Connecting with Turtles
Helping hatchlings reach the ocean safely.
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Todos Santos has 22 miles of protected beaches intended to provide a safe refuge for the three species of sea turtles that come here to nest every year: the leatherback, the Olive Ridley and the green turtle.
※ In an effort to involve tourists and locals alike and raise awareness of the importance of protecting the turtles, local conservation centers organize a range of activities you can take part in and do your bit to save them.
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Todos Santos has a couple of sea turtle protection organizations.
● Since 2003, Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos has been taking steps to conserve the three species that return to these golden-sand beaches to lay their eggs, which are collected and put into pens to keep them safe.
● The other center is Tortugueros Las Playitas, which specializes mainly in the leatherback turtle. Here you can see the nurseries designed to protect the eggs from the cold and learn more about this endangered species and why it needs everyone’s help.
The Leatherback Turtle ༄
※ This is one of the largest sea turtle species on the planet, with some specimens measuring as much as 6.5 feet long. They can weigh up to 1,985 pounds and live for 45 years. It is estimated that only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings makes it to adulthood; eating plastic, being hunted by predators, and getting caught in fishing nets are common causes of mortality.
※ EGG COLLECTION
These organizations operate night trips to collect the turtle eggs and keep them safe from predators. They are placed in pens, and some 45 to 60 days later they begin to hatch.
༄ Outings are organized between July and November, scouring the coast from Punta Lobos to Boca del Carrizal. They usually take place between 11 pm and 6 am, with all the eggs found being taken to designated pens.
Grupo Tortuguero de Todos Santos takes the eggs it collects to its pen on Playa La Máquina, while Tortugueros Las Playitas concentrates on the beaches of Agua Blanca and Las Playitas.
In one season, up to 600 turtle nests can be found,
each of which will have 100 eggs on average,
so it’s all hands on deck!
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The Olive Ridley Turtle ༄
※ This is the most abundant species in the world and one of the smallest. It has a circular shell, can grow up to 28 inches in length, weighs around 84 pounds and lives up to 50 years. The Olive Ridley usually returns to the beach where it was born or a nearby one to nest, and can lay between 80 and 150 eggs a time.
※ TURTLE RELEASES
The eggs hatch between September and January, and as many as 45,000 baby turtles can be released in one season, so extra pairs of hands are always welcome, to help them reach the ocean safely.
༄ The hatchlings are usually released at sundown, and some centers invite you to name your turtle as you accompany it to the ocean. This is the perfect photo op, not to mention a chance to learn more about the various species that hatch.
The Green Turtle ༄
※ Named for the color of its underbelly, this turtle measures around 47 inches and weighs between 265 and 353 pounds. It has a heart-shaped shell, feeds on algae and can lay up to 125 eggs a time.
DONATE TO SUPPORT
※ SEA TURTLES ※
Both of these organizations accept donations, and Tortugueros Las Playitas runs internships for students and professionals, in addition to an “adopt-a-nest” program.
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You can adopt a nest of any of the three species (leatherback, Olive Ridley or green turtle) and will receive an adoption certificate in return, plus photos of the eggs hatching, information on the turtles you have helped save and activities for children.
