Sea Turtles Return to Puerto Vallarta

It’s nearly time for the return of sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta. Each year, turtles return to Banderas Bay to lay their eggs. The spawning season starts in June and typically ends in December. There are seven different species of sea turtles, and six of these species lay their eggs in various locations throughout Mexico each year. Puerto Vallarta is also a great place to buy a vacation home. For example, Garza Blanca’s beachfront community offers savvy home buyers the chance to own a vacation home in paradise. Plus, owners get access to world class resort amenities and services, too. In the meantime, keep reading below to learn more about the annual migration of sea turtles in Puerto Vallarta. 

Sea Turtle Migration

The migration of sea turtles references the long-distance travel of sea turtles through the ocean until they reach the location of their birth. Adult female sea turtles return to the area where they were born to lay their own eggs. Although the spawning season starts in June and lasts through December, the peak season for turtle spawning occurs during August and September. Once they hatch, the baby turtles emerge from underground nests and slowly crawl across the beach towards the sea. In Puerto Vallarta, the collection of sea turtle eggs from nests is a crucial element in improving the chances of baby sea turtles reaching the sea. The number of sea turtles that arrive in Banderas Bay fluctuates each year. However, their presence in the area is an important part of the local ecosystem. 

Photo by Tanguy Sauvin on Unsplash

Sea Turtle Nests

Once the female sea turtle chooses a spot to lay her eggs, she will bury her eggs in the sand. There, they will remain in incubation for about 50 days. Once the 50 day incubation period has ended, the eggs will be ready to hatch.  In Puerto Vallarta and around Mexico, sea turtle preservation groups collect eggs from nests found in popular stretches of beaches. The eggs are then buried in the sand in protected areas in order to keep them safe from humans and natural predators. Natural predators such as skunks, raccoons, seagulls, foxes, ravens, crows, herons like to dig up the eggs to eat them. Unfortunately, humans also have been known to steal sea turtle eggs and or baby turtles in order to sell them for a profit. In general, an average of about 100 eggs are collected from each nest. Of these eggs, around 85 percent will hatch. This year, more than 3,000 turtle nests are expected, and up to 70 or 80 nests have been registered in a single night. 

Ready to Hatch

Once the babies are ready to hatch, they crack open their shells. Then, they break through the shell and begin to take steps towards the open sea. Volunteers and conservationists that collect sea turtle eggs help improve the chances of more sea turtle babies reaching the sea. If you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta in the next few months, you can participate in a sea turtle hatching experience. Each evening at sunset, people will gather to help release that day’s new baby turtles. In addition, some of the sea turtle protected nests are open to the public for viewing during daylight hours. Contact local organizers to see where you can view a sea turtle hatching in the wild for yourself.  

Did you know it is sea turtle hatching time in Mexico right now? Every year, thousands of sea turtles return to Banderas Bay to lay their turtle eggs. Looking for the best deals for travel packages to Mexico? If so, contact Garza Blanca. Owned by Tafer Hotels & Resorts, they have luxury resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Plus, they have flexible cancellation policies and stringent health protocols in place to make traveling easier. They also have a limited number of beachfront residences for sale. Full and fractional ownership options area available. If you buy a second home in Mexico, you can enjoy a getaway to paradise anytime you want. Make sure to plan your next trip to Mexico so you can see sea turtle nests and hatching for yourself. It’s a unique experience that the whole family will enjoy.