Sea turtle releases are an experience that will make you appreciate our natural environment.
Sea turtle releases are events as striking as they are magical. Thousands of tourists enjoy the thrill of seeing the turtles coming to the Nuevo Vallarta beach to spawn at night or of releasing the Olive Ridley hatchlings and see how to make their way towards the sea. But these events are just a small look into the life and experiences of these animals.
The Return
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle are beautiful animals that have become a symbol of the Riviera Nayarit and a huge attraction for tourists. But few people know about their lives and behavior. For example, adults can live to be over 50 years of age, and nest up to 3 times year. They are also incredibly adaptable. Although preferably carnivores, they can complement their diets with seaweed whenever necessary. Even more interesting, they have a fantastic memory. It is so exceptional that each female will return every year to the same beach where she was born to lay her eggs. 
The Nest
While laying her eggs, a turtle is very vulnerable. So vulnerable that a turtle will refuse to start laying her eggs if there is noise, movement or lights nearby. It is essential that if you see a turtle on the beach, you leave it alone and alert the authorities. Every nest can hold up to 100 eggs each, and the temperature of the nest will define the gender of the turtle. But the eggs are a great prize for their natural predators. That is why Turtle Camps devote a lot of effort in relocating the nests and protecting them.
A New Start
Although there are hatchings throughout the year, they are much more common between October and February. It takes between 50 to 60 days for the turtle to hatch and start its journey to the sea. But the path to the sea is in plain view, and it is the most dangerous moment of their lives. Therefore, sea turtle releases are held at sunset. Turtle camps time the releases to decrease the chances of attacks from predators.
If you have ever had the chance to see sea turtle releases, you may know how adorable these hatchlings are. And you will also know how vital their conservation is. These creatures are an endangered species, which has suffered dramatically due to poaching. Even with protection, only 1 in 1,000 born turtles will live to see adulthood.
Join the Adventure
Marival Residences Luxury Resort® is proud to promote sustainable development and to help protect the environment. We invite you to experience this incredible adventure and understand why the Olive Ridley Turtle is so important for our planet. We also welcome guests to contact the local turtle camps in Nuevo Vallarta if a turtle is seen on the beach, or to join a sea turtle release.