The baby turtle release in Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular things to do on the Oaxacan coast. Watching the baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean to embark on their life journey is a rewarding and thrilling experience.
Whether you wish to make your own way to one of the many camps mentioned below or go on a turtle release tour that includes return transfers, this guide will explain everything you need to know to plan this wonderful experience.
Playa Bacocho turtle release
The Playa Bacocho turtle release, also known as the baby turtle release centre, is one of the most popular places that visitors go to release baby turtles in Puerto Escondido.
To get here from the Adelfa Suites will cost around 80 pesos in a taxi and it is open daily from 5 pm and it costs 150 pesos which go to the foundation.
There is no need to arrive early, as there is usually a 40-minute wait in line to register before the beach briefing.
The registration process here can be slow and inefficient however they usually have enough turtles for everyone, peak season included.
What time is the turtle release in Puerto Escondido?
The time of the turtle releasing is usually 5 pm daily however it can depend on a number of different factors such as which camp you visit and when you visit.
The safest thing to do is contact the camp in advance to ensure they have baby turtles there and that the release time hasn’t changed prior to your visit.
What are the Puerto Escondido turtle species?
Puerto Escondido is home to a number of different turtle species but the main species you’ll find here are the Olive Ridley Turtle, The brown turtle, the hawksbill sea turtle, and the leatherback sea turtle.
1. Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
The Olive Ridley Turtle is the smallest sea turtle and is an endangered species. Growing to lengths of 70 centimeters and weighing up to 40 kilograms, large concentrations can be found on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico.
The Olive Ridley Turtles have a bony shell and are olive in color which is where their name origin is from.
They lay eggs in large groups and there is a high population in Puerto Escondido in particular due to conservation efforts leading to success in stabilizing their numbers.
2. The brown, black, sack, parlama or torita turtle (Chelonia agassizii)
The Chelonia agassizii has many different names that it is known by such as the parlama turtle, torita turtle, sack turtle, or simply the black or brown turtle.
This turtle species is slightly larger in size than the Olive Ridley turtle, weighing up to in excess of 120 kilograms and measuring lengths of 1.2 meters.
Oddly enough the color is more green due to its predominantly algae diet.
As are all sea turtles, the Chelonia agassizii is very important to the marine ecosystem ensuring the health of reefs and other habitats.
3. The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill is a common sea turtle. Measuring between 60 and 90 centimeters they can reach weights in excess of 120 kilograms.
It is found in tropical waters around the world and is found in the waters of Puerto Escondido.
The name comes from the hawksbill-shaped beak and they are renowned for their gorgeous patterned shells which used to be the cause of them being hunted by poachers to sell, the very thing the turtle camps are set up to prevent.
4. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle that can reach lengths of more than 2 meters and weigh in excess of 600 kilograms.
The name originates from their shells which are a lot softer than the other sea turtle species.
They have the most efficient design allowing them to travel thousands of kilometers each year between breeding and feeding grounds while withstanding cold and rough seas.
Turtle Releasing In Puerto Escondido Summary
The turtle-releasing experience in Puerto Escondido is one of the most rewarding and best experiences where you can witness the beginning of a baby sea turtle’s adventure into the ocean.
There are a number of great locations to experience the activity and regardless if you do the experience on your own or go with a tour, we would not recommend missing out on this activity.
