Los Cabos: Turtle Release Tour & Conservation with Marine Biologist

4.59

(180 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about holding something so tiny. But when the marine biologist at Rancho Carisuva handed me a baby Olive Ridley turtle — squirming, soft, lighter than a seashell — I froze for a second. The sun was just starting to dip behind the dunes, and there was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my face. Our guide, Ana, grinned and said not to worry: “They’re stronger than they look.” I think she could tell I was overthinking it.

We’d started at the ranch earlier that afternoon (the donkey sanctuary is right there too — don’t miss it if you like stubborn animals). Ana walked us down to the beach and explained how every summer in Los Cabos, these turtles come ashore to lay eggs. She talked about poachers and dogs and storms — all the things stacked against these little guys. It’s weirdly humbling to realize how much work goes into keeping them alive. The sand was still warm underfoot but cooling fast, and you could hear nothing but waves and some distant laughter from another group.

The actual turtle release part is quieter than you’d think. You kneel down, let your turtle go near the edge of the surf, and then everyone just sort of holds their breath while they scramble toward the water. Mine hesitated for a second (I swear he looked back), then flapped down into the foam. There’s no dramatic music or anything — just this soft hush as everyone watches. I still think about that view out over the Pacific as dusk set in. So yeah, if you’re looking for some big showy moment… it’s not really that kind of thing. But it sticks with you.