Can Tho
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From $100
2500000/person
Overview
The Con Dao Turtle Release Tour is a seasonal 3-4 hour conservation and snorkeling program operating from June to mid-October. Meet at Con Dao Passenger Harbor at 6:50 AM, then travel by speedboat to the island assigned by Con Dao National Park operations.
When hatchery timing, weather, tide, and park operations allow, guests may join a ranger-guided baby turtle release and learn about the sea turtle conservation program.
Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island may be assigned for the departure. The route also includes snorkeling. The release activity depends on natural and operating conditions and is not guaranteed for every departure.
Before booking, explore our sea turtle season guide to learn about nesting periods, hatchling releases, and responsible turtle conservation experiences in Con Dao.
Highlights
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Join a seasonal sea turtle conservation program from June to mid-October.
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Take part in a ranger-guided baby turtle release when conditions allow.
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Learn about hatchery work, nesting beaches, and the sea turtle life cycle.
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Travel by speedboat to the island assigned by Con Dao National Park.
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Explore the assigned island’s ecosystem or historical setting.
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Snorkel with included equipment at a nearby reef site.
Itinerary
Meeting at Con Dao Passenger Harbor - 6:50 AM
Meet your guide at Con Dao Passenger Harbor, 36 Ton Duc Thang Street, for a safety briefing.
The speedboat departs at approximately 7:00 AM for the National Park conservation area. The assigned island and activity order may change according to weather, tide, hatchery timing, and National Park operations.
Baby Turtle Release and Conservation Visit
Under ranger guidance, guests may release baby turtles into the ocean when hatchery timing and operating conditions permit.
During the island visit, learn about the conservation program, turtle nesting beach, egg incubation work, and the sea turtle life cycle.
The release activity depends on the natural hatching cycle, weather, tide, and National Park operations. Hatchlings may not be available for every departure.
Guests must follow ranger instructions and should not touch, reposition, block, or use flash photography around the hatchlings unless specifically directed by authorized National Park staff.
Assigned Island Route: Bay Canh, Cau or Tai
Con Dao National Park assigns Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island according to current operations.
Depending on the assigned island, the visit may include:
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Bay Canh Island’s mangrove ecosystem
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Cau Island’s historical setting
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The nature route available on Tai Island
The assigned island and activity order may change according to weather, tide, conservation requirements, and National Park operations.
Snorkeling - Approximately 9:00 AM
Continue to a nearby snorkeling site and use the supplied equipment to explore the water.
Coral visibility and marine-life observations depend on sea and weather conditions. The snorkeling site, activity duration, and water access may change when conditions are unsuitable.
Interested in learning more about the marine environment? Read our Con Dao reef experiences guide for an overview of coral habitats, snorkeling conditions, and different island sea routes.
Follow the guide’s safety instructions and use the required safety equipment throughout the activity.
Return - Approximately 10:30 AM
Return by speedboat to Con Dao Passenger Harbor after the snorkeling section. The full program lasts approximately 3-4 hours.
The return time may change according to sea conditions, weather, and National Park operations. Confirm the expected harbor arrival time before arranging onward transportation or another activity.
Things to Know
Includes
Tour Included
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English-speaking guide
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National Park ticket
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Speedboat transfers
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Baby turtle release fee
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Snorkeling equipment
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Drinking water and fruit
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Travel insurance
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Harbor service fee
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VAT
Tour Excluded
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Personal expenses
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Optional services requested by the traveler
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Additional surcharges, if applicable
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OnePay payment surcharge: 4% of the total tour price
Additional Info
Who This Tour Is For
This experience suits travelers interested in sea turtle conservation, island ecosystems, and snorkeling who understand that wildlife activities follow natural timing.
Guests should be comfortable with:
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Speedboat transfers
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Spending time around water
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Joining a snorkeling activity
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Following ranger and guide instructions
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Changes caused by weather, tide, or National Park operations
If you cannot swim, have limited mobility, have a medical condition, or have concerns about entering the water, contact Mekong Smile before booking so the team can advise whether the current program is suitable.
Season and Operating Conditions
The program is available from June to mid-October.
The following elements depend on natural conditions and Con Dao National Park operations:
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Availability of hatchlings
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Possibility of a baby turtle release
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Assigned island
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Activity order
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Snorkeling location
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Coral visibility
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Marine-life observations
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Departure and return times
Mekong Smile will provide the available operating information before payment. However, hatchery timing, wildlife activity, weather, and sea conditions may still change after the booking has been confirmed.
Booking and Payment
Full payment is required to confirm your booking. Payment for this Con Dao tour is not accepted at the Mekong Smile office.
Choose one of the following payment methods:
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QR Code payment: Pay the full confirmed booking amount via QR Code.
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OnePay payment: Pay the full confirmed booking amount through OnePay. A 4% surcharge is added to the total tour price.
Before making payment, confirm the following with Mekong Smile:
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Travel date
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Final group size
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Seasonal availability
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Assigned island
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Current hatchery and operating information
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Weather and sea conditions
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Departure time
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Final payable amount
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Written cancellation terms
Ready to plan your Con Dao Turtle Release Tour? Contact Mekong Smile via Hotline or WhatsApp to check seasonal availability and current group pricing.
Child and Cancellation Terms
One child under five may join free of charge with two adults. Parents are responsible for any additional costs incurred for the child.
Two adults may accompany one child under five free of charge. A second accompanying child will be charged at the applicable child rate.
