Puerto Vallarta is now 2 months into the turtle nesting season which happens each year in our region between August and March. During these months, female Olive Ridley turtles are drawn to our area to lay their eggs, seeking out the warmer waters of Banderas Bay and our miles and miles of soft sandy coastline to be a cozy nursery until their babies are ready to be born.
Sea turtles are a protected creature in our region, but only protected from humans. The hatchlings are still at risk from predators like sea birds and crabs who will snatch them up as they try to make their way from their egg, down the shore and to the sea.
To help the baby turtles make it to the ocean and aid in protecting this species, there are several groups, including private organizations and resorts, that operate turtle release programs. Here is what you need to know to help safely release these tiny creatures and get them on their way.
- Leave the mommies alone. If you see a sea turtle on the beach, coming to nest or returning to the sea, stay back and give her plenty of room and don’t use the flash on your camera, which can disorient the turtle.
- Don’t touch the babies. The oil from your hands can interfere with them and if you hold them too tightly, you can easily break their food sack, greatly limiting their chances for survival. The best way to release baby sea turtles is to carry them in a half coconut shell with some sand at the bottom. But only trained turtle conservationists should touch turtles.
- Sunrise or sunset. These are the best times to release the hatchlings to help protect them from predators. Also, they should be released by gently tipping the coconut shell on the sand, close to the water, and letting them crawl the rest of the way. This is part of their natural instinct which helps them to survive in the wild.
You can visit Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates to learn more about how to help saving sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a feel-good activity for residents and visitors of every age.
Click here for more Puerto Vallarta real estate and lifestyle tips from Tropicasa Realty.