La Tortuga Verde — Hotel in Municipio de Intipucá

Disappointing and Heartbreaking Experience at La Tortuga Verde.||As someone with a deep respect for sea turtle conservation, I was appalled by the so-called “sanctuary” experience at La Tortuga Verde. The entire event felt like a staged production for tourists, completely disregarding the well-being of the baby turtles and the principles of ethical conservation.||First, the owner didn’t even acknowledge the guests or provide any meaningful education about sea turtle conservation. Instead, the experience revolved around a scripted production, complete with five camera operators and bright, invasive lights—which, as I’ve learned, are highly stressful for baby sea turtles. These bright lights disorient the turtles and can negatively impact their survival instincts.||Before the staged release, the baby turtles were kept in a tub, exposed to heat and unnecessary stress. Baby turtles are supposed to make their way to the ocean immediately after hatching to imprint on the sand. This crucial step allows them to recognize their birth beach when they return to lay eggs as adults. Unfortunately, these turtles were denied that natural process, leaving them at risk of never finding their way back.||Adding to the distress, guests were encouraged to handle the turtles for photos—a completely irresponsible practice. I witnessed multiple people dropping the turtles on the ground, further stressing these vulnerable animals. Even worse, during the release, a girl dropped her turtle into the water, and instead of letting it recover, a staff member picked it up and handed it back to her. This poor turtle had already expended its energy trying to swim and was forced to start all over again.||The release itself was done improperly. The turtles were placed directly into the water, which is not how it should be done. They should walk across the sand to the ocean on their own to build the imprint they need to return safely. To make matters worse, the person releasing them walked through the water as a wave approached, disrupting the turtles further.||I’ve also read that legitimate sea turtle conservation efforts require proper certification and partnerships with recognized organizations. Based on what I witnessed, I seriously doubt that La Tortuga Verde adheres to any such standards.||It is heartbreaking to see this establishment claim to be a sanctuary while engaging in practices that prioritize tourist entertainment over the welfare of the turtles. Conservation is not a show—it’s a responsibility.||Sadly, this operation felt more like a “Tiger King” of turtles than a true sanctuary. I strongly urge anyone who cares about sea turtles to avoid supporting this business. Look for organizations that are genuinely committed to conservation and follow proper, ethical protocols. The turtles...

Disappointing and Heartbreaking Experience at La Tortuga Verde

As someone with a deep respect for sea turtle conservation, I was appalled by the so-called “sanctuary” experience at La Tortuga Verde. The entire event felt like a staged production for tourists, completely disregarding the well-being of the baby turtles and the principles of ethical conservation.

First, the owner didn’t even acknowledge the guests or provide any meaningful education about sea turtle conservation. Instead, the experience revolved around a scripted production, complete with five camera operators and bright, invasive lights—which, as I’ve learned, are highly stressful for baby sea turtles. These bright lights disorient the turtles and can negatively impact their survival instincts.

Before the staged release, the baby turtles were kept in a tub, exposed to heat and unnecessary stress. Baby turtles are supposed to make their way to the ocean immediately after hatching to imprint on the sand. This crucial step allows them to recognize their birth beach when they return to lay eggs as adults. Unfortunately, these turtles were denied that natural process, leaving them at risk of never finding their way back.

Adding to the distress, guests were encouraged to handle the turtles for photos—a completely irresponsible practice. I witnessed multiple people dropping the turtles on the ground, further stressing these vulnerable animals. Even worse, during the release, a girl dropped her turtle into the water, and instead of letting it recover, a staff member picked it up and handed it back to her. This poor turtle had already expended its energy trying to swim and was forced to start all over again.

The release itself was done improperly. The turtles were placed directly into the water, which is not how it should be done. They should walk across the sand to the ocean on their own to build the imprint they need to return safely. To make matters worse, the person releasing them walked through the water as a wave approached, disrupting the turtles further.

I’ve also read that legitimate sea turtle conservation efforts require proper certification and partnerships with recognized organizations. Based on what I witnessed, I seriously doubt that La Tortuga Verde adheres to any such standards.

It is heartbreaking to see this establishment claim to be a sanctuary while engaging in practices that prioritize tourist entertainment over the welfare of the turtles. Conservation is not a show—it’s a responsibility.

Sadly, this operation felt more like a “Tiger King” of turtles than a true sanctuary. I strongly urge anyone who cares about sea turtles to avoid supporting this business. Look for organizations that are genuinely committed to conservation and follow proper, ethical protocols. The turtles...

Pretty setting and nice beach, but not great rooms and bad bar and restaurant service. Conservation seems to be an afterthought at best. . Room was extremely basic but ok, however the bathroom was mildewy, the shower dirty (with old bars of soap left there), and the toilet would not drain properly, which I was informed was a problem outside the building that would be fixed, but it continued to not work for my two night stay. I was with a group and all the rooms were similar, so no point in changing (plus it was packed at the beginning of the high season). . Service at the bar/restaurant was pretty terrible; you practically have to tackle someone to order food or drink. Drinks were ok but pretty weak and overpriced, and always serviced with a plastic straw even if you ask for no straw - which is pretty normal for Central America, until you remember that this resort was founded and is run by a guy from the United States and it's purpose is to fund sea turtle conservation. 🙃 Great job, man! . It is a lovely setting and the beach is very nice. I tried to go for a short walk on the beach at night to look for turtles and other creatures and was met with security shining bright lights in my eyes every 20 feet or so, which I can understand but boy was it annoying, especially when you are wearing a reflective resort bracelet they should be able to see and are not even carrying anything with you. . During the day the beach is very nice and pretty clean, though it gets very crowded with day trippers. I had a lot of fun taking a surf lesson with a great instructor! I wish there were snorkels to rent, or options for boat trips other outings. The resort is a bit far from town, so there's not much to do if you don't want to lay around and drink or surf all day. . Other things that would be nice: more options for shade on the beach, like areas you could rent with an umbrella or shelter; options to hear about the conservation work (there are also a couple of unreleasable sea birds being cared for, but there is no interpretive sign, staff to tell you about them, etc. - in fact, if you didn't know and didn't read about it online, you wouldn't really know this was a conservation-focused place at all); more water stations (pretty much water is only available in the front office, and it ran out a couple times); entertainment (how about some live music?); yoga or workout classes. Basically it's just kind of a boring place to stay. Working toilets would...