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.
Highlights
Join a seasonal sea turtle conservation program from June to mid-October.
Take part in a ranger-guided baby turtle release when conditions allow.
Learn about hatchery work, nesting beaches, and the sea turtle life cycle.
Travel by speedboat to the island assigned by Con Dao National Park.
Explore the assigned island’s ecosystem or historical setting.
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.
Pickup point at 36 Ton Duc Thang Street
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.
Sea turtle eggs in a protected hatchery nest in Con Dao
Park staff checking turtle nests at a Con Dao sea turtle hatchery
Baby sea turtles in a basket before release in Con Dao
Travelers joining baby turtle release in Con Dao with park guidance
Baby sea turtles crawling on the beach during release season
Baby sea turtle moving across the sand near a release basket
Young sea turtle swimming in clear ocean water
Clear coastal water near Con Dao during the turtle release season
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:
Bay Canh Island’s mangrove ecosystem
Cau Island’s historical setting
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.
Forest path and beach entrance on Hon Tai Island in Con Dao
Travelers taking part in the guided snorkeling activity with flotation and snorkeling equipment in Con Dao waters.
A historical marker identifying the former detention site associated with Pham Van Dong on Cau Island.
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.
Follow the guide’s safety instructions and use the required safety equipment throughout the activity.
Travelers snorkeling during the Con Dao turtle release snorkeling tour
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
English-speaking guide
National Park ticket
Speedboat transfers
Baby turtle release fee
Snorkeling equipment
Drinking water and fruit
Travel insurance
Harbor service fee
VAT
Tour Excluded
Personal expenses
Optional services requested by the traveler
Additional surcharges, if applicable
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:
Speedboat transfers
Spending time around water
Joining a snorkeling activity
Following ranger and guide instructions
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:
Availability of hatchlings
Possibility of a baby turtle release
Assigned island
Activity order
Snorkeling location
Coral visibility
Marine-life observations
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:
QR Code payment: Pay the full confirmed booking amount via QR Code.
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:
Travel date
Final group size
Seasonal availability
Assigned island
Current hatchery and operating information
Weather and sea conditions
Departure time
Final payable amount
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:
The current child rate
Whether the speedboat transfer is suitable for the child
Whether the child may participate in the snorkeling activity
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.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
16 reviews for Con Dao Turtle Release Tour: Seasonal Conservation & Snorkeling
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
sophie.turner_88 (verified owner)–
The baby turtle release Con Dao experience felt very authentic because it was guided directly by National Park staff.
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cole Whitman (verified owner)–
Seeing tiny hatchlings make their way across the sand toward the sea was something I’ll never forget.
Rated 5 out of 5
Brayden Morris (verified owner)–
The hatchery visit was surprisingly interesting. Learning about the life cycle before the release made the experience feel more complete.
Rated 5 out of 5
Gavin Cross (verified owner)–
The snorkeling afterward was a nice bonus. Clear water, healthy coral and plenty of fish around the reef area.
Rated 5 out of 5
Derek Sullivan (verified owner)–
I knew it would be special, but seeing the baby turtles in person was far more emotional than I expected.
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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.