Turtle Release Escobilla Sanctuary and crocs in Ventanilla.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Huatulco, Mexico
- 6 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Support conservation in Mexico with a visit to the Escobilla Sanctuary. Get picked up at your hotel for a small-group transfer to this sanctuary, a local destination for eco-tourism. Learn about the work being done to protect nature and support sustainability in the local community. Witness a sea turtle release on the beach and hear stories about how these creatures reproduce.
- Learn about eco-tourism at the Escobilla Sanctuary
- Witness a sea turtle release on a scenic beach
- Support conservation while you travel
- Hotel pick-up and transfers are included
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bilingual guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee - Laguna VentanillaMX$250.00 per person
- Admission Fee - Santuario La EscobillaMX$300.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Includes transportation within the urban area of Huatulco.
Operating hours.1:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Santuario La Escobilla
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Laguna Ventanilla
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Bring hat, sunblock, repellent, sunglasses, bottle of water, sand shoes and cash.
- Please note: From August to early November, turtle sightings are rare as it's outside nesting season. While we maintain our conservation efforts year-round, releases during these months depend entirely on wild turtle arrivals—nature's schedule!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Celia_C
A very enjoyable day. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Lagoon experience was very interesting. The turtle release was moving. Learned a lot about turtle behaviour and we each had our own turtle to release and video. It’s a bit of a long and tedious drive to Ventanilla but you won’t regret the experience!
Reviews
4.7
based on 48 reviews
Liana_R, Mar 2026
It's a long ride out to the croc and turtle sanctuary. Our driver, who was very knowledgeable we learned later, did not speak to the 7 of us in the vehicle on the way in and back. Be prepared for about 1.5 h each way, with some of the highway a dirt road. The crocs and the island sanctuary were really well done. We saw many crocs, fed mule deers and saw the most delightful spider monkey named Yupi who lived alone in his enclosure and who desperately could use a friend. He seemed starved for social contact. The turtle release was on Ventimillia Beach. There was a covered area on the beach where eggs are hatched. We released baby turtles and watched them struggle to get to the water. Be prepared that the seabirds are hungry and we were very shocked when one turtle was swooped up and carried away. Prepare your young kids for the potential sight. Our grandson was quite traumatized by it.
Overall, we were glad we went. Victor our driver was very friendly and did a great job answering our questions.
Be aware that the trip cost does not include the admission prices for both sanctuaries which were 550MX per person.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Liana, for sharing your detailed experience.
We sincerely apologize for the long ride and road conditions. The new highway construction in the region means there are currently many roadworks, which can make the journey longer and less comfortable than usual.
Regarding the turtle release, we understand how shocking it can be to witness a seabird taking a baby turtle. While difficult to see, it is part of the natural cycle. In the wild, only about 3% of hatchlings reach adulthood. Conservation camps like La Ventanilla help protect nests and significantly improve their chances of survival.
We truly appreciate your kind words about Victor and are glad you enjoyed the crocodiles and overall experience.
The Paraiso Huatulco Team
Celia_C, Jan 2026
A very enjoyable day. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Lagoon experience was very interesting. The turtle release was moving. Learned a lot about turtle behaviour and we each had our own turtle to release and video. It’s a bit of a long and tedious drive to Ventanilla but you won’t regret the experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Celia,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the day and found the lagoon visit and turtle release so meaningful. It’s wonderful to know our guide’s knowledge helped bring turtle behavior to life—and that releasing your own turtle made it even more special. We truly appreciate your note about the drive to Ventanilla, and we’re glad it was well worth it for you. We’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!
Warm regards,
The Paraiso Huatulco Team
George_J, Jan 2026
Wonderful boat tour of the mangrove lagoon.lots of cross and birds. Tour of island was great. Tutle release so much fun!
Drive there over rough roads and construction
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear George,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the boat tour through the mangrove lagoon and had the chance to see crocodiles and birds — it’s truly a special ecosystem. We’re also happy to know that the island visit and the turtle release were highlights of your day; it’s always a memorable and meaningful experience 🐢
We appreciate your comment regarding the road conditions. Unfortunately, some sections are affected by ongoing construction and rural terrain, which is beyond our control, but we always do our best to make the journey as safe and comfortable as possible.
