Watching wildlife can be one of the highlights of a beach vacation, from seeing whale spouts and breaches to watching baby sea turtles slowly make their way to the surf, cheering them on as they begin their journey into the ocean. Witnessing the hatchlings take their first steps is something you won’t soon forget—the only question is, where to do it?
As travelers increasingly prioritize eco-conscious, immersive experiences, wildlife tourism is surging — with the global market projected to grow from $147.8 billion in 2024 to $245.3 billion by 2034, according to Future Market Insights. In many destinations, the season for sea turtle releases kicks off in May and continues through September or October, perfect for planning a summer escape around.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is renowned for its beaches, most notably Seven Mile Beach, with its powdery white sands and translucent turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling among sea turtles and schools of colorful fish. A stay at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, set right on the sand, will put you at the heart of it all.
Even better? The property has partnered with Cayman Turtle Center, known for its immersive, eco-conscious encounters that include feeding green sea turtles and watching the hatchlings make their way to the sea. Through this partnership, the resort hosts special Turtle Rescue Releases, offering guests a front-row seat.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Northwest Florida offers 24 miles of coastline with sugary white sands and emerald green Gulf waters, ideal for a beach getaway. During the sea turtle nesting season from May through October, visitors are encouraged to take part in efforts that create safer nesting conditions.
Simply pop into the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Welcome + Adventure Center for a complimentary conservation packet, thanks to its Sea Turtle Hero Initiative. It includes mission instructions, a red turtle-friendly flashlight, a commemorative pin, and more. You can use the flashlight on the beaches at night to flatten sandcastles, fill in holes that can obstruct hatchlings on their path to the sea, and properly dispose of potentially harmful trash.
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
One of the most popular destinations in The Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island is not only home to a famous water park, but it also hosts the Juvenile Sea Turtle Release program. An ideal way to participate in the marine conservation efforts of the award-winning Atlantis Blue Project Foundation is to take part in its interactive 2.5-hour excursion.
Families can meet, “adopt” and release endangered green sea turtles into the wild. It starts by learning about sea turtle biology, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts at the Fish Hospital. Available on select days (usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays) for ages 6+, it includes naming, “adopting,” measuring, and weighing your sea turtle (with the help of aquarists). Afterward, hop into a boat to the designated offshore release site to hand-release your turtle into the clear aquamarine waters.
