Con Dao Island
1 day / 1 night
AH-CD07
4/10
WHY THIS TOUR?

This overnight experience is one of the most meaningful eco-tours in Con Dao, offering travelers a rare opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting in their natural habitat under ranger guidance. Beyond the emotional highlight of watching a mother turtle come ashore at night, the journey also introduces guests to Bay Canh’s mangrove ecosystem, conservation work, and—when conditions allow—the unforgettable experience of releasing hatchlings into the sea the next morning. Bay Canh is one of Con Dao’s key turtle nesting sites, and turtle-watching here is considered one of the destination’s signature wildlife experiences.

Highlights

  • Watch sea turtles lay eggs and release hatchlings into the sea
  • See the Con Dao travel guide here
SUMMARY
  • Start / Finish Point: Con Dao

  • Duration: 1 day / 1 night

  • Destination: Con Dao Island

  • Group Size : 5

  • Best Season: Mar - Sep

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

  • Activities: Sea Turtle Conservation Tour

ITINERARY
Day 1: Bay Canh Island & Sea Turtle Nesting Experience

14:45 Meet at 36 Ton Duc Thang Street. Transfer by speedboat to Dam Tre / Bay Canh area.

15:00 Arrive at the swimming stop. Guests will be provided with life jackets, masks, and snorkels to enjoy coral viewing and marine scenery.

16:30 Continue to Bay Canh Island. Visit the pristine mangrove forest, the turtle incubation area, and learn more about sea turtle biology and the conservation work carried out by Con Dao National Park.

18:00 Dinner at the ranger station.

19:30 onwards Join the ranger-guided evening excursion through the mangrove area and proceed to Cat Lon Beach to watch sea turtles nesting.
* Note: The exact turtle nesting time is not fixed and depends on tides and natural conditions. Guests must follow ranger instructions and avoid disturbing the turtles.

Overnight at the ranger station.

* Meal included: Dinner

Day 2: Sunrise & Hatchling Release

06:30 Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. Breakfast and coffee at the ranger station.

07:30 Release baby turtles into the ocean, if hatchlings are available.

08:00 Return by boat to the main island. End of the program.

* Meal included: breakfast

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Car in Con Dao: airport & pier shuttle, island tour shuttle
  • 2 nights in the hotel at the centre location: 03-star hotel, standard: 2 people/room
  • 1 night at the ranger station
  • Sea turtle nesting tour
  • National Park walking tour
  • Tour guide & forest ranger
  • Meals as in the itinerary
  • Trekking & Snorkelling equipment
  • Drinks & snacks daily
  • Environmental protection and sightseeing fees, tickets
  • Travel insurance

     

Exclusion:

  • Airline or boat tickets to and from Con Dao

  • Personal expenses

  • Alcoholic drink

  • Tips for guides and porters

     

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

What to bring:

Also recommended:

  • First-aid kit
  • Life jacket
  • Snorkling equipment
  • Headlamp

 

  • Water shoes / water sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Sun protection: hat/cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Multi - tool

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trip Notes

  • Distance: The route is approximately 2 to 3 km
  • Terrain: Bay Canh Island (covering 683 hectares) is the second-largest island in the Con Dao archipelago, notable for its pristine ecosystem. Its distinctive terrain consists of two land masses connected by a sandbar in the middle (Bai Cat Lon), covered by dense tropical forest and a mangrove system that has developed on a foundation of dead coral.
  • Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, children from 6 to 10 years old are eligible to participate.
  • Watching sea turtles and releasing hatchlings are natural events, so the number of turtles you may see nesting depends on the specific day. Likewise, the opportunity to release baby turtles depends on whether any hatchlings emerge on that particular day.

2. Camping.

  • Overnight accommodation at the ranger station on the night of turtle watching is very basic. The station provides private rooms for 2 people or for groups of 3–4 per room. However, during busy periods, guests may need to sleep in hammocks.

3. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable Reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

4. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.