Attend the release of a baby sea turtle in Vallarta Port, at a local shrine is definitely at the top of our list of things to do as a family.
Currently, it is the only city that has a sea turtle protection plan, which has made Puerto Vallarta the best destination to see them in their natural habitat.
What kind of sea turtles arrive in Puerto Vallarta?
In this part of the Mexican Pacific, 4 of the 8 species of sea turtles that are registered worldwide arrive: black, hawksbill, leatherback and olive ridley, the latter being the most popular in Puerto Vallarta.
What is there to know about the Olive Ridley Turtle?
- It is the main species of sea turtles that return each year to the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco in Mexico.
- They are named for their dark green color.
- It is the smallest type of sea turtle and its shell grows only up to a meter long.
- The average olive ridley sea turtle lives about 50 years.
- Their diet is based on jellyfish, shrimp, sea urchins and other small marine species.
When is the turtle release season?
The sea turtle release season in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is between the months of August and December, although it frequently occurs outside of this period of time.
The sea turtle lays 50 to 250 eggs, roughly the size of ping pong balls. After 45 days the baby turtles hatch and come to the surface.
Where can I go to release turtles?
There are turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta where turtle nests are cared for until the eggs hatch, turtle release ceremonies are held, and visitors and volunteers can come together to witness how this amazing marine species finds its way to the ocean for the first time.
There are mainly two turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta where you can be part of the release of sea turtles.
1.- Mayto Turtle Sanctuary
Mayto Camp is one of the largest camps in the state of Jalisco, located 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta.
They are focused on environmental education and conservation through student programs and volunteer camps.
2.- Boca de Tomates Sea Turtle Camp
The Boca de Tomates Saving Sea Turtles release camp & sanctuary is located just behind the Puerto Vallarta airport, in the beach area.
An average of 60.000 turtles are released each year at this camp. The babies are released at dusk to minimize the risk of being preyed upon by birds, fish and other natural predators.
What to do if you find a sea turtle?
If you come across any sea turtle during your stay in Puerto Vallarta, take into account that there are some recommendations when it comes to wanting to approach them.
- Keep a distance of approximately 10 meters
- Don't take photos with flash
- Most importantly, do not disturb them as spawning can be disrupted.
You already know something about sea turtles, but here are some additional interesting facts:
- These turtles have been inhabiting the Earth for about 210 million years.
- Since the 17s, Mexico has undertaken the task of preserving sea turtles that nest on XNUMX beaches in its territory, including Puerto Vallarta.
- A new species of turtle named “Casquito de Vallarta” was recently discovered by researchers from universities in Puerto Vallarta.
Each release of sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta increases the chances of surviving baby turtles, until adulthood. Farmed turtles are a key link in the food chain, and if there were fewer sea turtles, the ecosystem would be thrown out of balance.
While visiting one of the top sea turtle viewing sites in Puerto Vallarta is fun on vacation, it's also a great educational opportunity for families who support local conservation work.
