The Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta kicks off the 2025 Puerto Vallarta sea turtle season from June to January 2026, focusing on marine biodiversity protection and inviting the public to join nest preparation and hatchling release activities.
The Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta, through its Directorate of Environmental Sustainability, is poised to launch the annual sea turtle nesting and protection season beginning in June and running through January 2026. This year’s campaign underscores the city’s commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity along its shores and engaging the community in hands-on conservation efforts.
Dr. Bartolo Cruz, Director of Environmental Sustainability, explained that teams have already commenced preparatory work at the Holi Beach hatchery. “We are replacing the sand in our hatchery enclosures to inhibit the growth of harmful fungi around the nests,” Cruz said, noting that healthy sand substrates are essential to ensure high hatching success rates and minimize disease risks.
While exact nest counts cannot be forecasted in advance, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches—a known migratory corridor for endangered sea turtle species—are expected to host nesting females across multiple sites. “We anticipate turtle arrivals on all major nesting beaches within our municipality,” Dr. Cruz added. “Our preparations are designed to accommodate fluctuations in nesting activity, whether we see dozens or hundreds of nests.”
In addition to hatchery maintenance, the Directorate will roll out a series of environmental education campaigns aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of sea turtles to the local ecosystem. Educational materials will be distributed in schools, hotels, and beachfront communities, highlighting proper lighting practices, beach etiquette, and the ecological role that turtles play in marine food webs.
A central feature of this year’s initiative is the invitation for residents and visitors to participate directly in hatchling releases. At the City Hall hatchery on Holi Beach, scheduled release events will allow volunteers to assist conservationists in escorting newly hatched turtles to the sea. “Experiencing a release firsthand can foster a lifelong appreciation for our coastal environment,” Dr. Cruz noted. Specific release dates will be announced as hatching season approaches and emergence times can be predicted more accurately.
The Municipal Government is collaborating with local schools, tourism operators, and non-governmental organizations to ensure broad participation. Volunteer training sessions will cover nest monitoring protocols, hatchling care procedures, and guidelines for safe interaction with wildlife. “Our goal is to empower the community with the knowledge and skills needed to protect these emblematic species,” said Cruz.
Officials also stressed the importance of minimizing light pollution along nesting beaches. Artificial lighting can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean. To combat this, the city government is coordinating with beachfront businesses and homeowners to install turtle-friendly lighting—low-glare, long-wavelength fixtures that preserve natural light cues for turtles.
In previous seasons, community involvement has been instrumental in boosting hatching success rates. With each egg nest containing an average of 80 eggs, even small increases in survival can yield hundreds more turtles returning to the sea. “Every effort counts,” emphasized Dr. Cruz. “By removing debris, maintaining safe nesting zones, and guiding hatchlings, volunteers make a tangible difference in marine conservation.”
Puerto Vallarta’s sea turtle season is part of a broader state-level strategy to strengthen Jalisco’s standing as an international ecotourism destination. Similar initiatives taking place across Jalisco aim to highlight the symbiotic relationship between environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism development.
As the city readies for the season, the Directorate of Environmental Sustainability encourages citizens to stay informed via official social media channels and the municipal website. Sign-up links for volunteer shifts, educational workshops, and turtle release events will be made available in late May.
With collective effort, Puerto Vallarta aims not only to protect sea turtles during this nesting season but also to foster a culture of environmental guardianship that extends beyond January 2026. Municipal authorities express optimism that, through transparent communication and active citizen participation, this year’s sea turtle season will be the most successful to date, ensuring healthy hatchlings and thriving marine ecosystems for generations to come.
The Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta kicks off the 2025 Puerto Vallarta sea turtle season from June to January 2026, focusing on marine biodiversity protection and inviting the public to join nest preparation and hatchling release activities.
