Sea turtles embark on a remarkable journey each year to Mexico’s shores. The country’s extensive coastline provides vital nesting grounds for six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Witnessing the emergence of tiny hatchlings from their sandy nests and their determined dash to the ocean is a captivating natural spectacle.
Hatching Season Across Mexico
Sea turtle hatching in Mexico typically occurs between July and December, following the nesting season from May or June to November. The incubation period for sea turtle eggs lasts approximately 45 to 70 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions like sand temperature. Warmer sand temperatures during incubation tend to produce female hatchlings, while cooler temperatures result in more males.
Peak hatching activity often falls in late August, September, and October across various regions. In Puerto Vallarta, Olive Ridley turtle hatching is most prevalent from August to December. On the Caribbean coast, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya, hatchlings emerge primarily from July to November. While Olive Ridleys nest year-round in some areas of Oaxaca, their peak hatching occurs between September and December.
Major Nesting and Hatching Beaches
Two species, the Kemp’s Ridley and the black sea turtle, nest almost exclusively on Mexican beaches. These nesting sites are distributed along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
On the Pacific side, Oaxaca is renowned for its sea turtle activity, particularly Escobilla Beach. This beach is globally recognized as the largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, famous for their mass nesting events known as “arribadas.” Other significant Pacific locations include the Nayarit coastline, with beaches around Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Sayulita supporting Olive Ridleys and Leatherbacks. Michoacán’s coastline also offers nesting habitats.
Along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, within the Yucatan Peninsula and Quintana Roo, several beaches are significant for nesting and hatching. Akumal, meaning “place of the turtle” in Mayan, is a key area for Green and Hawksbill turtles. Isla Mujeres provides nesting grounds for Loggerhead, Leatherback, and Green turtles. The beaches of Cancun and the wider Riviera Maya host Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback species. Further north on the Gulf Coast, Rancho Nuevo in Tamaulipas is a primary nesting beach for the Kemp’s Ridley turtle.
The Journey from Nest to Ocean
After approximately 45 to 70 days of incubation, sea turtle hatchlings begin their journey from beneath the sand. They use a temporary sharp projection on their snout, called a caruncle or egg tooth, to break free from their leathery shells. Once out of their individual eggs, the hatchlings collectively dig their way to the surface, a coordinated effort that can take several days. The movements of some hatchlings can stimulate others to begin digging, leading to a synchronized emergence.
Hatchlings typically emerge from their nests at night, when the sand has cooled and the risk from daytime predators is lower. Their navigation to the ocean is guided by several instincts. They are primarily drawn towards the brightest light source, which on an undisturbed beach, is the reflection of light on the ocean horizon. They also sense the downward slope of the beach, vibrations, and visual cues from breaking waves, all directing them toward the water. An internal magnetic compass also aids their orientation. Once in the water, hatchlings engage in a “swim frenzy” for about 24 to 48 hours to quickly reach deeper, safer waters away from coastal predators.
Supporting Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea turtles face numerous threats, including poaching of their eggs and meat, habitat loss due to coastal development, accidental capture in fishing gear, and pollution, especially from plastics. Climate change further complicates their survival by altering nesting success and influencing the sex ratio of hatchlings. In response, Mexico has implemented extensive conservation programs. Since 1990, it has been illegal to capture, kill, or trade any sea turtle species or their eggs in Mexico, with strict penalties for violations.
Conservation efforts are a national priority, involving government agencies that designate and protect nesting areas. Over 200 sea turtle camps and sanctuaries operate across Mexico, including sites like Akumal and Isla Mujeres. These camps often relocate eggs to protected pens to increase hatching success. Community involvement, including local volunteers and ecotourism initiatives, plays a significant role in monitoring nests and educating the public.
For individuals visiting nesting beaches, responsible behavior is important for protecting these creatures. It is against Mexican law to touch sea turtles or hatchlings, and observers should maintain a distance of at least 30 feet. Artificial lights are harmful as they disorient nesting females and emerging hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean. Using flash photography or shining lights on the beach at night is prohibited. Remaining quiet and avoiding disturbing nests are also important. Supporting certified eco-friendly tourism operators and minimizing plastic waste are additional ways to contribute to sea turtle conservation in Mexico.