Swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea in Cancas
Just a few kilometers from La Posada de los Tumpis, a one-of-a-kind experience awaits: swimming alongside green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
From the Cancas pier, you'll board a boat that takes you to crystal-clear waters where these fascinating animals swim freely in their own environment.
Guided by specialists and equipped with snorkel gear, you'll watch them glide serenely among colorful fish — an experience that blends excitement, nature, and respect for marine life.
The green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that inhabit the waters of Cancas and Los Órganos are not occasional visitors: they are part of the marine ecosystem year-round. This stretch of northern Peru is one of the few places in the Eastern Pacific where you can find them in shallow, calm waters, ideal for observing them without disturbing their natural behavior.
What no video can ever convey
These individuals can grow up to 1.20 meters long and weigh more than 130 kilograms. Their name comes from the greenish color of their body fat, not their shell, which is usually a blend of olive and brown tones. They feed mainly on sea grasses and algae, making them docile and largely unafraid of humans who observe them respectfully.
Unlike other parts of the world where sightings are seasonal, here the temperate water temperature and abundance of food allow for responsible encounters throughout much of the year. Swimming alongside them is not just an adventure: you're also supporting the local conservation economy, where every responsible visit helps fund the protection of their feeding and nesting routes.
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sound of your own breathing through a snorkel tube. You open your eyes underwater and there it is: a green turtle more than half a meter long, moving its flippers with a slowness that seems purposely designed for you to savor.
It glances at you sideways, decides you pose no threat, and continues swimming calmly on its way.
Would you like to arrange this excursion from the hotel?
BOOK YOUR STAY
