Spend a full day on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast releasing hatchlings at a protected beach, watching sunset at Zicatela, then floating in Manialtepec lagoon as bioluminescence sparks with every movement. This guided tour blends hands-on conservation with a rare nocturnal spectacle.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Night falls and the lagoon answers with tiny flashes—every dip of a hand makes the water bloom like a shaken constellation. Earlier the day opens on wide sand at Escobilla, where volunteers and guides escort newly hatched turtles toward the surf, a deliberate ritual that threads human care into an age-old migration.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking and ability to get on/off small boats; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Coastal Oaxaca has long been a zone of fishing and artisanal mariculture; turtle conservation projects grew in response to decades of egg poaching and habitat pressure.
Conservation
Operators coordinate with local sanctuaries and follow handling protocols to reduce stress on turtles; visitors are asked to minimize light, noise and chemical runoff into the lagoon.
Reserve your spot on the Full Day Tour Turtle Release and Bioluminescence today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check the lunar calendar
Bioluminescence is clearest on dark nights—plan around new-moon windows for the brightest display.
Follow turtle-release protocols
Keep distance, avoid lights and let guides handle sea turtles to prevent stress or disorientation.
Bring a swimsuit and quick-dry layers
You may board a covered houseboat or choose to swim; a lightweight cover-up helps for the cool night boat ride.
Carry cash and insect repellent
Small vendors and tips are often cash-only; mosquito protection improves comfort at dusk.
Swimsuit
Wear under clothes if you plan to swim in the lagoon or board a covered houseboat.
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during long transfers and time on the beach.
Headlamp with red-light option
Hands-free illumination for boarding and walking at night without disturbing wildlife.
Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
Protect skin while minimizing chemical impact to the lagoon and reef ecosystems.