Mexican Turtle Center
Discover the vital work of turtle conservation and rehabilitation at this educational center in beautiful Mazunte, Oaxaca.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most active turtles!
Mexican Turtle Center
Best Time
Most active turtles!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the vital work of turtle conservation and rehabilitation at this educational center in beautiful Mazunte, Oaxaca.
"Amazing place that helps sick turtles and baby turtles get strong to give them a better chance of survival."
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry fees are very low, but they only accept cash. No cards accepted here!
Check Feeding Times 🐢
For the most active viewing, ask staff about feeding schedules. Turtles are more lively then!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rehabilitation Tanks
Various enclosures
Witness turtles being cared for and released back into the wild. A truly heartwarming sight!
Diverse Turtle Species
Main exhibit areas
See a wide variety of sea and land turtles, from hatchlings to adults. Educational and fascinating!
Alligator Encounter
Dedicated enclosure
An unexpected but exciting addition! Observe the resident alligator in its habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Turtle Encounters
Cash is King Here
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry fees are very low, but they only accept cash. No cards accepted here!
Check Feeding Times 🐢
For the most active viewing, ask staff about feeding schedules. Turtles are more lively then!
Great for Kids! 👨👩👧
A fantastic educational experience for children, making learning about marine life fun.
Support a Good Cause ❤️
Your visit directly contributes to turtle conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry fees are very low, but they only accept cash. No cards accepted here!
Check Feeding Times 🐢
For the most active viewing, ask staff about feeding schedules. Turtles are more lively then!
Great for Kids! 👨👩👧
A fantastic educational experience for children, making learning about marine life fun.
Support a Good Cause ❤️
Your visit directly contributes to turtle conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing some walking around the different enclosures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Mexican Turtle Center for its educational value and the heartwarming mission of rehabilitating turtles. Many highlight the affordability and the opportunity to see a variety of species, including an alligator. However, some reviews express concern over the size of enclosures for certain adult turtles, suggesting they appear depressed.
"Had more fun here than I intended to absolutely beautiful landscapes and the Turtles genuinely seemed happy and there was even an alligator. I believe it was under three US dollars to get in as well. Cash only"
Abigail Mseih
"Great place to take kids, my kid love seeing turtles. Please note this place is more like a rehabilitation center for turtles. Depending on what is brought to the center is what you would see on hour visit. Turtles are released once they are healed from their wounds.
Staff is very friendly and it is a great way to help this good cause."
Agustina Alcantara
"I've been living here for a long long time and I've always thought this was not a place that I would like, but boy was I wrong. Amazing place, good educational part. Price is good, lots of information and a wide variety of turtles. I would come back to show this to my friends/family."
MUSEUM HAUS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mexican Turtle Center is located in Mazunte, Oaxaca. You can reach Mazunte by bus or colectivo from Oaxaca City or Puerto Escondido. Once in Mazunte, the center is easily accessible on foot or by a short taxi ride. +1
Yes, the center is a well-known landmark in Mazunte and is generally easy to find. Ask locals for directions if needed.
Mazunte is a small, walkable town. Many visitors prefer to explore on foot. Taxis are also available for longer distances or if you're carrying heavy items.
Absolutely! You can take a colectivo or a bus from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte. The journey offers scenic coastal views. +1
Yes, you can find direct buses or shared vans (colectivos) from Oaxaca City to Mazunte, which is a popular route for travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, often under three US dollars. It's a great value for the educational experience and supporting conservation.
No, advance booking is typically not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the center.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or ask at your accommodation for the most current times.
No, the center is strictly cash-only. Make sure to have enough Mexican Pesos with you.
While the entry fee is already very low, it's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter about any potential discounts for children or students.
🎫 🐢 Onsite Experience
You can see various species of sea and land turtles in different stages of rehabilitation, from hatchlings to adults. There's also an alligator.
It's primarily a rehabilitation and research center for sick and injured turtles, aiming to release them back into the wild once healed.
Generally, direct physical contact with the turtles is discouraged to ensure their well-being and prevent stress.
Yes, it offers a great educational component, explaining the conservation efforts and the importance of protecting marine life.
Visiting during feeding times, which are usually in the morning, will offer the most active viewing experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, avoid using flash, especially near the animals, as it can disturb them.
The enclosures offer various angles. Try to capture the turtles in their tanks, especially during feeding times for dynamic shots.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking photos of staff members.
Drone usage is typically not permitted in wildlife centers to avoid disturbing the animals. Check for specific signage.
Visitors often share photos of the different turtle species, the rehabilitation process, and sometimes the resident alligator.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Plan your visit around feeding times for maximum engagement. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a bit of walking involved. While the center is educational, keep explanations simple and focus on the positive aspects of rehabilitation and conservation to keep young ones engaged.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Bring cash as cards are not accepted. Combine your visit with exploring Mazunte's free beaches and scenic viewpoints like Punta Cometa. Many hostels in Mazunte offer great value and are a good base for exploring the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of the Mexican Turtle Center
Visitors can observe firsthand the dedication of the staff and the importance of these conservation efforts. The center houses different species, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of turtle biology and the threats they face. This educational aspect is a key part of their mission, aiming to raise awareness among the public about the need to protect these ancient mariners.
While the center is a place of healing and education, some visitors have noted concerns about enclosure sizes for certain turtles. It's important to remember that the primary goal is rehabilitation, and the conditions are designed to support recovery, though the long-term well-being of permanently housed animals is a subject of ongoing discussion among visitors.
Experiencing Mazunte and Beyond
Many travelers rave about the overall experience in Mazunte, describing it as a 'paradise' with a relaxed atmosphere.
Beyond the turtle center, Mazunte offers opportunities to witness other marine life, such as dolphins and manta rays, especially if you venture out on boat tours.
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