Thank you again for choosing this tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Huatulco in the future.
The Paraiso Huatulco Team
Michelle_T, Jan 2026
It was super interesting to learn about the turtles and their journey into the sea. However, it was at the end of a long day so be prepared to have a long ride to and fro. I would definitely recommend it and the guide was very helpful and a good driver!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Michelle,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you found the turtle release at Escobilla so interesting and that you enjoyed learning about their journey into the sea. You’re absolutely right that it is a full-day experience, and we truly appreciate your recommendation and your kind words about our guide and driver. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.
The Paraiso Huatulco Team 🐢
Margaret_W, Nov 2025
We were staying at the Barceló resort. The drive was very long but going there was fantastic so just be aware of the travel time
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hola,
Thank you, Margaret! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience at Escobilla Sanctuary and Ventanilla, even with the long drive from Barceló. The natural beauty and wildlife make it worth the journey! We truly appreciate your visit and hope to welcome you again soon.
— The Paraiso Huatulco Team.
Sean_M, Oct 2025
Luis was prompt and very knowledgeable. He kindly translated everything for us in to English. We had no idea that the trip would include a boat ride and island tour that included up close encounters with the animals. Lunch was amazing and the turtle release was very special. I wish I could’ve spent more time playing with them, but we barely made before the sunset. All in all it was a very fun and enjoyable day!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hola ean,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour with Luis and that the surprise boat and island experience made the day even more memorable. The turtle release is always a special moment, and we’re glad you could be part of it before sunset. We truly appreciate your visit and hope to see you again for another adventure in Huatulco! 🐢
Stacey_M, Jul 2025
Great guide! My friend/travel companion was not able to keep up with the walking. Our guide was very accommodating and helpful!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much, Stacey, for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that your guide was accommodating and made the experience enjoyable for both you and your travel companion. We're also proud to share that Paraiso Huatulco is a sponsor of the local crocodiles conservation community and cultural events in Ventanilla. We hope to see you again soon!
Best Regards
Ashok_M, Apr 2025
Great half day to see the crocodiles and then release baby turtles.
Will recommend it to anyone in this area
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much, Ashok!
We're thrilled you enjoyed the experience with the crocodiles and the baby turtle release.
Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Best Regards
Abigail_M, Mar 2025
Make sure you have comfortable shoes, pesos and your phone (camera to take photos and videos for memory)
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hola Abigail,
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed your experience at the Escobilla Sanctuary and Ventanilla.
We agree, comfortable shoes, cash in pesos, and a camera are essential for capturing the beautiful memories.
We hope to welcome you again soon!
Saludos Cordiales
Wayne_B, Mar 2025
Bring beach shoes. You need to provide a better explanation of the day’s activities. If you get car sick, this is probably not a good idea
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Dear Wayne,
Thank you for your kind review! We're glad you enjoyed the excursion. We appreciate your feedback and will work on providing clearer explanations of the day's activities. The road does have some curves, and we apologize if it was uncomfortable. We’d love to welcome you on another adventure with us—perhaps a boat tour or a visit to Monte Albán!
Best regards,
Mona_B, Feb 2025
We were a family of 5 with children aged 12 and 8. The van we used to travel to the crocodile sanctuary was air conditioned and very comfortable. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and kept us interested the whole travel time.
At the crocodile sanctuary we got to see crocodiles in their natural environment and learned about pecking order.
There were hatchlings in the protected area and they were about 2 weeks old. They also had 3 other crocodiles that were in their own enclosures as they were rescues. We spent some time in the boat looking for turtles and various species of birds.
After we completed the croc tour we made our way to Escobillia for the turtles.
At the turtle protection area we got to learn about the work the townspeople do to protect the turtles. We got to ask many questions. Once it was dusk, we got to release 2 turtles. We waited quite a while and the guide announced that they had just had more turtles hatch so we got to release more!
The kids had so much fun!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hola Mona,
Thank you for your amazing review!
🐊💚 We’re thrilled your family loved the sanctuary and the magical turtle release (such a powerful moment of emotion for us too!). As part of the "Human-Crocodile Relationship Committee", we cherish every experience that connects people with nature.
Hope to see you again for more heartwarming adventures! 🌟
Please recommend us to your friends.
Warm regards.
Larry_Z, Jan 2025
The release of the sea turtles was the highlight of our vacation. Victor was a wonderful guide and a safe driver. He was friendly and knowledgeable. He explained things in both English and Spanish.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hola Victor,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled that the turtle release was the highlight of your vacation, and that Victor provided such an excellent and bilingual service. We’d love to welcome you again to explore another one of our nature tours. Each offers unique and unforgettable moments in harmony with the beauty of the region.
Let us know when you're ready for your next adventure!
Best regards
Karen_H, Jan 2025
We had a good time! Going on the boat and seeing crocodiles up close was amazing! We seen a bunch of turtles as well! We got off the boat and went to see more crocodiles up close, and a few other animals . Then we did the turtle release and it was pretty cool watching them make their way into the ocean ! We got to take pics of the sunset as well which was amazing! It was a good trip!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hola Karen,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time. Seeing crocodiles up close and releasing baby turtles into the ocean sounds unforgettable! The sunset photos must have been stunning too.
We’re also proud to share that our company actively participates in the Human Relations Committee for Crocodiles, which is committed to fostering awareness and conservation efforts for these incredible creatures. Your positive feedback encourages us to continue offering meaningful and exciting experiences like this!
Best regards
Jen_S, Jan 2025
Incredible tour and engaging guides. The sunset turtle release was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of our trip. Loved every minute of this tour.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hola Jen,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you loved the tour and the unforgettable turtle release. We’d be delighted to have you join us again for more amazing adventures
Best regards
Kimberly_W, Apr 2024
This was a great experience, and we highly recommend it! However, we were not prepared for the investment of time. The hours posted were incorrect. Instead of 1:30 to 6:30, it ended up being 1:30 to 9:30. Participants visit both the sanctuary to see crocodiles, deer and birds, as well as release baby turtles at sunset. Nonetheless, it was a great day, and Abel--our guide--was amazing! He ended up having to translate for us because we were the only English-speaking participants that day, and we ended up not having a bilingual guide at the sanctuary either. He was very patient with us and made sure we understood everyting that was going on. He gave my husband a hat when he noticed that he was struggling with the sun and heat, and he took us by an ATM since we hadn't been able to get any pesos yet. My only concern--directed at the turtle release/sanctuary--was that during the turtle release, people were running out after the turtles were released in order to pick them up again and place them closer to the water. That wasn't too bad, except there were some children doing it and were very close to stepping on the baby turtles. It was quite stressful.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hola Kimberly,
Thank you for your nice comment.
The turtle release is always an unforgettable moment.
We hope to see you very soon with us on other adventures.
Best regards.
Sunny_W, Jan 2024
The boat ride through the lagoon was beautiful, and seeing giant crocodiles up close on the island was a highlight.
But nothing compares to holding a bowl of flippy-floppy newvorn turtles while waiting for sunset to release them.
Berating the birds that were trying to eat them, though...now THAT was an experience I never expected to have.
An incomparable day.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hi Sunny,
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience! The boat ride, the giant crocodiles, and especially the moment with the newborn turtles sound absolutely magical. Holding those little flippy-floppy turtles must have been unforgettable! And the unexpected encounter with the birds adds a unique twist to your adventure. It's my favorite excursion too! Wishing you many more amazing moments in your travels.
Reece_P, Oct 2023
It's a great experience and worth venturing to see the turtles and other animals. The excluded fees have doubled since the time of this listing, so anticipate spending an extra 400 pesos per person for the two parts of the tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hola Reece,
Thank you for your understanding. The reason the fees have almost doubled compared to previous years is primarily due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Agatha. The hurricane caused extensive damage to this area, resulting in the loss of homes for the residents and a significant reduction in the mangrove population, with only 20% surviving.
