Table of contents
Sea turtle season in Tulum spans two periods: nesting from May to October and hatching from July to November. Four species arrive on these shores: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata, critically endangered), and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). In 2025, Tulum recorded over 15,000 nests and released 1,085,347 hatchlings. For year-round snorkeling with green turtles, Akumal (25 km north of Tulum) is the most reliable location. Hatchling releases occur from August to November at sunset, organized by Flora, Fauna y Cultura de Mexico.
What Sea Turtle Species Arrive in Tulum?#
The four sea turtle species nesting on Tulum's coasts represent more than half of the 7 existing species worldwide. Each species has distinct characteristics, size, and conservation status:
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): Adult weight 80-200 kg, shell 70-110 cm. IUCN status: endangered. The most abundant species on Tulum's coasts, with 2,309 nests recorded in the 2025 season. Recognizable by its large head and strong jaws adapted for crushing mollusk shells.
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas): Adult weight 150-200 kg, shell 80-120 cm. IUCN status: endangered. Dominates the season with 15,848 nests in 2025. The only herbivorous sea turtle in adulthood, it feeds on seagrass in Akumal Bay and off the Tulum ruins.
Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Adult weight 45-75 kg, shell 60-90 cm with an overlapping scale pattern. IUCN status: critically endangered (only 3 nests recorded in Tulum in 2025). Its shell was historically exploited to make decorative objects, a practice banned since 1973 by CITES.
Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): The world's largest sea turtle, weight 250-700 kg, length 1.5-2 m. IUCN status: vulnerable. Rare sighting in Tulum (primarily nests on Mexico's Pacific coasts). The only sea turtle without a hard shell, covered in leathery skin.
Monthly Calendar: When Do They Nest and When Do They Hatch?#
| Month | Nesting Activity | Incubation | Hatching | General Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | None | None | None | No activity |
| February | None | None | None | No activity |
| March | None | None | None | No activity |
| April | First arrivals | None | None | Slow start |
| May | Active nesting | First nests | None | High season |
| June | Peak nesting | Mass incubation | None | Peak nesting |
| July | Continued nesting | Incubation | First hatchings | High activity |
| August | Decreasing nesting | Incubation | Mass hatching | Best release month |
| September | Final nesting | Final incubation | Active hatching | High hatching |
| October | Nesting closes | End incubation | Continued hatching | Final releases |
| November | None | None | Final hatchings | Season close |
| December | None | None | None | No activity |
Incubation lasts 45-65 days depending on species and sand temperature. Warmer sand (above 29 degrees Celsius) produces a higher proportion of females; cooler sand (below 29 degrees Celsius) produces more males.
Where to See Turtles in the Tulum Area#
Akumal: Year-Round Turtle Snorkeling#
Akumal, 25 km north of Tulum (20-minute drive), is the most reliable spot for snorkeling with resident green turtles during all 12 months of the year. Turtles feed on seagrass in the bay at 2-5 meters depth. Current regulations limit bay access to mandatory certified guides ($800-1,200 MXN per person, 45 minutes in the water, groups of 6 people maximum). The Akumal Ecological Center (CEA) manages permits and ensures a minimum 3-meter distance from the animals.
Xcacel-Xcacelito: The Most Important Nesting Beach#
Xcacel-Xcacelito, located 15 km north of Tulum, is the Riviera Maya's most important nesting beach. This Natural Protected Area records 2,000-3,000 nests per season. Access is free during the day (9:00-17:00) but the beach closes to the public at night during nesting season (May-October). Turtle camp volunteers patrol the beach at night to protect nests and relocate those at risk of high-tide flooding.
Tulum National Park Beaches#
Beaches within Tulum National Park (in front of the archaeological ruins) receive loggerhead and green turtles during nesting season. The Municipal Committee for Sea Turtle Protection monitors this zone with nighttime brigades. Turtles arrive between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM; access is restricted outside park hours (8:00-17:00).
Reef Off the Tulum Ruins#
The coral reef 100-200 meters from the ruins beach hosts green turtles feeding on seagrass year-round. Snorkeling from Playa Ruinas allows sightings at 3-8 meters depth without needing a tour. Best visibility occurs November-April with 15-25 meters of clarity.
Sian Ka'an: Turtles in Pristine Habitat#
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve contains 120 km of pristine coastline where turtles nest without human disturbance. Guided tours from Tulum ($1,500-3,000 MXN per person, full day) include mangrove channel navigation with the possibility of spotting turtles, manatees, and crocodiles on the same trip. The reserve records the highest nest densities per coastal kilometer in the region.
How to Participate in a Turtle Release#
- Identify the season: Hatchling releases occur from August to November, with highest frequency in September and October.
- Contact Flora, Fauna y Cultura de Mexico (FFCM): This NGO operates turtle camps in Tulum and the Riviera Maya since 1995. Email: voluntarios@florafaunaycultura.org. Phone: +52 984 871 2463.
- Register as volunteer or spectator: Volunteers participate in nighttime patrols (9:00 PM-5:00 AM) during the season. Spectators attend scheduled sunset releases with capacity for 20-30 people per event.
- Follow the release rules: No flash, no touching hatchlings, no white-light flashlights (red or amber only), maintain 2-meter distance from the nest.
- Support financially: Symbolic nest adoption costs $500-1,000 MXN and funds the protection of 80-120 eggs during incubation.
Rules for Interacting with Sea Turtles#
Allowed:
- Observe turtles at 3+ meters distance
- Photograph without flash or artificial lighting
- Swim slowly in the same zone without chasing them
- Participate in releases organized by certified NGOs
Prohibited:
- Touching turtles (fine: $50,000-$1,000,000 MXN, General Wildlife Law)
- Riding or holding turtles for photos
- Using flash during nighttime nesting or hatching
- Illuminating the beach with flashlights at night during nesting season
- Extracting eggs from nests (federal crime, penalty of 1-9 years imprisonment)
- Feeding turtles any type of food
More About Tulum's Marine Fauna#
Sea turtles are part of a broader marine ecosystem that includes the Mesoamerican Reef, mangroves, and coastal cenotes. To learn about all the species inhabiting the region, check the wildlife guide for the Tulum region.
When to Visit Tulum by Season#
Turtle season influences trip planning. To decide the best dates considering weather, sargassum, prices, and events, check the best time to visit Tulum guide covering all 12 months with detailed recommendations.
For the Tulum beaches where turtles are found, Playa Ruinas and National Park beaches offer year-round sighting.