CON DAO SEA TURTLE EGG LAYING EXPERIENCE

Con Dao Islands

Location

Côn Đảo, TP Hồ Chí Minh

BEST SEASON

Apr to Oct

AVAILABILITY

Every afternoon

LEVEL

Easy

GROUP SIZE

2-15 guests

TRANSPORTATION

Speedboat

ACCOMODATION

Camping, Hammock

MEALS

Dinner, Snacks

TOUR OPERATOR

Lighthouse Con Dao

MORE INFOMATION

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

Play a vital role in protecting one of the Côn Đảo Archipelago’s most endangered marine species: the sea turtle.

From April to October, peak nesting season transforms key beaches across Côn Đảo into strictly protected sanctuaries. Swimming and fishing yield to active conservation efforts as mother turtles return home to lay their eggs. On this rare, eco-conscious expedition, you will accompany National Park rangers to help safeguard these gentle creatures and support their survival.

HIGHLIGHT

Witness mother turtles laying eggs under the quiet cover of night
Release newly hatched baby turtles safely into the ocean
Snorkel pristine coral reefs in protected marine waters.
Sleep beneath a canopy of stars on a remote island sanctuary.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: WITNESS TURTLES LAYING EGGS

3:00PM

Depart at the Tourism Pier (Ton Duc Thang Street) and go to Bay Canh island by speedboat.

3:30PM

Arrive at Bay Canh island. Time for swimming and snorkeling.

5:00PM

Walk through the mangrove forest to arrive at Bay Canh Ranger Station: take a shower.

6:00PM

Enjoy dinner and relaxing.

7:30PM

Time for night activities:

Explore the feeding activities of the Tank Crab, considered one of the biggest ground crabs of Vietnam.
Learn the regulations, and how to approach turtles laying eggs
Wait for the sea turtles come to the beach for nesting and laying eggs (Usually at high tide).
Take a rest at the Ranger Station.

DAY 2: RELEASING TURTLE BABIES

6:00AM

Release turtle hatchlings back to the sea (if there are eggs hatched).

7:00AM

Transfer back to the Tourism Pier.

Tour ends. Thank you for making Côn Đảo greener, cleaner, and better protected!

PRICING

The Cost Includes

Transfers between Con Lon Island and Bay Canh Island by speedboat
English-speaking tour guide
Pick-up/ Drop-off for hotels in downtown
National park entrance ticket
Hammock / Sleeping tent
Travel insurance
Snack, water for drinking and dinner at the Bay Canh Restaurant
Port service charge
Snorkeling equipment
First aid kit, life jacket

The Cost Excludes

Gratuities for the tour guide and rangers.
Pick-up/ drop-off between your hotels and the pier.

WHAT TO BRING

Sun glasses
Sun hats
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Towel
Camera
Flipflop/ Sandal/ slipper

FAQS

Is this tour operated year-round or only a few months of the year?

No, this tour is strictly seasonal and operates only from April to October.

Because this experience revolves around natural marine cycles, it is available only during the peak nesting and hatching period. Mother turtles come ashore to lay eggs between April and October (with peak activity from June to August).

Outside of these months (November to March), turtles do not return to the beaches to nest. Pausing operations during the off-season ensures we respect natural marine behaviors while providing guests with an authentic, high-probability encounter.

Are we guaranteed to see turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching?

While we are working with wild animals in their natural habitat and exact timing can never be 100% guaranteed, booking during the peak months (June to August) yields an exceptionally high success rate. Our itineraries are organized alongside National Park rangers who monitor nesting beaches throughout the night to ensure guests have the best possible chance of witnessing both egg-laying and hatchling releases.

What strict rules must we follow to protect the turtles during the tour?

To ensure our presence causes zero stress to these endangered creatures, all participants must strictly adhere to Côn Đảo National Park conservation protocols:

No Flash Photography: White lights and bright phone screens blind and disorient turtles. Only low-intensity red lights managed by rangers are permitted.

Quiet & Low Profile: Guests must stay quiet, approach from behind the turtle only after she has begun laying eggs, and avoid sudden movements.

Hands-Off Policy: Never touch mother turtles, and only handle hatchlings under direct ranger supervision using provided protective equipment or release baskets.

What are the accommodations like during the overnight island stay?

This is a raw, low-impact eco-expedition. Depending on the specific island allocation, accommodation is based at a Côn Đảo National Park ranger station (such as Hòn Bảy Cạnh). Facilities are simple, clean, and sustainable, offering basic bedding/cots or hammocks, shared bathroom facilities, and solar-powered electricity. You swap luxury amenities for an unforgettable night sleeping beneath a starry sky surrounded by untouched nature.

Is this experience suitable for children and older adults?

Yes, provided they are comfortable with rustic conditions and late night hours. Children aged 6 and above find the morning baby turtle release deeply inspiring. However, please keep in mind:

Egg-laying observations take place late at night (often between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM) and require sitting quietly in the dark for extended periods.

Guests should be capable of walking on soft sand and stepping on/off boats safely.

PRIVATE TOUR REQUEST

Private tours are also available and make a great fit for family trips. Below is the per-person pricing for tours operated by Lighthouse Con Dao: (prices shown in VND):