You can help our planet when you stop in Mazatlan on the excursion to El Verde Turtle Conservation Park located on a beautiful pristine beach. Enjoy the day learning about the turtles and explore the mangroves at the park by kayak. Finish with a delicious Mexican brunch. Please note that this is a seasonally available excursion to assure all guests will be able to participate in the turtle release - August to February only.
You'll meet your guide outside your Mazatlan cruise ship terminal. You'll be driven about 40 minutes in air-conditioned comfort to the turtle sanctuary. This naturally protected area is a collaboration of the community of El Recreo and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP - by its initials in Spanish). They have a program of conservation and release of the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Meet the people who run and work this program and learn how they are helping to preserve this turtle population in a 30-minute briefing.
Then you'll have an hour to kayak El Verde Estuary through the lush mangrove wetlands. This area has a variety of trees and vegetation that grows by the water. Keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife that makes this home such as the horned owl, the red heron, the peregrine falcon, the American stork, the blue-footed boo, and some small American crocodiles. Don't forget your camera for some amazing photos. If you prefer not to kayak there is an area you can relax and wait for the rest of the group to return.
Next on your day is the turtle release! Female Olive Ridley sea turtles return to the exact beach where they were born in order to lay their eggs. This is the only time females return to land; males stay out at sea continuously. The nests are highly guarded as all species of sea turtles are on the endangered list. Rescue teams either mark the nests to monitor or dig up the eggs from those nests in an unsuitable area to protect them. The eggs are kept at the rescue camp until the hatchlings are ready. On the beach, you'll be helping the baby turtles enter the ocean for the first time and to begin their life journey. You'll spend approximately 40 minutes with the release. This is truly a memorable experience!
Finish this wonderful experience with a fresh-from-the-farm local lunch. The menu may vary depending on what's in the season but will include items such as Machaca or Marlin fish, refried beans, fresh cheese, sauce and tortillas. You have about an hour so relax and enjoy nature while you have your delicious food.
At the end of this fantastic day at the turtle sanctuary, you'll be driven back to your Mazatlan cruise ship terminal.
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