Release of Newborn Turtles in Cambutal

Description

The Release of Newborn Turtles in Cambutal tour is an excellent addition to your visit to the area. This experience is available from September to January. It is a morning activity that begins at 6:00 a.m. at the Cambutal turtle hatchery. A guide will check the nests for hatchlings that emerged overnight, collect them, and take them to the beach. This process takes place early in the morning to protect the turtles from overheating and predators. Furthermore, the sea is calmer at that time, which makes the hatchlings' journey into the ocean easier.

This activity is organized by TortuAgro, a local non-profit organization specializing in turtle conservation, which works in close collaboration with Tortuguias—the entity responsible for our sea turtle release excursion in Punta Chame. Your visit contributes to the conservation of sea turtles. If you participate in the turtle nesting experience in Cambutal, you may be able to help collect eggs laid by mother turtles and move them to the hatchery to ensure their protection; this can also be done in the morning, in the event that a nest was not previously discovered.

In 2025, 313 nests were relocated to the Cambutal hatchery, containing a total of 29,824 eggs, from which 25,013 hatchlings emerged. As of November 2026, 346 nests have been relocated. Participants can help remove the baby turtles from the nest by using gloves. Most of these nests belong to the olive ridley sea turtle—the smallest, rarest, and most critically endangered species of sea turtle. Green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles also nest on the beach in Cambutal, though in smaller numbers.

Includes:

• Transport to and from any hotel in Cambutal
• Guide
• Observation gear
• Informational material

Available: September to January
Tour starts at: 6 a.m.
Duration: 2 hours

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

Important information: This tour requires a minimum of two participants. Transportation from hotels in Cambutal is included in case the participants do not have a vehicle. Otherwise they can meet the guide at the nursery which is accesible by all types of vehicles. The tour guide only speaks Spanish, but translation via translator is possible. Child rate (from 5 to 10 years) is half than the adult rate. Infants 4 and younger do not pay. This activity does not require much walking and it is suitable for people of all ages, including infants.