The Mexican coast experiences one of its most anticipated natural events every year.The release of sea turtle hatchlings, a spectacle that combines environmental commitment, education, and the support of the local community and visitors. This process, vital to the survival of endangered species, has also become an opportunity for environmental awareness and responsible tourism.
In states such as Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Tamaulipas, hundreds of volunteers, authorities and environmental organizations They spend months protecting nests, safeguarding eggs, and organizing controlled releases. Mexican beaches are a refuge for various species of turtles, whose young begin their journey to the sea during a season marked by strict protocols and a deep connection with nature.
When is the season and how does the turtle release take place?
La release of sea turtles It mainly coincides with the egg hatching season, which occurs after the nesting period between May and June. In Yucatan, most births and releases take place of july to november, being especially frequent in August and September. In Cancún, the season formally kicks off in May and runs through October, with notable events during the full moon. Tamaulipas, for its part, stands out for the work of the camps on beaches such as La Pesca, Miramar and Playa Bagdad, where the olive ridley turtle is protected.
The release is usually organized at dusk., a strategic time to avoid predators and protect the little turtles from the heat. Experts and volunteers oversee the process to ensure that as many hatchlings as possible reach the ocean.
Main beaches and protected species
En the Yucatan Peninsula, releases are concentrated on beaches with active turtle camps, such as San Crisanto, Sisal, El Cuyo, and Celestún. Here you can see both hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, among others. Marlin Beach, in Cancún, is a benchmark for conservation and houses thousands of eggs protected in supervised nests each year. Other species such as the white turtle and the leatherback turtle also nest in these areas.
En Tamaulipas, the protagonist is the olive ridley turtle, whose protection involves the safekeeping of hundreds of thousands of eggs and the release of tens of thousands of hatchlings each season, thanks to the joint work of the Parks and Biodiversity Commission and citizen collaborations.
In each region, releases are typically open to the public, albeit with limited capacity, and always under the supervision of trained personnel to avoid risks to both animals and people.
How to participate and general recommendations
For those who wish to join this experience, it is best to go to certified turtle camps or to events organized by environmental authorities. It's important to register in advance due to the limited number of places. In destinations like San Crisanto and Sisal, participation is accessible, while in places like El Cuyo or Celestún, activities are coordinated by biologists and organizations like Pronatura.
It is essential to follow the established rulesDo not touch the hatchlings without permission, do not use flashlights or flashlights, remain silent, and respect the designated areas. This helps prevent interference with the turtles' navigation process toward the sea.
If you find a nest or witness a turtle nesting outside of an organized release, the authorities must be notified and avoid any contact. Improper handling can have legal consequences and, above all, endanger the lives of the offspring and the ecological balance of the environment.
Impact of conservation and environmental education programs
La Sea turtle protection work has a direct impact on biodiversity and responsible tourism. Surveillance campaigns, nest marking, and volunteer training are key actions to maximize hatchling survival. Furthermore, these programs reinforce environmental awareness, engage the community, and foster respect for nature.
Some sanctuaries, such as the one in Rio Lagartos in Yucatan, stand out as breeding and nesting reserves, covering large protected areas. The continued presence of turtles on these coasts also contributes to beach stability and the health of other marine ecosystems.
From July to November, the Mexican coast becomes the stage for one of the country's most emblematic conservation efforts, where the joint efforts of institutions, volunteers, and citizens allow thousands of turtles to begin their journey to the ocean. Participating in these events not only means witnessing a unique natural spectacle, but also actively contributing to the protection of species that are essential to marine ecological balance.
