Cabo San Lucas is a destination where desert meets ocean, luxury blends with authenticity, and nature’s wonders unfold in breathtaking ways. Among its most magical ecological events is the annual sea turtle release—a spectacle of resilience and renewal that draws travelers seeking meaningful connections with wildlife. At Mucho Cabo, we’re passionate about showcasing sustainable adventures that highlight Cabo’s natural treasures, and participating in a sea turtle release is an experience that embodies this ethos.
Every year, from late July to early December, thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) return to Cabo’s beaches to lay their eggs. After a 45-day incubation period, hatchlings emerge and embark on their perilous journey to the sea. This cycle, repeated for millennia, is now under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Fortunately, Cabo’s community has rallied to protect these endangered creatures through conservation programs that allow visitors to witness—and even assist in—this awe-inspiring process.
The prime season to witness sea turtle releases in Cabo spans late July to early December, with peak activity in August and September. During these months, nests laid by Olive Ridley turtles hatch in synchrony, creating unforgettable opportunities to see dozens of hatchlings scramble toward the surf.
Key Dates for 2025:
- August–September: Peak hatching season; nightly releases are common.
- October–November: Continued releases, particularly at resorts with protected nurseries.
- December: Fewer releases, but some programs (like Rancho Carisuva’s) extend into mid-January.
Plan your visit during these months to maximize your chances of participating. Many conservation programs require advance reservations, so book early.
Cabo’s commitment to sea turtle preservation is driven by passionate organizations and resorts. Here are the key players making a difference:
The Association for the Protection of the Environment and the Marine Turtle in Southern Baja (ASUPMATOMA) has been safeguarding sea turtles since the 1990s. Based at San Cristobal Ranch in Cabo San Lucas, they’ve protected tens of thousands of nests and released over 500,000 hatchlings. Their work includes community education and beach patrols to combat poaching.
Learn more about ASUPMATOMA
A pioneer in turtle conservation, Hilton Los Cabos co-founded the Los Cabos Turtle Protection Network in 2003. Their team patrols a 10-mile stretch of beach, relocates vulnerable nests to protected hatcheries, and hosts weekly hatchling releases for guests.
Explore Hilton’s Turtle Program
For over 20 years, Pueblo Bonito’s protection program has safeguarded 16,000 nests and released one million hatchlings. Guests can join conservationists at sunset to release turtles at their Golf & Spa Resorts.
Read Pueblo Bonito’s Conservation Story
This luxury resort operates the only SEMARNAT-certified Turtle Nursery in Los Cabos, offering 24/7 monitoring of nests. Guests receive educational tours and can participate in releases.
Discover the Turtle Nursery
Holding a tiny sea turtle as it takes its first steps toward the ocean is a humbling reminder of nature’s fragility and our role in protecting it. Cabo’s conservation programs don’t just save turtles—they foster a deeper connection between travelers and the environment.
At Mucho Cabo, we believe travel should leave a positive footprint. By participating in a sea turtle release, you’re not just checking off a bucket-list item; you’re contributing to a legacy of preservation that ensures future generations can marvel at Cabo’s natural wonders.
Plan Your Trip: Ready to witness this miracle of nature? Schedule your visit between July and December 2025, and partner with resorts or tour operators like Hilton Los Cabos or Cabo Outfitters for an ethical, unforgettable experience.
Cabo’s sea turtles are waiting—and so are we.
