Summertime is Turtle Time on the Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
Every Summer, Olive Ridley sea turtles start arriving on the shores of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit to nest their eggs. Forty-five days later, their eggs begin to hatch, attracting visitors looking to experience the magic of life first-hand by taking part in the Banderas Bay region’s turtle hatching season.
The Bay of Banderas is the birthplace of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles, and every summer they return to the beaches on which they were born to lay their eggs. As sea turtle nesting often takes place just outside the doors of Puerto Vallarta’s finest resorts, the local hotel industry has gotten involved in the protection effort by running marine turtle conservation and protection programs for over 40 years.
With the support of professional marine biologists and the Municipal Departments of Environment and Ecology, many Banderas Bay area resorts run turtle conservation and protection programs that give turtle-loving travelers an opportunity to take part in this unique educational vacation experience.
If the hundreds of eggs the mother lays are left there, they are at risk of being stepped on or eaten by predators. So, once the turtles lay their eggs, the nests are moved with great care to protect them until they hatch. When the hatchlings are born and ready to be set free, the hotels invite guests to aid in the release. It’s a unique educational opportunity, as the resort’s recreational staff takes the opportunity to familiarize participants with the Olive Ridley turtle, explaining its life cycle and physical characteristics, while creating environmental awareness and encouraging others to help save them.
There are also a number of environmental groups in the greater Banderas Bay area that run turtle camps that give participants the opportunity to learn more about the Olive Ridley while creating environmental awareness and encouraging others to help save them.
During the summer and fall months, travelers can volunteer or go on tours of these nurseries and nesting sites to learn about the fascinating life cycle of sea turtles, for just one night, or by participating in a two-month-long volunteer project, subject to availability. For more information about long-term volunteer opportunities, visit project-tortuga.org.
TURTLE CAMPS AND RELEASE PROGRAMS IN PUERTO VALLARTA
Boca de Tomates Sea Turtle Camp
The Boca de Tomates Saving Sea Turtles release camp and sanctuary is right behind the Puerto Vallarta airport on the beach. The staff claims an average of 60,000 baby turtles are released each year. Check their Facebook page for release times as they change every day depending on availability. If you aren’t in Puerto Vallarta, you can help by adopting a turtle nest or by making a donation to their conservation program via Paypal to antonio_banderas270@hotmail.com to help pay for materials, flashlights, gasoline for the 4-wheelers, and more.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Turtle Release
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta turtle release is one of the most popular ones in the area. It has been one of the resorts leading the way for the conservation of sea turtles in Banderas Bay. After the baby sea turtles 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. Visit marriott.com or call (322) 226-0000 or 1-800-228-9290 toll-free from the US and Canada for more information and release times.
TURTLE CAMPS AND RELEASE PROGRAMS IN RIVIERA NAYARIT
Campamento Tortuguero de Nuevo Vallarta
On Flamingos Beach in Nuevo Vallarta, Campamento Tortuguero de Nuevo Vallarta is a turtle camp dedicated to the conservation, hatching, and releasing of baby sea turtles. For more information and release times, visit their Facebook page.
Sayulita Turtle Release Camp
Take a short hike on the beach to reach the Sayulita Turtle Release Camp. Baby sea turtle releases happen on the same day that they hatch which is they can only announce release dates and times at 10 am on the day of the event. To see daily release times, visit their Facebook page.
Before the development of programs such as these, only 40% of the eggs that were laid along the shores of Banderas Bay survived, but today, thanks to programs such as these, almost 96% of the eggs deposited are incubated successfully.
Turtle-loving travelers heading to Puerto Vallarta this summer are invited to join one of the Banderas Bay region’s many sea turtle protection programs, which help thousands of baby Olive Ridley sea turtles survive long enough to reach the sea. https://banderasnews.com/
Come…relax and experience the charm and culture of Puerto Vallarta Mexico with quaint cobblestone streets, the fragrant scent of Bougainvillea, beautiful beaches, Mexican cuisine, outstanding golf courses, and a host of activities for everyone to enjoy!
Who says Five Star Services along with great value can’t go hand in hand? Let Casa Bay Villas help you find that special vacation villa rental that is just perfect for you!
We specialize in luxury villa vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita Mexico. Our villas are spacious yet intimate with personal staff to pamper your every need. Whether you are planning a destination wedding celebration, a vacation with family, or just getting away with friends, let us show you the beauty of Puerto Vallarta in your private villa vacation rental.
Your vacation time is valuable and that is why we inspect every property we represent for the owners. We are familiar with the accommodations, amenities, and staff to help you select the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta. The results…vacation rentals that won’t leave you with unwanted surprises.
Our private vacation rentals offer a full range of services during your stay from full staff services including a chef who will prepare two meals a day.
Our concierge services will personally contact you with information on activities, tours, or spa services in the privacy of your villa rental, to the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta. We have the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.
For more information about renting a villa in Puerto Vallarta visit our website at https://www.casabayvillas.com/ or email Jennifer at info@casabayvillas.com or call us at 203.386.8022.
We hope you will visit one of our luxury vacation rental villas soon and experience the magic of Puerto Vallarta!
Our mission at Casa Bay Villas is to exceed your expectations, listen to your needs, and assist you in selecting the best villa rental for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.