Shellabrating World Turtle Day With Marriott Vallarta Resort & Spa Global Animal
go to original May 24, 2018

World Turtle Day: A Day Worth Shellabrating (Nat Geo Wild)

Located between Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa makes it easy for travelers to access to once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters. From June to December, guests can participate in the resort’s turtle protection program and have the opportunity to release newly hatched turtles into the ocean.

Since the program started, more than 4,000 nests have been incubated at the hotel’s nursery, and over 1,200 incubated naturally at the beach. This program is a family favorite as children staying at the resort have the chance to even name their tiny sea turtles, and gather at sunset to wish them luck and set them free to return to the ocean.

In addition to having the opportunity to release newly hatched turtles, nature-lovers can join the resident biologist for a nighttime stroll along the beach to monitor the nesting turtles. Guests can meet at the turtle nursery at 10:30 pm, where the biologist will provide information about the conservation project and instructions for patrolling the beach.

Every year from June to September, thousands of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on Banderas Bay beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. After about 45 days of incubation, the hatchlings are born and ready to be released into the sea. (Banderas News)

While sea turtles have been around for millions of years, all seven sea turtle species are currently classified as endangered, with some facing extinction. Activists are calling for better protection and conservation efforts, but unfortunately sea turtles face a number of threats, ranging from climate change to poaching.

Click here for more facts about turtles and see how you can help conserve these beloved species. And, check out six more unique travel experiences that go above and beyond to protect nesting and hatchling sea turtles here.

  Learn about The Western Ecological Society

  Learn about Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde

  Learn about The Science Exchange Sea Turtle Internship