Three sea turtle species nest on the Barra de Santiago beach: olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) — the latter two both critically endangered globally. The local conservation organisations buy nests from beach-walkers, incubate them in a protected hatchery for 45–55 days, and release the hatchlings into the surf.
Releases happen at sunset, mostly between August and January (peak nesting season). Guests can take part — you'll be given a hatchling in your hand, walk to the surf line, place it on the wet sand, and watch it find the sea by instinct. A small donation per release goes back to the program.
Off-season (February to July) the hatchery is mostly empty but the program runs year-round on incoming nests. Out-of-season visitors can still tour the hatchery and learn the work without releases.