Can Tho
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From $228
5700000/person
Overview
The Con Dao Turtle Watching Tour is a private 2-day, 1-night program on Bay Canh Island that combines snorkeling, forest exploration, sea turtle conservation, and an overnight stay at the Ranger Station.
Meet your guide at Con Dao Passenger Harbor at 2:45 PM and travel by speedboat to the snorkeling area at Bo Dap Beach. Continue to Bay Canh Island to explore its forest environment, visit the turtle nesting beach and egg incubation area, and learn about conservation work from National Park rangers.
After dinner, follow ranger guidance into the mangrove area, where coconut crabs may be observed when natural conditions allow. Later in the evening, visit the nesting beach quietly and potentially observe mother turtles coming ashore to prepare nests and lay eggs. The following morning, guests may participate in a ranger-guided hatchling release when baby turtles are available.
The program operates only from June to September and suits travelers who want a more in-depth conservation experience than a short island excursion.
To better understand turtle nesting periods, seasonal conservation activities, and what to expect during your visit, read our guide to sea turtle season in Con Dao.
Highlights
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Spend two days and one night on Bay Canh Island during the June-September turtle season.
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Travel by speedboat from Con Dao Passenger Harbor.
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Snorkel at Bo Dap Beach with equipment included.
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Walk through Bay Canh Island’s forest environment.
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Visit the turtle nesting beach and egg incubation area with ranger guidance.
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Stay overnight at the Ranger Station in a tent or room, depending on availability.
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Look for coconut crabs in the mangrove area after dark.
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Observe mother turtles nesting when natural conditions permit.
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Join a ranger-guided hatchling release the following morning when hatchlings are available and the activity is authorized by Con Dao National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: Snorkeling, Bay Canh Island and Turtle Watching
Meeting at Con Dao Passenger Harbor - 2:45 PM
Meet your guide at Con Dao Passenger Harbor, 36 Ton Duc Thang Street. After the guest check and safety briefing, board the speedboat and begin the journey toward the snorkeling area and Bay Canh Island.
The activity order may change according to weather, sea conditions, tide, transportation requirements, and National Park operations.
Snorkeling at Bo Dap Beach
Before arriving on Bay Canh Island, stop at Bo Dap Beach (Bãi Bờ Đập) for snorkeling. Equipment is included for guests to explore the water when conditions allow.
Coral visibility, water access, and marine-life observations vary according to weather, currents, and underwater conditions. The snorkeling location or duration may change if conditions are unsuitable
Bay Canh Island Forest Walk
Continue by speedboat to Bay Canh Island and join a guided walk through its forest environment.
Along the route, learn about the island’s vegetation, wildlife habitats, and the connection between its forest, mangroves, nesting beach, and surrounding marine ecosystem.
Wildlife may be observed during the walk, but sightings depend on natural conditions.
Turtle Nesting Beach and Incubation Area
Visit the turtle nesting beach and egg incubation area with National Park rangers.
Learn about the sea turtle life cycle, nesting behavior, incubation work, and conservation activities carried out on Bay Canh Island. Access to particular areas may change according to National Park regulations and conservation work taking place on the day.
Local-Style Dinner
Enjoy a local-style dinner at the Ranger Station.
Inform Mekong Smile before departure if you have food allergies, follow a vegetarian diet, or require another dietary arrangement. Special requests depend on the ingredients and facilities available on the island.
Evening Coconut Crab Observation
After dark, follow ranger guidance into the designated mangrove area. Coconut crabs-also known as robber crabs or locally as “cua xe tăng”-may emerge to forage when natural conditions allow.
Guests should maintain an appropriate distance and avoid touching, feeding, pursuing, or disturbing wildlife.
Ranger-Guided Turtle Nesting Watch
Later in the evening, join a quiet visit to the turtle nesting beach. If a mother turtle comes ashore, guests may be able to observe part of the nesting and egg-laying process from a controlled distance.
The observation time is flexible because turtle nesting follows natural cycles and tidal conditions. Guests may need to wait quietly, and the activity may be delayed, shortened, relocated, or cancelled when required for conservation or safety.
Follow all ranger instructions regarding movement, distance, noise, lighting, and photography.
Overnight at the Ranger Station
Stay overnight in the assigned tent or room at the Ranger Station.
Day 2: Conditional Hatchling Release and Return
Early Wake-Up - Approximately 5:00 AM
Wake early and prepare for the morning conservation activity. The exact time may change according to hatchery conditions and ranger instructions.
