In the food chain of the Caribbean, each link is essential to maintain a balance, from a coral that is home to thousands of species to a bull shark that terrifies hundreds of fish ... The charismatic sea turtle is not the exception since this remarkable species keep coral reefs and sea floors healthy.
Learn all about the sea turtle nesting season in Cancun, and get ready to enjoy the great show of bringing more life to the world. Together humans and nature can live unique experiences such as the release of baby turtles.
When is Turtle Season in Cancun?
The sea turtle nesting season is a natural process that happens every year, from May to September in Cancun. These long-lived creatures are currently a threatened species, so taking care of their nests is vital for their conservation. The Mexican Caribbean's beaches, besides being beautiful, have the privilege of hosting sea turtles when they emerge from the oceans at night to lay their eggs on the white sands.
What Species of Sea Turtles Are There in Cancun?
Of the eight species of sea turtles that exist in the world, seven visit the beaches of Mexico. They're protected by Mexican laws such as NOM-059 of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the institution in charge of environmental protection and sustainable development in our country. Therefore, our responsibility is to contribute to the process so that their beautiful birth cycle is completed.
Thanks to the cooperation of volunteer hotels and resorts, thousands of eggs of species such as white turtles, loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, and leatherback turtle are collected in Cancun. Most are placed in nests protected with mesh and marked with signs. The area where they're located is usually away from lounge chairs, volleyball nets, jet skis, or any potential hazards.
How are Sea Turtle Nests Protected?
Many beachfront properties have volunteers who are dedicated to collecting, monitoring and releasing sea turtles. At Seadust Cancun, we have a great team of volunteers from the security, entertainment, quality, and lifeguard departments. They patrol the beach at night to protect both nests and turtles that come to the area to spawn.
Once the adult sea turtles return to the sea, the new eggs are placed in an isolated nest so that birds, iguanas, and other predators do not destroy them. Those responsible for the turtle nesting program are in charge of the recollection and identification of eggs. They gather them in nests and signal them with foliated signs that indicate the number of eggs per nest, species, and possible hatching date. Once they are born, they will begin their journey. Our duty as caregivers is to keep them safe until night and after sunset, to encourage them to reach the sea safely.
When is the Baby Turtle Release in Cancun?
According to SEMARNAT, the sea turtle spawning season begins in May and ends in September. The incubation period is 6 to 8 weeks, so July to November is the period of birth and release of turtles. Principally between September and October.
Tip Experto: To say goodbye to the turtles, you cannot miss the opportunity to volunteer and participate in their release on October nights at Seadust Cancun. Living a unique experience as beautiful as releasing turtles requires a lot of respect, so do not forget to approach our designated hosts to learn more about the release protocol.
Fun Facts About Sea Turtles
- The males never leave the ocean. They only come close to the coast for mating.
- A turtle has only one partner for life.
- It is believed that females lay their eggs on the same beach where they were born.
- The sex of the turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand: if it is hot, they are female, and if it is cold, they're male.
- Temperature plays a vital role since if the sand exceeds 93°F or is below 79°F, the embryos will die.
- Turtles mate until they are 30 years old and can live for more than 100 years.
- Only 2% of hatched turtles survive in the ocean.