Contact Mekong Smile before booking to confirm:
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The current child rate
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Whether the speedboat transfer is suitable for the child
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Whether the child may participate in the snorkeling activity
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Any applicable National Park participation requirements
Weather-related cancellations receive a full refund.
For cancellations made for personal reasons, written notice is required and cancellation charges may apply according to the notice period. Mekong Smile will provide the current cancellation schedule in writing before payment.
Cancellation notice periods are calculated in working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Compare Con Dao Island Tours
This tour focuses on a seasonal and conditional baby turtle release activity, followed by island exploration and snorkeling.
For a route focused on conservation learning, Bay Canh’s mangroves, Cau Island’s historical setting, and snorkeling without the seasonal release focus, compare the Bay Canh Island Tour.
Pricing & Packages
| Group Size | 2-3 pax | 4-5 pax | 6-7 pax | 8 pax and above |
| Price per Person (VND/Adult) | 2.500.000 VND | 1.600.000 VND | 1.290.000 VND | 1.100.000 VND |
| Price per Person (USD/Adult) | 100 USD | 64 USD | 52 USD | 44 USD |
| Last reviewed: 27 July 2026. Prices are per adult and displayed in VND (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 25,000 VND). Rates may be adjusted if fuel or operating costs change. OnePay payments incur a 4% surcharge on the total tour price. Mekong Smile will confirm the final payable amount before payment. | ||||
| Call Mekong Smile | ||||
| Check Availability on WhatsApp | ||||
Meeting & Pickup
Start time: 6:50 AM
Pickup point: 36 Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao Town.
- Transport: speedboat.
- Destination: Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island depending on National Park operations.
- Destination: Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island depending on National Park operations.
FAQ
When is turtle release season in Con Dao?
+This program operates from June to mid-October. Individual departures remain subject to hatchery timing, weather, sea conditions, and Con Dao National Park operations.
Will a baby turtle release happen on my departure?
+Not necessarily. The release depends on hatchery timing, hatchling availability and condition, weather, tide, and Con Dao National Park operations. Mekong Smile will provide the available operating information before payment, but the natural release activity cannot be guaranteed for a particular departure.
Which island does the tour visit?
+Con Dao National Park assigns Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island according to current operations and conditions. The assigned island may change according to hatchery timing, weather, tide, conservation requirements, or National Park scheduling.
Why can the itinerary change?
+Natural hatching timing, weather, tide, sea conditions, and National Park requirements may affect the island assignment, activity order, snorkeling location, or possibility of a release.
Is the baby turtle release fee included?
+Yes. The applicable baby turtle release fee is included in the tour price. However, the actual release activity remains dependent on hatchery timing and National Park authorization.
Do I need to know how to swim?
+You should be comfortable participating in a water activity and must follow the guide’s safety instructions. If you cannot swim or have concerns about snorkeling, contact Mekong Smile before booking so the team can advise whether the activity is suitable under the current conditions.
What should I bring?
+Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat, comfortable clothing, footwear suitable for the island route, and any personal medication you require. A reusable water bottle may be useful, although drinking water is included.
How can I pay for the tour?
+Full payment is required to confirm the booking. You can pay the full amount via QR Code or through OnePay. OnePay payments incur a 4% surcharge on the total tour price. Payment is not accepted at the Mekong Smile office.
Harper Lawson (verified owner) –
Our group visited Bay Canh Island and the mangrove forest walk added another layer to the experience beyond the turtle release itself.
sophie.turner_88 (verified owner) –
The baby turtle release Con Dao experience felt very authentic because it was guided directly by National Park staff.
ava.prescott_33 (verified owner) –
I appreciated that the tour focused on conservation rather than entertainment. Everything felt respectful toward the turtles and their habitat.
lucas.meyer_75 (verified owner) –
I liked that the guides explained that turtle releases depend on nature and timing. It made the whole activity feel more genuine.
Cole Whitman (verified owner) –
Seeing tiny hatchlings make their way across the sand toward the sea was something I’ll never forget.
Brayden Morris (verified owner) –
The hatchery visit was surprisingly interesting. Learning about the life cycle before the release made the experience feel more complete.
Gavin Cross (verified owner) –
The snorkeling afterward was a nice bonus. Clear water, healthy coral and plenty of fish around the reef area.
Derek Sullivan (verified owner) –
I knew it would be special, but seeing the baby turtles in person was far more emotional than I expected.
Natalie Vaughn (verified owner) –
Taking part in the Con Dao turtle release tour was easily one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. Watching the hatchlings head toward the ocean was unforgettable.
liam.bradley_52 (verified owner) –
If you’re visiting between June and October, the Con Dao turtle release tour is one of those experiences that makes your trip feel truly unique.
Chloe Simmons (verified owner) –
The combination of conservation activities and snorkeling worked really well. It never felt rushed despite the short duration.
mia.richards_17 (verified owner) –
The park rangers explained the conservation process very clearly. It helped us understand why turtle protection is so important in Con Dao.
Ryan Fletcher (verified owner) –
We joined during the Con Dao turtle release season and were lucky enough to participate in an actual release. Definitely a memory that will stay with us.
Austin Keller (verified owner) –
The speedboat ride was comfortable and everything ran on schedule from pickup to return.
hannah.bailey_64 (verified owner) –
The early start was worth it. The sea was calm and the islands looked beautiful in the morning light.
ella.bennett_29 (verified owner) –
This Con Dao turtle release tour was the main reason we planned our visit during summer, and it absolutely lived up to expectations.