Colola Mexico Black Turtles
Colola Beach is one of the world’s most extraordinary sea turtle nesting beaches. From a low of 500 nests in 1999, these black turtles (a sub-species of green turtles) have recovered to have more than 70,000 nests in 2021 with more than 5 million hatchlings. The beach is protected by the native Nahua community with support from biologists at the University of Michoacan. This trip is led by SEE Turtles Program Director Adrian Cortes in coordination with our local partners.
On this trip, you’ll help study these turtles, measuring them, moving their nests, and releasing hatchlings. In past trips, we averaged over 300 nests and 2,000 hatchlings released per night. In between the nesting and hatchlings, we will do a nature walk, visit local handicraft artisans, get a lesson in Mexican cooking, and explore this beautiful stretch of coast. Proceeds from this trip will help save at least 1,000 hatchlings at this beach per person.
Dates: January 10 - 16, 2026 (1 spot left)
Price: $1,995 per person. A deposit of $300 is due upon registration.
Includes: In-country transport, meals, lodging, activities, guides, and a donation to turtle conservation.
Excludes: Airfare to Mexico, personal items, and tips.
Notes:
Colola Beach is located in the Michoacan Province, which currently has a US State Department travel warning due to violence in the state. However, the coastal part of the state is safe and is not an area of concern. We will be staying in the coastal area accompanied by our Latin America Director (and Mexican citizen) Adriana Cortes, along with local residents and a professional driver.
Rooms are equipped with fans and wifi is available in the eating area.
Minimum recommended age is 16 years old.
Group size is limited to 12 people maximum.
* Please note: We give 100% refunds on any trips that we need to cancel and our cancellation fees (when travelers need to cancel) can be used on a future trip, except for cancellations made within 60 days of travel when payments to local providers has already been completed. See our full terms and conditions here.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
All profits support conservation efforts
Work directly with local researchers
Unique experiences
Personalized service
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive to Manzanillo
Fly into Manzanillo airport (ZLO), arriving anytime of the day. We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Dinner will be with the group in town. We will stay at Hotel La Pergola Manzanillo on the ocean (or a similar mid-level hotel). Meals: D.
DAY 2: Turtles, Turtles, Turtles
After breakfast, we will meet our private bus for the 3 hour drive to Colola. Settle into the cabins and meet for an orientation to the research station and learn about these turtles and the work in Colola. In the early evening, we will visit the turtle hatchery to work with hatchlings and learn how this project is integrated with the local community. After dinner, we will go out to the beach to be trained on the research work and conduct some research on turtles nesting in front of the research station. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3: Ixtapilla & El Faro
This morning, we’ll wake up with a traditional Mexican breakfast. If there are nesting olive ridleys to view, we will visit Ixtapilla Beach, a nesting beach a short drive away. We will be not be in this area around the time the mass nesting known as an “arribada” normally happens though this beach has many nesting turtles even outside the arribada and the olive ridleys sometimes nest during the day, offering great photographic opportunities.
Afterwards, we head to nearby El Faro beach for lunch and an opportunity to swim in the water potentially with black turtles. Take a rest in the late afternoon and then meet at dusk to release more hatchlings and then visit the beach again after dinner. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4: Maruata & Artisan Visit
After breakfast, we will make the short drive to the nearby town of Maruata. There we will visit local artisans to teach us how they make their various crafts and an opportunity to take home some unique souvenirs. Crafts include painted textiles, ceramics, turtle figurines, water jugs, and more. Next we will have lunch and visit the beach for some swimming and relaxing. Finally, we will visit the spectacular geologic formation on the coast known as “Dedo de Dios” (Finger of God) and explore the gorgeous coastal scenery. Finish the day with our daily hatchling release in the evening and nighttime beach work. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Forest Walk & Hat Workshop
Today we start with a walk in the forest to do some bird watching and explore more of this region and the mountainside. After lunch we will have a workshop to learn how to make traditional leaf palm hats. We will be able to fabricate our own hat from scratch with the guidance of one local patroller. Finish the day with our daily hatchling release in the evening and nighttime beach work. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6: Manzanillo
After breakfast, we head back to Manzanillo (3 hour drive). We will have lunch in one of the local restaurants and then free time in the afternoon to hang out on the beach, swim, or go souvenir shopping. Meet up for one last celebratory dinner on the town and head out for a drink afterwards or get a good nights sleep for the journey home. Overnight: Hotel La Pergola Manzanillo. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7: Depart
Have breakfast at the hotel and then head to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight home or feel free to explore more of this beautiful part of Mexico! Meals: B
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Testimonial:
“This adventure for a turtle lover is not to be missed. I intend to return here many, many times.” - Joyce M.
TRIP VIDEO
Is This Trip Right For Me?
SEE Turtles offers trips for people with a spirit of adventure. Colola Beach is located in the Michoacan Province, which currently has a US State Department travel warning due to violence in the state. However, the coastal part of the state is safe is not an area of concern. We will be staying in the coastal area accompanied by local residents and a professional driver. The research station is simple but clean and comfortable, with a mix of rooms with private and shared bathrooms. Meals will be simple Mexican staples and dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