Ranger-Guided Hatchling Release
When hatchlings are available and Con Dao National Park authorizes the activity, guests may participate in a ranger-guided release and observe baby turtles making their way toward the sea.
The release depends on the natural hatching cycle, hatchling condition, weather, tide, and conservation procedures. The applicable release fee is included in the tour price, but an actual release cannot be guaranteed 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.
Light Breakfast and Check-Out
Return to the Ranger Station for a light breakfast before packing your belongings and checking out.
Check your accommodation area carefully and avoid leaving plastic, personal belongings, or other waste on the island.
Return to Con Dao - Approximately 7:00 AM
At approximately 7:00 AM, return by speedboat to Con Dao Passenger Harbor.
The speedboat schedule and harbor arrival time may vary according to weather, sea conditions, and National Park operations. Confirm the expected arrival time with Mekong Smile before arranging onward transportation or another activity.
Things to Know
Includes
Tour Included
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Local English-speaking guide
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National Park entrance fees
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Round-trip speedboat transfers
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One-night Ranger Station accommodation in a tent or room, depending on availability
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Snorkeling equipment
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Turtle nesting observation fee
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Baby turtle release fee
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Local-style dinner
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Light breakfast
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Seasonal fruit and drinking water
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Travel insurance
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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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Tips and gratuities
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OnePay payment surcharge: 4% of the total tour price
Additional Info
Tour at a Glance
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Duration: 2 days and 1 night
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Operating season: June to September
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Meeting time: 2:45 PM
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Meeting point: Con Dao Passenger Harbor, 36 Ton Duc Thang Street
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Destination: Bay Canh Island
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Transport: Speedboat
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Accommodation: Tent or room at the Ranger Station, depending on availability
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Meals: Dinner and light breakfast
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Snorkeling: Bo Dap Beach, subject to sea conditions
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Price range: 2,900,000-5,700,000 VND per adult, based on group size
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Return journey: Approximately 7:00 AM on Day 2
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits travelers interested in sea turtle conservation who understand that wildlife activities follow natural timing.
Guests should be comfortable with:
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Speedboat transfers
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Snorkeling or spending time around water
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Walking through a forest environment
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Overnight accommodation in a tent or room
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Limited mobile connectivity
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Staying outdoors after dark
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Waiting quietly for wildlife activity
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Waking at approximately 5:00 AM
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Changes caused by weather, tide, or National Park operations
Travelers with limited mobility, seasickness concerns, medical conditions, or concerns about water and nighttime activities should contact Mekong Smile before booking.
Ranger Station Accommodation
One night at the Bay Canh Ranger Station is included. Accommodation is provided in a tent or room according to availability.
Contact Mekong Smile before payment if you require a particular sleeping arrangement or need more information about the available facilities. A specific room or tent type should not be considered confirmed unless stated in writing.
Wildlife and Operating Notice
Turtle nesting, hatchling release, coconut crab sightings, snorkeling conditions, and other wildlife observations depend on natural timing, weather, tide, and Con Dao National Park operations.
Mekong Smile will share the latest available operating information before payment. However, wildlife behavior and hatchery timing may still change and cannot be guaranteed for a particular departure.
The tour may still operate without a nesting observation or hatchling release when National Park conditions allow the remaining itinerary to proceed.
What to Bring
Pack essential belongings in a compact personal bag:
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Light, comfortable clothing
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Swimwear and a change of clothes
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Secure walking shoes or sandals
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Towel
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Toothbrush and personal toiletries
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Insect repellent
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Sun protection and a hat
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A light rain layer when needed
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Personal medication
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A reusable water bottle if desired
Avoid bringing unnecessary single-use plastic onto the island. Follow National Park instructions regarding waste, wildlife, lighting, noise, beach access, and photography.
Meals
The tour includes:
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Local-style dinner on Day 1
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Light breakfast on Day 2
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Seasonal fruit
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Drinking water
Inform Mekong Smile of dietary or vegetarian requests before departure.
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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June-September availability
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National Park operating conditions
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Ranger Station accommodation
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Dietary requirements
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Current weather and sea conditions
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Final payable amount
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Written cancellation terms
Ready to plan your Con Dao Turtle Watching Tour? Contact Mekong Smile via Hotline or WhatsApp to check availability and the current private-group price.
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. A second accompanying child will be charged at the applicable child rate.
