Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Akumal: How You Can Help
draws admiration and responsibility from residents and visitors alike. This season is especially critical for the conservation of loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles, all of which come ashore to lay their eggs at night.
These magnificent creatures are protected by Mexican law, and their survival depends heavily on human cooperation. Here’s how you can help.
Keep the Beach Clean
Remove all furniture, trash, beach gear, and even sandcastles from the beach each night. These items can become serious hazards, trapping or injuring turtles as they attempt to nest or hatchlings trying to reach the sea.
Keep the Beach Dark
Artificial lighting can disorient sea turtles and their hatchlings, pulling them away from the ocean and increasing their risk of death. Turn off exterior lights and close curtains when using indoor lighting. Avoid white flashlights and flash photography. In case of emergency, use red lights or flashlights with red filters.
Respect Their Space
Noise, pets, and crowds can all disrupt turtle behavior. Keep noise levels low, always walk dogs on a leash, and steer clear of nesting turtles or marked nests. Never attempt to handle, touch, or interfere with turtles or hatchlings.
Install Pool Barriers
If your home or rental property has a pool, make sure to install a secure barrier during nesting season. Hatchlings can become disoriented and fall into pools, where they often cannot survive.
Stay Informed and Report Sightings
You can find helpful resources by scanning posted QR codes around Akumal to report turtle sightings or access updated guidelines. These are managed in coordination with Centro Ecológico Akumal and local authorities.
Get Involved with Local Conservation
For those who want to do more, we invite you to visit Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) to learn about sea turtle nesting camps, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities. Your time and support directly contribute to the protection of these endangered species.
All sea turtles in Akumal are protected under Mexican law NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. Touching, disturbing, or interfering with them or their nests is a legal offense and may result in serious consequences.
For more information and details, contact us at hola@akumalmx.com.