One of the most magical experiences in Puerto Vallarta is witnessing the heartwarming journey of baby sea turtles as they crawl toward the ocean for the first time. Each year, visitors and locals alike can take part in releasing these endangered creatures at various sea turtle camps and sanctuaries around Banderas Bay. Not only does this activity offer a memorable experience, but it also contributes directly to vital conservation efforts, ensuring that these species survive for generations to come.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best spots for a sea turtle release, learn about hatching season, and get important tips for planning your visit to one of the top conservation activities in Puerto Vallarta.
Sea Turtles in Puerto Vallarta
Banderas Bay is home to some of the most important beaches in the world dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Each year, thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles return to the shores of Puerto Vallarta to lay their eggs, continuing a cycle that has existed for millions of years.
The Olive Ridley is the most common species found in the area, recognized by its olive-green color. After spending 10 to 20 years in the ocean, females return to the very same beach where they were born to nest. Typically, they begin arriving just before sunset and continue late into the night. They prefer to lay their eggs during cooler hours, when predators are less active.
Baby Turtle Hatching Season
The season for releasing baby sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta spans from August to December, although hatching can occur slightly outside these months depending on weather and environmental conditions.
- Incubation period: 45 days after the mother turtle lays her eggs
- Number of eggs per nest: 50 to 250 (about the size of ping-pong balls)
Once hatched, the baby turtles emerge from their nests, ready to embark on the perilous journey to the sea. Visitors are invited to help release these tiny creatures, offering them the best possible chance of survival in a natural, safe environment.
Sea Turtle Protection Program
If you encounter a nesting sea turtle during your visit to Puerto Vallarta, it’s important to contact the Patrulla Verde (Green Patrol) by calling 911. These patrols play a vital role in protecting sea turtles from poaching, vehicle traffic, and natural predators.
Conservation programs in the region have been highly successful, with approximately 2,500 nests laid and more than 150,000 hatchlings released every year. Despite these efforts, sea turtles remain endangered, with only 5% reaching adulthood due to predators and environmental threats.
By participating in a Puerto Vallarta sea turtle release, you’re directly contributing to the preservation of this incredible species.
Turtle Release Camps in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re ready to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events, here are the top places to experience a turtle release in Puerto Vallarta:
Boca de Tomates Sea Turtle Camp
The Boca de Tomates Saving Sea Turtles release camp & sanctuary is right behind the Puerto Vallarta airport on the beach. You’ll see airplanes taking off right over your head on the beach! The staff claims an average of 60,000 baby turtles are released each year. The babies are released at sunset to minimize the risk of being prey to birds, fish, and other natural predators. Book a tour that includes:
- Small group visit to the sea turtle camp.
- An educational talk about sea turtles by a professional biologist guide.
- Take a tour of the incubation areas of the camp.
- Search & collection activity with artificial materials (no real eggs are used).
- At sunset, help release the baby sea turtles and get them safely to the ocean.
Your donations to the sea turtle release camp help keep the conservation efforts alive by supporting the hard work of a dedicated team of Mexican biologists and volunteers to increase the survival rate of Olive Ridley sea turtle.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Turtle Release
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta turtle release is one of the most popular ones in the area. Since 2005, it has been one of the resorts leading the way for the conservation of sea turtles in Banderas Bay, releasing an average of 60,000 baby sea turtles each season. They partnered with government officials and local biologists to create a hatchery where they say 30% of the area’s nests are housed on the half-mile beach in front of the resort.
After they hatch, guests of all ages are invited to participate in the release. The release dates and times vary depending on the month and day, so we recommend calling in advance to plan your visit.
Mayto Turtle Sanctuary
Located about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, the Mayto Turtle Sanctuary is one of Jalisco’s largest and most active conservation centers. They focus on environmental education and volunteer programs.
Turtle Release Nuevo Vallarta Sanctuary
In Nuevo Vallarta, along Flamingos Beach, there is a sanctuary dedicated to hatching and releasing baby sea turtles.
Why Visit: It’s one of the easiest and most accessible turtle camps for visitors staying in the northern part of Banderas Bay.
Sayulita Turtle Release Camp
The laid-back beach town of Sayulita is also home to a turtle conservation program.
How to Help: You can adopt a sea turtle nest or donate to the program to support local conservation efforts.
Unique Experience: The releases here happen on the same day that the turtles hatch, making it essential to check daily for announcements.
Adopt a sea turtle nest or donate to their conservation program by emailing antonio_banderas270@hotmail.com.
Sea Turtle Volunteer Opportunities
Adopt a Nest: For around $500 MXN, you can adopt a sea turtle nest and help fund the materials and supplies needed to support conservation efforts. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to release the baby turtles when they hatch.
Volunteer Programs: If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience, consider joining a sea turtle volunteer program. As a volunteer, you’ll help relocate nests, care for hatchlings, and release them into the ocean. These programs often include early morning beach patrols and evening releases, giving you the chance to work closely with conservationists.
FAQ
The main species of sea turtle that return every year to the shores of Puerto Vallarta is the Olive Ridley, named for their dark green color.
The season for releasing baby sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit is between the months of August and December, although it occurs frequently outside this period of time.
Participating in a turtle release in Puerto Vallarta is usually free, but donations help keep the conservation efforts alive. Make sure to reach out to the turtle camp you are interested in to ask for more information before showing up.
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