Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – The 2026 sea turtle release season is beginning along the shores of Banderas Bay, as protected nests start producing the first hatchlings of the season. For the next several months, residents and visitors will have opportunities to witness these tiny turtles make their first journey from the beach to the Pacific Ocean.
Although releases generally begin in September, the nesting season started July 1 and continues through December 31. During this period, female sea turtles return to Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, often at night, to lay their eggs.
Sea turtles can be spotted along much of the coastline, including popular beaches such as Los Muertos, Olas Altas, Playa de Oro, and Playa del Holi. Sightings are also reported in Marina Vallarta, Camarones, and Las Glorias. On average, between 1,500 and 1,800 nests are recorded in Puerto Vallarta each season.
Many nests are relocated to protected incubation areas operated by turtle camps and conservation programs. This helps protect the eggs from threats including strong waves, heavy foot traffic, predators, and illegal collection.
After roughly 45 days of incubation, the hatchlings emerge and are prepared for release. The tiny turtles are generally returned to the beach at dusk, when cooler temperatures and lower levels of activity provide better conditions for their trip to the water.
Protecting Thousands of Hatchlings
One of the conservation sites participating in this work is the Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp, located near the mouth of the Ameca River at the northern edge of Puerto Vallarta, next to the Marina Vallarta area.
A team of marine biologists, environmental inspectors, and local volunteers patrols miles of shoreline at night, searching for nesting turtles and relocating vulnerable nests to the camp’s protected incubation pens.
The program produced significant results during the 2025-2026 season. More than 36,000 eggs were protected, with 30,864 hatchlings successfully released into the Pacific Ocean.
Boca de Tomates also provides an educational component. Before afternoon releases, visitors can attend free interpretive talks about sea turtles, their reproductive cycle, and the importance of protecting them. The goal is to turn each release into an opportunity to build greater awareness among both children and adults.
Hotels Join Conservation Efforts
Sea turtle protection is not limited to dedicated camps. Several Puerto Vallarta hotels operate their own programs or work with specialized camps and conservation organizations to protect nests and, in some cases, organize releases for their guests.
Participating properties include Marriott, The Westin, Sunscape, Hyatt Ziva, Rosita, El Pescador, and Velas Vallarta. Specialized tour operators also offer conservation-focused experiences accompanied by trained guides who explain the biology and life cycle of sea turtles.
For families, couples, and nature enthusiasts, a turtle release offers a chance to experience local wildlife while learning about the conservation work taking place along the coast. It also provides a reminder that the beaches used by thousands of people each year serve as important nesting grounds for marine life.
Anyone hoping to attend a release should check directly with the turtle camp, hotel, or tour operator beforehand. Release dates and times cannot be guaranteed because they depend on when nests hatch, along with beach conditions and other natural factors.
As another season gets underway, the small hatchlings making their way across the sand represent the next generation of sea turtles returning to the Pacific. Their first trip to the ocean is brief, but it reflects months of work by the people protecting their nests and helping give these threatened marine reptiles a better chance of survival.
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