About
Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos is committed to conserving sea turtles along the Baja peninsula. Experience the wonder of a lifetime during a trip to Todos Santos by taking part in a baby turtle release. Each year, the organization welcomes locals and volunteers to participate in its amazing efforts. Plan ahead and you may just get in on this magical experience.
Formally established in 2003, Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos has focused its conservation efforts on 3 species of sea turtles that nest along beaches around Todos Santos, Baja California Sur. The nesting season is generally from July through November, while baby turtle releases tend to take place from September to January. This of course depends on the season as turtles hatch about 45 days after the initial nesting.
The conservation group welcomes volunteers for both the collection period and the release of the baby sea turtles back into the sea. To preserve the turtle eggs, the group collects them from nests and places them in a central incubation location at La Maquina beach. This collection effort helps protect the eggs and the early hatchlings.
The dedicated team made up of volunteers and locals works tirelessly to rescue the nesting turtles, care for them, and ensure safe environments for the hatchlings. Over the years, the group has expanded its educational outreach within the local community and beyond.
Share your adventures over a meal at La Esquina after taking part in one of the fascinating baby turtle release events.
Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Grupo Tortuguero monitors a 35 kilometer span of beach extending from Punta Lobos to Boca del Carrizal on Baja Sur's Pacific Coast.
From July through November, collection efforts generally take place at night. Collected sea turtle eggs are brought back to a central incubation area at “La Maquina” beach just 11 minutes from the center of Todos Santos. Once the hatchlings are ready to head into the waves, Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos programs release dates so that locals and visitors can take part in the experience.
Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos strives to collect the largest number of turtle eggs possible, collecting over 600 nests at an average of 100 eggs per nest! The release period, generally from September to January, has had a release rate of about 65% of the collected eggs. They have managed to release more than 45,000 baby sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean a season!
Supporting Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos offers more than just an unforgettable experience; it contributes to vital conservation efforts that help secure a future for these magnificent creatures. Taking part in the release of baby turtles is an epic experience to add to any Todos Santos getaway.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions to Grupo Tortuguero’s incubation area on La Maquina beach from Todos Santos:
- Start by heading northwest on Calle Juárez toward Todos Santos - La Paz/México 19
- Turn left onto Av. Gral. Topete
- Turn left onto C. Horizonte
- Continue straight three blocks and turn left (near corner of Pacifica Fish Market)
- Continue straight for 5 minutes to beach.
Cost
Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos is maintained through volunteers and donations for fuel and materials to keep the camp going. Donations encouraged.
Subject to change; check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Contact Grupo Tortuguero in advance to check for upcoming turtle release dates and times
- Wear comfortable footwear for walking along the beach
- Pay careful attention to guide instructions to ensure a rewarding turtle release experience
- Don't forget sunscreen, a hat for sun protection, and a water bottle to stay hydrated!