Booking a release is a good evening. Supporting the camps that run the nurseries is how the work continues. This guide lists the ways to help near Puerto Vallarta, with prices as reported, and what each one actually funds.
Turtle hub: season, camps and bookable releases→Adopt a nest
- Mayto camp (Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco): about 90 km south of Puerto Vallarta, the camp ran an "adopt a black turtle nest" campaign. The black turtle is another name for the Pacific green turtle. In February 2024 it was reported at 250 pesos (about US$15) per nest. Donations help cover the camp's costs, including night patrols and monitoring nests until the eggs hatch. Adopters were reported to receive a certificate with details about the nest and how many baby turtles will be released, plus an estimated hatching date so donors can attend the release. Sign-up was through the camp's Facebook or Instagram page.
- Sayulita camp: nest adoption is reported at about 500 pesos.
- Boca de Tomates camp (behind Puerto Vallarta airport): reported to accept nest adoption and donations. Ask the camp how to give.
Prices and programs change, so treat these as starting points and confirm directly.
Donate
Many camps run on donations and volunteers. Some releases are described as usually free, with donations encouraged. If you want your money to reach a camp, give to the camp, not only to a tour company.
Volunteer
Project Tortuga is reported to run volunteer projects of about two months, subject to availability. Shorter one-night volunteer or tour options exist at some nurseries, usually with a biologist leading a night patrol.
Small habits that help
- Keep beachfront lights off at night. Artificial light misleads hatchlings.
- Take your trash with you. Marine debris and fishing bycatch are among the main threats.
- Choose responsible releases. No flash, no handling, small groups, trained staff.
A word on tour fees
A tour fee goes to the tour operator and does not automatically reach a camp. Vallarta Pro earns a small commission when you book through our Viator links, and we pay nothing on behalf of any camp. If you book a release, consider also giving directly.
Sea Turtle Release
★ 4.9 · 138 reviews · from $77 USD · 1.5 h
🐢 Release season: about 7 weeks left
✓ Free cancellation
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