Sea Turtle Migration

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Every year three species of sea turtles migrate to the coasts of the state of Michoacan, Mexico, to nest and lay their eggs.   Laud, Black and Golfina sea turtles migrate to the area between August and December each year, with higher numbers in the months of October and November.  Outside these months, sea turtles have been tracked as far away as Honduras, nearly 1500 km away.

In 1996, due to studies revealing particularly low sea turtle populations, the University of Michoacan established a protection program.  In conjunction with this, the state government declared its coastline a sea turtle sanctuary and started an awareness program in many of the coastal communities.  In the following years, the task of protecting sea turtles was passed from the state and university to the communities themselves, most notably Colola and Maruata.  The programs are made possible with support from international organizations, donations, grants from national universities and the state government.

The result of these sea turtle protection programs has been a significant increase in sea turtle populations, particularly the Black Sea Turtle.  Researchers calculate that roughly 70% of the world’s Black Sea Turtle population originates from Colola, Michoacan, our principle turtle destination.  Our groups have the opportunity to work overnight as we actively participate with locals for the protection of these giant sea turtles.  Turtle eggs are dug up and gathered shortly after being laid and transported to the safety of the “Turtle Camp”.  There the eggs hatch and young turtles are given a brief time to mature before being released into the Pacific.  Young turtles make their way to the Pacific under the watchful care of our guests.

Rocamar Tours considers it a privilege to assist in the sea turtle sanctuary programs at Colola, Michoacan and Cuyutlan, Colima on Mexico’s Pacific coast.  Local sea turtle workers are always anxious to see our guests arrive.  Apart from being an incredibly rewarding experience, our sea turtle tour promises to be unforgettable for its remote location, local dishes and new friends made.  As we leave the turtle conservation area our hosts always say “les esperamos”….. we await your return!!