turtle conservation is a community effort. Locals drive up to seven kilometers along the beach to locate hidden nests and move them to protected areas for incubation. It is essential that as many baby turtles as possible survive because these turtles are in danger of extinction. The experience is also one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido.
Protected nests are marked with an expected hatching date. Thus, newly hatched sea turtles can be safely collected and released.
Releasing baby turtles in Puerto Escondido is a unique experience. Turtle conservation efforts in Puerto Escondido on Mexico’s Oaxacan coast are notable. Let’s see how they engage travelers in this.
Puerto Escondido and the turtle release
In Puerto Escondido the release of turtles is taken seriously. Before each sunset, people gather to help the baby turtles. Each release costs one hundred pesos ($5 USD) and the money collected is used to continue protecting this species.
The eggs are in a tent near the release site. Turtles don’t lay their eggs here; rather, the team rebury the eggs as the turtles lay them. On a night tour you can learn more about this.
Do you want to touch baby turtles?
You can see newborn turtles (some less than an hour old) climbing over each other in small containers. They are ready to go.
You can hold and touch newborn turtles, but you must be very careful. It is these turtles that will be released shortly. They will place your turtle in a coconut shell! Try to go to the release point covering the shell to prevent them from escaping. They can put one or two in your shell.
Process: Time to set the baby turtles free!
In Puerto Escondido, there is nothing better than the beach. Miles of sand stretch out in front of you. Other than horseback riding to watch the sunset, there’s not much of a crowd in this area.
After paying, you have the opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures during a short talk. They gave information in English and Spanish.
The guide marks the release site in the sand, near the shoreline. We should not release them directly into the water, it is important that they advance on their own.
Some turtles seem to have a better instinct than others! Some look like ducks walking towards the sea, others have more difficulty deciding where to go.
Turtles reach the ocean in minutes! Unfortunately, there can be a problem: seagulls and other birds can be on the lookout and grab newly released turtles.
Even if you want to deter birds, some turtles will get caught. However, there are plenty of babies that make it to the ocean, or are so close to being swept away by the waves. There are few who survive.
Due to this strenuous process (and excessive hunting), this species is in danger of extinction.
How to Participate in the Turtle Release
Night Tour
You can book a tour from an Airbnb that includes the turtle release option. It is an affordable strategy to participate, especially if you do not have a car. This option also exists for bioluminescent lagoons. For more on timing your visit around turtle season, see our Puerto Escondido weather guide.
There are two times to release turtles: just before sunset and on a private night tour.
Hatches should be monitored 24/7, as there is a two hour window to release them after hatching. And this can happen at any time.
They will not survive if released too late. If you are a being of the night, you can participate in the night watch and collaborate.
Sunset From the Beach
They usually release baby turtles at sunset. You can head to Zicatela beach just before sunset and pay to participate. Sunset is the most popular time in Puerto Escondido for turtle releases, but there is also more crowd. If you are visiting with kids, our Puerto Escondido family guide has more tips on child-friendly activities.
There are several places in Puerto Escondido to reserve your turtle release. Local providers can offer you a round trip from your hotel to the beach. The service does not cost more than 120 or 150 pesos (6 or 7 USD).
Tours typically start around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.
Turtle Release Recommendations
From the very beginning, the turtle will be ready to escape. Keeping it in place can be difficult, especially since you don’t have to touch it.
If you touch it you can introduce human microorganisms to the turtles and spread diseases.
This is your chance to take some quick photos. You don’t have hours to get the perfect Instagram photo, release happens in minutes.
Watch your little friend slip away into the rough waves. Tell the children to name her!
What do you need to know about turtles?
Turtles are very vulnerable. Compared to humans, these little turtles have to run a marathon to reach the ocean.
Birds, crabs, and even stupid humans walking around the hatchery pose a threat to these babies.
Despite the tenderness, the experience is also anxiety-provoking. The crabs manage to emerge from their burrow and scurry across the sand to capture turtles. It is understandable, these animals also have to eat. That does not excuse the humans who have pushed it to be an endangered species.
What do you say? Do you want to contribute in Puerto Escondido to the release of turtles? Also, it is one of the most memorable experiences, one of the best things you can do in Oaxaca!
So, keep reading about the wonders that Puerto Escondido has in store for you: