Release of Newborn Turtles on Cañas Island

Description

Releasing newborn turtles on Cañas Island is a wonderful experience that allows you to take part in setting these hatchlings free. You must arrive at the port of Cañas between 5:00 and 5:10 a.m. to cross over to the island while it is still dark, then head to the hatchery, where staff check which nests have had hatchlings. Park rangers will collect the turtles while your guide provides information about the process. As the first light of dawn appears, you will head to the beach to watch the turtles scramble toward the water. Seeing newborn turtles emerge from their eggs and take their first steps toward the Pacific Ocean is an unforgettable experience, which is available from September through mid January.

Every year, nearly 35,000 sea turtles lay their eggs on Cañas Island. The beach, which originally spanned 13 kilometers, was split in two following an earthquake in October 2026. Only 2 kilometers of the beach are under the protection of park rangers, who collect the eggs and bring them to a hatchery; the remaining nests stay on the beach, where the process unfolds without human intervention. With a bit of luck, you might even see a mother turtle come ashore to lay her eggs at dawn. In total, approximately 600,000 eggs are deposited on the beaches of Cañas Island. The primary turtle species found here include the olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead, black turtle, and green turtle.

Cañas Island is one of the eleven most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world. These beaches host what are known as "arribadas"—events where a large number of turtles arrive simultaneously to lay their eggs. Panama is home to two beaches where this phenomenon occurs. The other is La Marinera, also located in the Tonosi district, in the province of Los Santos. You can join our tour to see the turtles laying eggs at night on Cañas Island from July 1st to December 15th.

Includes:

• Round-trip boat transportation from the port of Cañas Island
• Breakfast
• Coffee
• Hatchling release kit
• Local tour guide
• Wagon/vehicle tour
• Hatchling release
• Sunrise viewing by ocean

Available: September to December or January
Tour starts at: 5 a.m.
Duration: 3-4 hours

What to bring? beach clothes, hat, flip-flops or aqua shoes, raincoat, camera or cell phone, water and beach bag.

Important information: Children ages 1 to 6 are free of cost. The child rate applies to children ages 7 to 11. This tour requires a minimum of two participants. The rate is lower for 3–4 people, and even lower for 5 or more. Transportation from Playa Venao or Pedasi can be arranged for an additional fee.