Have you ever watched sea turtles hatch?

What exactly do you know about sea turtles? They are reptiles that live in tropical water that resurface every once in a while. Did you know that they can weigh up to 600kg and live for more than a 100 years? These fascinating animals still seem to baffle scientists. However, for the curious visitor they are merely fascinating animals that you can admire during springtime on the Mexican coast where they nest. This is a must-see on your next trip to the Riviera Maya.

In fact, according to newspaper outlets in Mexico, there is already turtle nesting in Akumal. May is normally the month turtles arrive to the inviting beaches of the Caribbean coast to nest their eggs in the sand, something that can last between two to three hours before returning to the sea. The females normally lay their eggs on the same beach they were laid and what is interesting is that the temperature the eggs prefer as they are nesting depends on their sex.

During the next two months the eggs will remain buried in the sand and, during this time, various ecological associations, like our Eco Bahia Foundation, will be in charge of protecting them from any such external threats. Once the hatchlings are ready, they will all hatch in a group and try to get to the sea as soon as possible where they will lead a solitary life until they reach adulthood.

 

In order to get to the sea, the hatchlings follow the brightest part of the horizon, as these animals are used to using the light for direction, and because this normally coincides with the direction of the sea, this is where they end up. Most hatchlings survive due to the strength instilled in this species, in addition to the the strategic placement of the eggs by their mother, which helps them complete their route successfully.

This is our recommendation if you are looking for things to do in the Riviera Maya during your holiday, especially if you love animals and nature. Akumal beach was the first beach to welcome turtles ready to lay their eggs this year and it is predicted that they will hatch within the next few months.

We highly-recommend watching this precious moment on the Punta de la Pierda beaches and in the surroundings of Tulum National Park. In fact, these areas remain fully protected in turtle hatching season to avoid anything happening to the hatchlings as they hatch. If you want to watch this spectacular moment, then remember to be respectful at all times and not interfere with the journey the hatchlings have to make to the sea.

Discover the magic of the Riviera Maya with this unmissable experience and enjoy one of the most interesting and impactful moments in nature.