Weather-related cancellations receive a full refund. For cancellations made for personal reasons, written notice is required, and the following charges apply:
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30 or more days before departure: 30% of the deposit
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15-30 days before departure: 50% of the deposit
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8-15 days before departure: 80% of the tour cost
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1-7 days before departure: 100% of the tour cost
Cancellation time is calculated on working days, 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) | 5.700.000 VND | 3.900.000 VND | 3.300.000 VND | 2.900.000 VND |
| Price per Person (USD/Adult) | 228 USD | 156 USD | 132 USD | 116 USD |
| Last reviewed: 28 July 2026. Prices are per adult and displayed in 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: 2:45 PM
Pickup point: Con Dao Passenger Harbor, 36 Ton Duc Thang Street
- Transport: Speedboat
- Destination: Bay Canh Island
- Return journey: Approximately 7:00 AM on Day 2
Arrive early enough to complete the guest check and safety briefing. Confirm the estimated harbor arrival time before arranging onward transportation.
- Destination: Bay Canh Island
- Return journey: Approximately 7:00 AM on Day 2
Arrive early enough to complete the guest check and safety briefing. Confirm the estimated harbor arrival time before arranging onward transportation.
FAQ
When does the Con Dao Turtle Watching Tour operate?
+The program operates from June to September. Individual departures remain subject to National Park operations, Ranger Station availability, weather, and sea conditions.
Is seeing a mother turtle guaranteed?
+No. Mother turtles follow their natural nesting cycles. Observation depends on turtle behavior, tide, weather, and National Park operations.
Will a baby turtle release happen during the tour?
+Not necessarily. A hatchling release depends on the natural hatching cycle, hatchling availability and condition, weather, tide, and National Park authorization.
Where do guests stay overnight?
+Guests stay at the Bay Canh Ranger Station in a tent or room, depending on availability. Confirm the available accommodation arrangement before payment if you have specific requirements.
Which meals are included?
+The tour includes a local-style dinner on Day 1 and a light breakfast on Day 2, along with seasonal fruit and drinking water.
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 entering the water, contact Mekong Smile before booking so the team can advise whether the activity is suitable.
What should I bring?
+Bring comfortable clothing, swimwear, a towel, toiletries, insect repellent, sun protection, personal medication, and a change of clothes. Mobile reception may be limited on Bay Canh Island.
How is this different from the shorter Turtle Release Tour?
+This program includes an overnight Ranger Station stay, nighttime turtle nesting observation, snorkeling, and a conditional hatchling release the following morning. The shorter Turtle Release Tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours and does not include an overnight stay or nighttime nesting observation.
How can I book and pay for the tour?
+Contact Mekong Smile with your travel date and group size. Full payment is required through QR Code or OnePay. OnePay payments incur a 4% surcharge on the total tour price. Payment is not accepted at the Mekong Smile office.
Blake Chandler (verified owner) –
Dinner at the ranger station was better than I expected, and everyone sat together sharing stories from the day. It had a very relaxed atmosphere.
Evelyn Carter (verified owner) –
I appreciated how carefully the rangers managed the nesting area. Everyone stayed quiet and respected the wildlife, which made the experience feel very authentic.
isaac.warren_46 (verified owner) –
The snorkeling stop at Bo Dap Beach had clear water and healthy coral. It was a great way to spend the afternoon before heading to Bay Canh Island.
madeline.hughes_18 (verified owner) –
Sleeping at the ranger station was simple but added to the adventure. Waking up surrounded by nature was a nice change from staying in town.
Brooke Sullivan (verified owner) –
We didn’t see many coconut crabs during the evening walk, but the ranger explained that wildlife depends on natural conditions. I actually appreciated the honesty.
Julian Foster (verified owner) –
Spending a night on Bay Canh Island made the whole experience feel much more immersive than I expected. Watching nature slow down after sunset was something I’ll always remember.
Stella Griffin (verified owner) –
The Con Dao turtle watching tour was the main reason we planned our trip during turtle season. Seeing a mother turtle come ashore at night was an unforgettable experience.
carson.bishop_57 (verified owner) –
We were lucky enough to join the Con Dao turtle watching tour during a week with active nesting. It was emotional seeing everything happen naturally instead of in a controlled setting.
Hailey Morgan (verified owner) –
The forest walk and the turtle conservation activities gave us a much better understanding of the island than just visiting for a few hours.
Tyson Reed (verified owner) –
The highlight for me wasn’t the snorkeling, it was quietly waiting on the beach and finally seeing a sea turtle begin nesting. That moment felt incredibly special.