Discover the Sea Turtle Sanctuary that Has Helped One Million Turtles

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Pueblo Bonito Resorts running a successful sea turtle sanctuary. Since its beginning, over one million sea turtles have been helped. Situated throughout the shoreline of Los Cabos, Mexico, the protective initiative began back in 2003 as a measure to protect the nests from predators and threats.

Just the Numbers

During that first year, the program protected a small number of nests, 83 in total. Twenty years later, more than 2,000 nests are kept safe each season.

The total to date reaches close to 16,000 nests protected, with more than one million baby sea turtles released into the ocean.

Species of Sea Turtles that Participate

Of the four species that frequent the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, it is said that the olive ridley turtle population shows the most encouraging recovery.

Three other species — the black, loggerhead, and leatherback sea turtles — also make landfall to nest. The leatherback is gigantic, measuring up to seven feet and weighing over 2,000 pounds.

The annual migration to the tip of the Baja peninsula has already started, with nest locations being recorded and protected until the hatchlings arrive. Fences are put into place as a barrier around the nests. This will help keep the nests safe from predators, such as humans, birds, and other animals.

The Annual Season for Sea Turtle Nesting

Mid-September kicks off the season, the earliest the females will begin to lay their eggs along the shoreline. Those eggs, also known as her ‘clutch’, will likely hatch in December.

Each female sea turtle deposits her clutch, which contains anywhere between 50 to 350 eggs at a time, depending on the species. The clutches are laid within nests located on the beach or lower dunes. And, on average, each nest cradles approximately 100 eggs.

By the end of each year, there will likely be thousands of tiny turtle hatchlings ready to make their great escape into the ocean. They are quite vulnerable, and the trek to the water’s edge can be lengthy.

Guest Participation

This is where visitors to the resort are given a chance to help protect them. The guests can join the trained conservation team and escort the tiny turtles to the shallow waters. This accompaniment boosts the survival chances. Each release is always held during sunset at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort and the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica.

Additionally, guests of the resorts can participate in hands-on interaction through this rewarding experience. This event allows for some great memories. Guests are educated about active conservation, turtle protection, and the release program at the resort.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © SLSK Photography/Shutterstock.com