Con Dao Turtle Release Tour: Baby Sea Turtles & Snorkeling

5.0 (16 customer reviews) 32 sold
CDP014
3-4 hours (approx.)
Con Dao
Offered in: English
All time of year
From $90 2230000/person
Check-in 06:50 AM
OnePay
+ 89.200  per person
Infant × Free
Adult × 2.230.000đ
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    Overview

    The Con Dao turtle release tour is a 3-4 hour seasonal conservation experience sold only from June to mid-October. It starts at 6:50 AM from 36 Ton Duc Thang Street and travels by speedboat at 7:00 AM to Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, or Tai Island depending on Con Dao National Park operations. The main experience is a ranger-guided baby sea turtle release, followed by a hatchery visit, island exploration, and snorkeling at 9:00 AM.
    Bay Canh Island is commonly associated with this program, but the exact island assignment is controlled by National Park operations. Turtle release is not guaranteed on every date; hatchery timing, weather, tide levels, and park scheduling determine whether the release can happen. The program returns to the main island at 10:30 AM.

    Highlights

    • Join the Con Dao turtle release tour for a ranger-guided baby sea turtle release during the June to mid-October season.
    • Visit the sea turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle life cycle and Con Dao National Park’s conservation work.
    • Travel by speedboat to the assigned island: Bay Canh Island (Hòn Bảy Cạnh), Cau Island (Hòn Cau), or Tai Island (Hòn Tài), depending on National Park operations.
    • Continue with an island-specific visit after the turtle release: mangrove forest on Bay Canh Island, the former detention site on Cau Island where political prisoners were once held, including the late Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, or square-fruited barringtonia trees on Tai Island.
    • Snorkel above coral reefs and tropical fish in clear coastal waters at 9:00 AM.
    • Finish by 10:30 AM with the rest of your day free for other Con Dao adventures.

    Itinerary

    Pickup - 6:50 AM

    Meet your guide at 36 Ton Duc Thang Street in the early Con Dao morning, when the streets are quiet and the air is still cool. The early start gives you time to reach the island while conditions are calm, before the heat of the day sets in.

    Baby Turtle Release and Hatchery Visit - 7:00 AM

    At 7:00 AM, the speedboat transfers you to the island assigned by Con Dao National Park operations. Bay Canh Island (Hòn Bảy Cạnh) is the primary site for this program, while Cau Island (Hòn Cau) or Tai Island (Hòn Tài) may be used when park scheduling, weather, or tide conditions require a different route.
    Under the guidance of park rangers, travelers take part in releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean when hatchery timing and operating conditions allow it. This is a managed conservation activity: guests follow ranger instructions carefully and understand that nature and park conditions determine what is possible each day.
    Before or after the release, you visit the sea turtle hatchery to learn about the turtle life cycle and the conservation program at Con Dao National Park.

    Island Exploration

    After the turtle release and hatchery visit, the program continues with a short island-specific visit. The exact experience depends on which island is assigned by Con Dao National Park operations.
    If the release takes place on Bay Canh Island, you may explore the island’s mangrove forest.
    Bay Canh Island mangrove forest on the Con Dao turtle release tour
    Bay Canh Island mangrove forest on the Con Dao turtle release tour
    If the program operates on Cau Island, you may visit the former detention site where political prisoners were once held, including the late Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Van Dong.
    Hon Cau historical site after the Con Dao turtle release activity
    Hon Cau historical site after the Con Dao turtle release activity
    If Tai Island is assigned, the visit may include the distinctive square-fruited barringtonia trees along the island route.
    Square-fruited barringtonia tree on Tai Island after turtle release
    Square-fruited barringtonia tree on Tai Island after turtle release
    This flexible structure keeps the tour aligned with National Park scheduling, weather, tide levels, and conservation operations on the travel date.

    Snorkeling - 9:00 AM

    At 9:00 AM, you enter the water for swimming and snorkeling. Life jackets, masks, and snorkels are provided so you can admire vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. Snorkeling conditions may change with weather, tide levels, and National Park operations.

    Return - 10:30 AM

    The speedboat returns you to the main island by 10:30 AM. The morning's sea turtle conservation experience is complete, and the rest of the day is yours for beaches, hiking, or exploring Con Dao town.

    Things to Know

    Includes

    Tour Included

    • English-speaking guide
    • National Park ticket
    • Speedboat transport
    • Baby turtle release fee
    • Snorkeling equipment (life jacket, mask, snorkel)
    • Drinking water and fruit
    • Insurance
    • Harbor service fee
    • VAT

    Tour Excluded

    • Personal expenses
    • Surcharges, if any
    • Card payment surcharge

    Additional Info

    Note

    • Season: June to mid-October only.
    • Turtle release depends on hatchery timing, weather, tide levels, and National Park operations.
    • All prices are in VND or USD per person.
    • Refund terms and conditions apply.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operations without prior notice.
    • Rates are subject to change depending on fuel costs. Mekong Smile will promptly notify you of any updates.

