Tortugueros Las Playitas (Turtle Release)
Witness baby sea turtles hatch and make their journey to the ocean at this vital conservation sanctuary. A truly magical and emotional experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Witness the magical release
Tortugueros Las Playitas (Turtle Release)
Best Time
Witness the magical release
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness baby sea turtles hatch and make their journey to the ocean at this vital conservation sanctuary. A truly magical and emotional experience.
"What a magical experience with the turtles! Grateful for this organization dedicating their work and lives to help the turtles."
🌅 Arrive Before Sunset
Get there early to see eggs hatching and enjoy the beach before the main release event.
💰 Donation is Key
Your donation directly supports turtle conservation. It's a small price for a big impact.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Release
Las Playitas Beach
Witness baby sea turtles make their first journey to the ocean. A truly magical and emotional experience for all ages.
Sunset Views
Las Playitas Beach
Enjoy breathtaking sunset vistas over the Pacific Ocean while waiting for the turtle release.
Turtle Hatching Observation
Sanctuary Tent
See turtle eggs in the process of hatching and learn about conservation efforts firsthand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turtle Release
Understanding the Donation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Arrive Before Sunset
Get there early to see eggs hatching and enjoy the beach before the main release event.
💰 Donation is Key
Your donation directly supports turtle conservation. It's a small price for a big impact.
August Trip - Sea Turtle Release
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Observe from a distance and follow staff instructions to ensure the turtles' safety.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to record this unforgettable experience.
Turtle release- is it worth it?
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Arrive Before Sunset
Get there early to see eggs hatching and enjoy the beach before the main release event.
💰 Donation is Key
Your donation directly supports turtle conservation. It's a small price for a big impact.
🐢 Respect the Turtles
Observe from a distance and follow staff instructions to ensure the turtles' safety.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to record this unforgettable experience.
🌊 Beach Safety
Be mindful of strong waves and currents on Las Playitas beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the baby turtle release as a magical, emotional, and unforgettable experience. The dedication of the young team is highly praised, and many find it a bucket-list worthy activity. While the sanctuary is rustic and donations are essential, the opportunity to witness and participate in conservation efforts is deeply appreciated.
"Daily release of some baby turtles at sunset (time varies depending on the season). Beach is quiet, not a lot of people and the sanctuary very rustic and in need of donations.
The release was very informative and friendly although I feel bad for the two little turtles that are being shown. They seemed scared.
Access is otherwise free and donations to the organization encouraged."
Fede Conde
"What a magical experience with the turtles! Grateful for this organization dedicating their work and lives to help the turtles.
The young team of leaders doing the hard work day in and day out are remarkably knowledgeable, answering dozens of detailed PhD-level questions to the best of their abilities.
I found it interesting to not only watch the turtles but the humans too...a highly unusual species with interesting behavior to say the least :)"
Nick Papadopoulos
"What a wonderful experience to be a part of.
Our family will never forget!
These folks were helping to release baby tortugas into the ocean.
Just after sunset we were able to take part in the release of 90 newly hatched turtles. They protect them from predators until they are ready for release.
They simply ask for a donation if you participate to provide necessities for the task.
There were around 100 people the night we went."
Adam Vengroff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tortugueros Las Playitas is located on Las Playitas beach, a short walk from Puerto Escondido. Many visitors walk from town, which takes about 20 minutes. Taxis are also available if you prefer not to walk.
Yes, there is parking available near the beach access point for Tortugueros Las Playitas. It's convenient for those arriving by car.
The sanctuary is right on Las Playitas beach. Simply head towards the beach, and you'll see the fenced-in tent where the turtle eggs are kept.
While local buses might pass near the general area, walking or taking a taxi is generally more direct and convenient for reaching the specific location of the turtle release.
The walk is generally along the beach or beach access paths. It's relatively easy, but consider comfortable footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to observe the turtle release is often free. However, participation in releasing the baby turtles typically requires a donation to the sanctuary.
While observing is free, participating in the release usually involves a donation, often around 200 pesos, which goes directly to supporting the turtles' conservation.
The release happens daily, typically around sunset. The exact time can vary depending on the season, so it's best to check locally or arrive a bit before sunset.
The main event is the sunset release. While you can visit the beach area anytime, the hatching observation and release are scheduled for the late afternoon/evening.
No, Las Playitas beach itself does not have an entrance fee. The donation is specifically for participating in the turtle release program.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see baby turtles hatching, learn about conservation efforts, and have the opportunity to release some hatchlings into the ocean. It's a very emotional and memorable experience.
The release happens daily when there are hatchlings ready. Sometimes, due to various factors, a release might not occur, but you can still see the turtles in tubs.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic educational and heartwarming experience for families. Children are often thrilled to help the baby turtles.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the beach. Consider bringing a light jacket as it can get cooler after sunset.
Yes, you are encouraged to take photos and videos to capture this special moment. Be mindful of the staff and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting for beach and ocean shots. The release itself, especially with the baby turtles, is a prime photography opportunity.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of the staff, volunteers, and other visitors, and avoid using flash directly on the hatchlings.
Close-ups of the baby turtles, hands releasing them into the sand, and the turtles making their way to the waves are very popular. Capturing the sunset in the background adds to the magic.
Yes, the sanctuary staff often brings tubs of hatchlings closer for viewing and photography. Follow their guidance to ensure you don't disturb the turtles.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial as the release happens around sunset. Consider a macro lens for close-ups of the tiny turtles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families: Arrive a bit before sunset to see the hatching process. Explain to your children the importance of being gentle with the turtles and following the instructions of the sanctuary staff. The donation is a great way to teach kids about contributing to conservation efforts. Comfortable footwear is recommended for the walk to the beach.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Romantic Tip: Enjoy the sunset on Las Playitas beach before the release. Consider a quiet walk along the shore afterward, reflecting on the incredible experience you've shared.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Eco-Tip: Engage with the sanctuary staff and volunteers to learn as much as you can about their work. Consider making a generous donation to support their ongoing efforts. This is an opportunity to be a responsible tourist and make a positive impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Sea Turtle Conservation
Visitors who participate in the release are directly contributing to these conservation goals. The donations collected are essential for purchasing necessary supplies, maintaining the sanctuary, and funding research. The dedicated team of volunteers and staff are knowledgeable and passionate, often sharing detailed insights into the turtles' life cycles and the challenges they face.
By supporting initiatives like Tortugueros Las Playitas, you become a part of the solution. It's a chance to witness nature's resilience and contribute to a cause that benefits not only the turtles but also the health of our marine ecosystems. The experience is often described as deeply moving and educational, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Navigating the Turtle Release Experience
When the time comes for the release, tubs of newly hatched turtles are brought to the shore. Visitors often have the opportunity to gently help release these tiny creatures into the waves. It's a moment filled with wonder and a sense of connection to nature. The beach itself, Las Playitas, offers beautiful sunset views, making the wait and the experience even more picturesque.
Be prepared for a rustic setting. The sanctuary is dedicated to its mission, and while donations are crucial, the facilities are simple. The focus is entirely on the turtles and their journey. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring your camera to capture this unforgettable event.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit