Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – One of the favorite parts of the summer season in Puerto Vallarta is participating in turtle release programs throughout Banderas Bay. It is currently nesting season for Olive Ridley turtles which return to our warm bay water and the soft sand along the coastline to lay the eggs of their eagerly awaited offspring.
While Olive Ridley turtles are a protected species under the laws of Jalisco and Nayarit, that protection only extends to harm from humans. Turtles, particularly the tiny babies, are not protected from natural predators like crabs and seabirds that love to snack on the infant turtles as they break free of their eggs and make the long walk down the beach to the ocean.
To lend these little guys a hand and give them some extra protection, there are several organizations that run turtle release programs that are open to the public. If you would like to help the turtles, here are a few things to keep in mind, to help ensure their safety.
• Mothers-to-be like to be left alone. If you should see a sea turtle on the beach, stay far back and offer plenty of undisturbed room. If you take a photo, make sure not to use a flash, because it can disorient the turtle and make it challenging to find her nest.
• Don’t touch the babies, unless working with a trained conservationist in a turtle release program. The oil from human hands can interfere with baby turtles and they are very delicate with food sacks that can be easily broken, which would be a severe hindrance for their survival. At a turtle release program, you will be taught how to properly handle baby turtles.
• Plan for sunset. Although sunrise is also a good time to release baby turtles in Puerto Vallarta, most release programs take place at sunset, which is the best time of day to offer them protection from predators.
You can participate in turtle release programs at Campamento Tortuguero in Boca de Tomates, at the CasaMagna Marriott Resort in Marina Vallarta, or in Sayulita.
For visitors, or those who own a home in Puerto Vallarta, turtle release programs are always a feel-good, family-friendly activity and, because of these programs, now almost 96% of hatchlings make their way safely to the sea.
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Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region’s representative for “The Leading Agents of the World” and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office – Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.
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