This is an exciting time to live in Cancun. Not only for the real estate but something special that is happening right outside on my beach. This is prime time for sea turtle nesting. Of the seven varieties of sea turtles, Cancun is host to two! The Loggerhead and the Green sea turtles return to this area every year. These two species are similar in that they weight an average of 200 pounds in adulthood and lay an average of 120 eggs in each nest. They can live to be 80 years old. And sadly both are on the endangered species list.
CEA or Centro Ecologico Akumal is an environmental organization that studies marine ecosystems and help to protect the sea turtles. They help to educate the public about sea turtles as well as set up “turtle nurseries” alone the coastline. From April to September sea turtles mate and come to shore to lay their eggs. The best time to watch for them is usually between 11 pm and 5 am. According to the concierge at my development the turtles are showing up as early as 10 pm this year. Hotels and residential complexes usually will turn their beach lights off or in another direction during this time of year so as to not deter the turtles from coming ashore.
If you are lucky enough to live in Cancun or visit this time of year, this is an event worth staying up for. There are several rules you will need to follow if you are would like to watch nature at work. First no flashing pictures or making loud noise that can scare the turtles away. I suggest trying to catch this when the moon is out to light the area. Do not disturb the turtles while they are laying eggs. And when they are done always report to management so that the eggs can be placed in the turtle nurseries for safe keeping until they hatch.
In about 60 days the baby turtles are ready to hatch and start their new life. As I look down the beach I can see several turtle nurseries with thousands of eggs in each. So you say how could they be endangered? They run the risk of dehydration before they make it to the ocean. And of course, there are predators along the way. Roughly only 1 out of 1000 survives to adulthood to repeat the cycle.
You can contact CEA for more information about sea turtles and their volunteer programs. Also check with your concierge for educational information as well. Together we can save these precious creatures for generations to come.
For more information on properties and vacation rentals in the area, contact me today.
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