Round trip transportation from your Mazatlan Cruise ship terminal! Air-conditioned, fully licensed and insured transportation! Bilingual, Eco shore excursion guide! Entrance to El Verde Camacho Reserve! Boat or kayak ride through the mangroves! Local guides and biologist! Sea turtle hatchling release (possible July to Jan only)! Complimentary continental breakfast! Departure time 8:30AM is designe
d for cruise ships arriving to Mazatlan port at 8AM or earlier! Visit the El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sancturary, experience this unique opportunity to learn and explore hands-on and maybe even help with the turtle hatchling release! This eco-excursion in Mazatlan, Mexico will begin as soon as you meet with your shore excursion guide just outside the Mazatlan cruise ship terminal. Hop on board your air-conditioned transportation for the 30-minute scenic drive north to the sea turtle sanctuary where you will be greeted and made to feel right at home. You will enjoy an excellent local coffee and pastries, fresh fruits and juice, while listening to a short lecture about the Mazatlan sea turtle ecology and conservation given by the English speaking excursion guides. They will explain the process from when the females come up on the beach to lay their eggs, to when the eggs are collected to finally the release of the hatchlings. The El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sanctuary was founded in 1975 and you will hear about their work, how they involved local villagers, educating others to respect and protect the environment. After your breakfast, then it's time to head out into the mangrove channels of the estuary. You can choose to take a boat ride or paddle through the mangrove channels in a kayak. Please note that the minimum age to kayak is 10 years old and all children ages 10-17 need to be accompanied by an adult. Thanks to the efforts of the National Commission of Naturally Protected Areas (NCNPA) you will enjoy an amazing, and protected, ecosystem that includes coastal birds, fish, shrimp, and even some American crocodiles from a distance. The NCNPA is a government-certified preservation agency and its local success will be enjoyed during your travels through the mangrove as you see how life can co-exist when care is taken. You will find yourself surrounded by lush flora and incredible wildlife. Photographers will be able to capture those once in a lifetime photos along the way. Then, after your travels through the mangrove channels, you will have the opportunity to go on a guided walk through the sea turtle camp and your Mazatlan Turtle Excursion guide will further explain their activities and conservation efforts. From July to January, there is the possibility to participate in the amazing experience of Sea Turtle hatchling release! An incredible activity for all ages from kids to grown ups. This beginning of life is truly an emotional experience and watching the little fellows make their way, with your assistance, is an experience everyone should enjoy. Then enjoy some free time to relax or walk along the beach before returning to Mazatlan and your Mazatlan cruise ship pier. Please note, this Mazatlan eco-excursion is operated in collaboration with our partners from El Verde Camacho -Turismo de Naturaleza- a community tourism initiative by local people from Ejido El Recreo. When you join this expedition you help sustain their livelihoods and support conservation efforts at this important natural preserve.