    Child Regulations

    • Free of charge for one child under 5 years old. Parents are responsible for any costs the child incurs.
    • Two adults may accompany only one child free of charge. A second child will be charged at the child rate.

    Cancellation Policy

    • Weather-related cancellations: full refund.
    • Personal-reason cancellations: no refund.
    • Written cancellation charges:
      • 30 or more days before departure: 30% of deposit.
      • 15 to 30 days before departure: 50% of deposit.
      • 8 to 15 days before departure: 80% of tour cost.
      • 1 to 7 days before departure: 100% of tour cost.
    • Cancellation time is calculated on working days only, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

    Pricing & Packages

    Group Size 2-3 pax 4-5 pax 6-7 pax 8 pax and above
    Price per Person (VND/Adult) 2.230.000 VND 1.550.000 VND 1.250.000 VND 1.050.000 VND
    Price per Person (USD/Adult) 90 USD 62 USD 50 USD 42 USD
    Note: Prices at Mekong Smile were last updated on 15/06/2026 and may be adjusted based on future changes. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 25,000 VND. A 4% surcharge for OnePay payments will be automatically added to the total amount during checkout.

    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.
    - Public email: contact@mekongsmile.com.
    - Hotline: +84 774 839 165.
    - WhatsApp: +84 774 839 165.
    Ready to plan your Con Dao turtle release tour? Send Mekong Smile your travel date and group size. Our team will check the release schedule, assigned island, weather, tide conditions, and latest price before you book.

    FAQ

    What is the Con Dao turtle release tour?

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    The Con Dao turtle release tour is a seasonal 3-4 hour conservation experience that lets travelers take part in a ranger-guided baby turtle release when hatchery timing and National Park operations allow it. It includes a hatchery visit, island exploration, and coral reef snorkeling, and runs only from June to mid-October.

    When is the best time for the turtle release tour in Con Dao?

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    The turtle release tour operates only from June to mid-October. This is the hatching season when baby turtles emerge from their nests and are ready for release. Outside this window, the program is not available.

    Where does the turtle release take place?

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    The primary release site is Bay Canh Island. Depending on National Park scheduling, weather, tide levels, and hatchery timing, Cau Island or Tai Island may be assigned instead.

    Why is Bay Canh Island important for sea turtles?

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    Bay Canh Island is an important sea turtle nesting and conservation site in Con Dao National Park. For CDP014, it is the primary site, but the final island assignment still depends on National Park operations.

    Do I need snorkeling experience for this tour?

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    Snorkeling equipment is provided, including life jackets, masks, and snorkels. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell Mekong Smile before booking so the team can advise whether conditions are suitable for your group.

    Can children join the turtle release tour?

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    Yes, children are welcome. One child under 5 years old joins free of charge, though parents are responsible for any costs the child incurs. Two adults may bring one child free; a second child is charged at the child rate. Families should still confirm weather, boat conditions, and the assigned island before booking.

    Is the turtle release guaranteed on every departure?

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    No. The program is designed around the seasonal turtle release, but the actual release depends on hatchery timing, weather, tide levels, and National Park operations. Mekong Smile confirms the release schedule, assigned island, and operating conditions before your booking is finalized.

    What should I bring on the tour?

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    Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes or sandals that can get wet. A reusable water bottle is a good idea, though drinking water is provided on the tour.

    How is this tour different from other Con Dao snorkeling tours?

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    This tour is built around the seasonal baby turtle release experience, which is available only from June to mid-October. Regular Mekong Smile Con Dao snorkeling tours focus on coral reefs, island routes, wildlife, giant clams, or sunset timing without the ranger-guided release activity.

    How do I book the Con Dao turtle release tour?

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    Contact Mekong Smile via WhatsApp at +84 774 839 165, hotline at +84 774 839 165, or email at contact@mekongsmile.com with your travel date and group size. Ask the team to confirm availability, release schedule, island assignment, weather, tide conditions, and latest price before payment.

    16 reviews for Con Dao Turtle Release Tour: Baby Sea Turtles & Snorkeling
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      1. 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.

        like
      2. hannah.bailey_64 Verified booking

        The early start was worth it. The sea was calm and the islands looked beautiful in the morning light.

        like
      3. Austin Keller Verified booking

        The speedboat ride was comfortable and everything ran on schedule from pickup to return.

        like
      4. 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.

        like
      5. 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.

        like
      6. Chloe Simmons Verified booking

        The combination of conservation activities and snorkeling worked really well. It never felt rushed despite the short duration.

        like
      7. 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.

        like
      8. 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.

        like
      Overview
      Highlights
      Itinerary
      Things to Know
      Overview
      Overview
      Highlights
      Highlights
      Itinerary
      Itinerary
      Things to Know
      Things to Know
      Includes
      Includes
      Additional Info
      Additional Info
      Pricing & Packages
      Pricing & Packages
      Meeting & Pickup
      Meeting & Pickup
      FAQ
      FAQ
      Con Dao turtle release tour cover with baby sea turtles and snorkeling
      Con Dao Turtle Release Tour: Baby Sea Turtles & Snorkeling
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