Overview
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
Baby Turtle Release and Conservation Visit
Assigned Island Route: Bay Canh, Cau or Tai
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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
Snorkeling - Approximately 9:00 AM
Return - Approximately 10:30 AM
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
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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
Season and Operating Conditions
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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
Booking and Payment
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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.
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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
Child and Cancellation Terms
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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
Compare Con Dao Island Tours
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
- 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.














ella.bennett_29 Verified booking
This Con Dao turtle release tour was the main reason we planned our visit during summer, and it absolutely lived up to expectations.
hannah.bailey_64 Verified booking
The early start was worth it. The sea was calm and the islands looked beautiful in the morning light.
Austin Keller Verified booking
The speedboat ride was comfortable and everything ran on schedule from pickup to return.
Ryan Fletcher Verified booking
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.
mia.richards_17 Verified booking
The park rangers explained the conservation process very clearly. It helped us understand why turtle protection is so important in Con Dao.
Chloe Simmons Verified booking
The combination of conservation activities and snorkeling worked really well. It never felt rushed despite the short duration.
liam.bradley_52 Verified booking
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.
Natalie Vaughn Verified booking
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.