Mini Moon Meets Turtle Release
A friend recently texted me about planning a 5-day mini moon from NYC to watch sea turtles hatch and/or get released into the wild. Honestly, I’d never even heard of this before, but I got super excited to dig into luxury spots that offer this unique experience. She and her fiancé had actually done it once in Puerto Rico but wanted to try somewhere new - nothing more than a 6-hour flight away.
Turns out, this is a thing! And it’s something several luxury hotels offer their guests, depending on the season. With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about these cool getaways centered around a passion/interest/bucket-list experience - way more than just lounging on a beach (though don’t get me wrong, that’s still amazing!).
Below, I’ve shared the research I sent her, plus all the fun details about what you can actually do with the turtles.
Punta Mita, Mexico
~6 hour flight from NYC to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), less than 1 hour drive to resorts in Punta Mita
The best time to witness sea turtle hatchings in Punta Mita, Mexico, is between August and November. During this period, sea turtle eggs incubate for approximately 45 to 60 days, leading to hatchlings emerging and making their way to the ocean. This timeframe aligns with the peak hatching season in the region.
Punta Mita is a significant nesting site for various sea turtle species, including the Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. Conservation efforts, such as the Banderas Bay Turtle Protection Program, play a crucial role in safeguarding these species.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Experience through the resort: Sea Turtle Release
Availability: Sep 1 2025 - Jan 31 2026
Help baby sea turtles find their way home in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. These tiny Banderas Bay natives will make you proud as they head out to sea. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Red Tortuguera to fund the research and preservation of sea turtles in the area. Available seasonally from September to January.
Perks available with my partnership:
Daily breakfast for 2
100USD hotel credit for rooms or 200USD for suites & private retreats
Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)
Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
Los Cabos, Mexico
~6 hour flight from NYC to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
The beaches of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are key nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles—especially the Olive Ridley, but also Leatherback and Green turtles.
Details on why this property specifically is special for turtle release here.
Availability: late July to November (especially during August and September)
In 2003, Hilton Los Cabos cofounded the “Los Cabos Turtle Protection Network,” and they are authorized and certified by the Federal and State Government to train, manage and help to preserve the marine turtle.
They are certified by the Semarnat environment agency to help protect these turtles both before and after they hatch, an accreditation which we earned through continuous training and education. Once eggs are laid in the sand, they patrol a 10-mile stretch of beachfront from El Dorado to El Tule daily to monitor the number of nests, move eggs to our corral if needed, and coordinate the safe release of the babies.
No perks sadly at this property, but I can still book you and email to request VIP status. You would be able to accrue Hilton Honors points.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal [I’ve stayed here and it’s fabulous, very romantic too]
A 10-minute drive from the Hilton Los Cabos and would be the luxury choice.
Experience options: The property offers access to turtle hatching experiences, which are truly memorable events for guests. The turtle hatching season typically runs from August through December. Please note that hatchings at the resort are spontaneous, and unfortunately, there is no way to schedule them in advance. When a hatching occurs, the resort will notify in-house guests the same day via text, sharing the location and time of the event. Additionally, they work with an external provider who offers turtle hatching experiences most days for an additional cost; however, availability may vary.
Perks available with my partnership:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$150 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Saint Kitts & Nevis
~4-4.5 hour flight from NYC to Saint Kitts (SKB)
Saint Kitts & Nevis is a remarkable place to witness sea turtle hatchings because of its unspoiled beaches, strong conservation programs, and accessible eco-tourism experiences — all within a serene, less-touristy Caribbean setting.
Experience through the resort: Sea Turtle Season
Availability: Jul 12 - Aug 31 2025
Experience the magic of sea turtle season in Nevis. Join a night walk with conservation experts, adopt a sea turtle and learn more at an interactive chat. Relax in a private beach cabana, set sail on a catamaran and enjoy a family movie night under the stars. Enjoy a perfect blend of adventure, education and relaxation.
Perks available with my partnership:
Daily breakfast for 2
100USD hotel credit for rooms or 200USD for suites & private retreats
Room upgrade to next category (subject to availability)
Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
If any fellow travel advisors are reading this and shouting, “Recommend Puerto Rico!” - I hear you loud and clear! Like I said, my friend and her fiancé have already checked out the turtle experience there.
But if you’re a turtle lover and want to see them specifically in Puerto Rico, I can get you there! I’m happy to share those options too. Each resort offers a different turtle experience, but honestly, none is better than the other and is very dependent on the turtles (& their seasonality) too! It’s all about where you want to kick back once the turtles have done their thing. Mexico? The Caribbean? You’ve got plenty of great choices!