Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – After two years of decline, Puerto Vallarta is experiencing a strong rebound in sea turtle nesting. The warm waters of Banderas Bay and the city’s sandy coastline are once again welcoming Olive Ridley turtles, now in the height of their nesting season.
At the Boca de Tomates turtle camp, activity has been especially high, with more than 30 nests collected in a single night along just four kilometers of beach. On one remarkable evening, 34 nests were rescued – an encouraging sign after recent years of low numbers attributed to the La Niña phenomenon.
“Three years ago, we registered 64 nests in one night on this same stretch of beach. We’re optimistic this season will reach similar levels,” said Carlos Alberto Hernández Mora, director of the Nacabe AC Association and technical manager of the Boca de Tomates camp.
Across the municipality, including Boca de Tomates and Marina Vallarta, as many as 4,000 nests are collected during a strong season along 20 kilometers of shoreline. Turtle camps also report impressive success, with hatching rates exceeding 92 percent – higher than the natural average of 80+ percent.
These efforts are supported by ongoing training for municipal staff, ensuring continuity in nest rescues and conservation work despite personnel changes.
Public participation also plays an important role. Local organizations invite residents and visitors to take part in turtle release programs, helping guide hatchlings safely to the sea while raising awareness about conservation.
Hernández Mora reminded the public that all sea turtles in Mexico are protected by law under Semarnat’s NOM-059. It is illegal to touch the animals or remove their eggs. He urged observers to act responsibly: keep a seven-meter distance, avoid bright lights and camera flashes, and report sightings to 911 so experts can respond.
This promising season highlights not only the resilience of the Olive Ridley but also the dedication of Puerto Vallarta’s conservation community in ensuring these treasured creatures continue to return year after year.
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