Con Dao releases 35,000 sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean

The programme, jointly implemented by Con Dao National Park and Six Senses Con Dao, was launched in 2018 to strengthen sea turtle conservation through the establishment of a dedicated hatchery within the resort.

The hatchery serves as the second turtle incubation centre on the Con Dao archipelago and receives nests relocated from beaches vulnerable to tidal flooding, coastal erosion or predators.

After approximately 60 days of incubation and monitoring, hatchlings are released into the sea, significantly improving their chances of survival.

Over the past three years, the hatchery has achieved an average hatching success rate of around 83%, exceeding the global average of 60–80%, demonstrating both effective conservation practices and the favourable natural conditions found on Con Dao.

Located along the 1.8-kilometre Dat Doc Beach, Six Senses Con Dao sits within the buffer zone of Con Dao National Park, one of the few coastal areas in Vietnam where natural ecosystems remain largely intact.

Strict measures, including limiting artificial lighting at night, restricting motorised water sports and preserving the natural beach environment, have helped ensure that female sea turtles continue returning each year to lay their eggs.

Sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao typically runs from May to December.

During this period, visitors may observe hatchlings being released under the supervision of conservation staff. These activities follow strict environmental guidelines designed to minimise disturbance while raising public awareness of marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting natural nesting habitats.

Con Dao is one of Vietnam's most important sea turtle nesting grounds. Watching turtles lay eggs and witnessing hatchlings make their way to the sea has become one of the archipelago's signature nature-based tourism experiences in recent years.

From the beginning of 2026 to date, Con Dao has welcomed more than 410,000 visitors, including over 23,800 international arrivals. Average hotel occupancy has reached about 62%.

The archipelago currently has 141 accommodation establishments offering around 2,900 rooms. As visitor numbers and accommodation capacity continue to grow, controlling light pollution, noise and beach activities is considered essential to protecting the turtles' nesting habitat.

Over 1,300 sea turtle hatchlings return to the ocean in Nui Chua

Since April, Nui Chua National Park, part of the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve in southern Khanh Hoa province, has successfully rescued and released 1,301 baby turtles into the sea, reaffirming its commitment to conserving endangered sea turtle populations nesting on Vietnam’s mainland beaches.