The increase in entrance fees is necessary to fund the extensive reconstruction efforts required to restore this area to its former state. The additional revenue generated from these higher fees will be channeled into rebuilding homes, restoring the environment, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this beautiful place.
We appreciate your support as we work towards
revitalizing this community and its natural surroundings.
Best regards.
Veronica_L, Apr 2023
Baby Turtle release into ocean was such a highlight and wonderful activity to increase their survival rates!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hola Veronica,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
While releasing baby turtles into the ocean is a beautiful and meaningful activity, it's important to remember that their survival rate is unfortunately very low. Only around 3% of baby turtles actually make it to adulthood. This is due to a variety of factors such as predation, pollution, and habitat loss. It's crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the challenges that sea turtles face and work towards protecting their habitats to ensure their survival in the future.
Best regards.
Anonymous, Feb 2023
We really enjoyed our tour. Very informative and interesting, not rusted and exactly what was said and more! The mangroves were beautiful and relaxing and we saw lots of wildlife and the turtles release was amazing. Rogelio was a safe driver and very nice to chat with. He took us to a mezcal tasting place at the end which was very cool! Thank you and highly recommend 😊
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hi
Thank you for your excellent comment.
We hope to see you again in family to enjoy an other excursion with us.
Thank you.
Alain_V, Sep 2022
Our driver/guide, Roger did a great job of safely and informatively getting us to the sanctuary and keeping us engaged but giving us space for a roadside bite and conversation. Clearly, I didn't read but part of this eco-mini-adventure was a lagoon tour for the "crocodillos" so super cool. David, our guide for the lagoon portion showed his passion for mangrove reforestation and ecology, amazing individual. Oh and the turtle part? hard not to get emotional about it when you see what this community is doing.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Hi Alain,
Your comment makes us happy see a person who loves and enjoy the nature.
We hope to see you and family again with us in this incredible Huatulco, who knew how to preserve it environment.
Best regards
Idahi_C, Mar 2026
The tour very cute, as much as to see the crocodiles in their habitation as the release of turtles our guide Victor 10/10 very attentive to everything.
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Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hola Idahi,
¡Muchas gracias por su excelente comentario! Nos alegra saber que disfrutó el recorrido, tanto la visita a los cocodrilos en su hábitat como la liberación de tortugas. También nos da mucho gusto saber que Víctor hizo un gran trabajo como guía.
The Paraiso Huatulco Team.
Philipp_W, Oct 2023
Tolle Tour mit der Chance Wildtiere (Krokodile, Rehe, Schildkröten, Affen, Vögel etc) hautnah und in Aktion zu sehen. Tolle Führung mit viel Erläuterungen (deutsch, Spanisch und Englisch). Für Erwachsene aber vor allem auch für Kinder (unsere 1 und 3 Jahre alt) ein einmaliges Erlebnis. Uns haben die Krokodile an Land und im Wasser zu sehen und Rehe zu füttern am besten gefallen.
Unserer Fahrer/Guide war auch sehr nett, zuvorkommend, freundlich und bemüht
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Ho Philipp,
Vielen Dank für Ihr schönes Feedback! Es freut uns sehr, dass Ihnen die Tour so gut gefallen hat. Die Gelegenheit, Wildtiere hautnah und in Aktion zu erleben, ist wirklich etwas Besonderes. Es ist toll zu hören, dass die Führung mit Erläuterungen in verschiedenen Sprachen sowohl für Erwachsene als auch für Kinder ein einmaliges Erlebnis war. Besonders das Beobachten der Krokodile an Land und im Wasser sowie das Füttern der Rehe scheinen Ihnen besonders gefallen zu haben.
Wir sind stolz darauf, dass unser Fahrer/Guide Ihnen einen angenehmen und freundlichen Service geboten hat. Wir hoffen, dass Sie diese Erinnerungen noch lange in positiver Erinnerung behalten. Nochmals vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback und hoffentlich dürfen wir Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen!
Saludos cordiales
From $42.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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