LOGGERHEAD TURTLES

in love!

Mid May - Mid July

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The season brings a return of an incredible number of loggerhead turtles to Isla Mujeres to mate in the strong currents off

Punta Sur. This drift dive brings close encounters with this magnificent species that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To see upwards of 50 mating pairs on this dive is not unusual during the frenzied peak of this season.

Every year thousands of sea turtles come to the shores of Mexico to lay their eggs on the beach before returning to the sea

with the eggs hatching 50-60 days after being deposited in the sand.  Not that long ago the turtles were hunted for their

shells and meat, but thankfully the Mexican government placed them on the protected species list, implementing laws that

make the theft of eggs and the killing of turtles punishable by jail time.  Unfortunately, year after year erosion and

contamination have spoiled some of their pristine nesting grounds, prompting animal organizations in the region to lend a

helping hand to ensure the continued cycle of life of these peaceful creatures.

Although seeing these beautiful, graceful creatures can be exciting you must remember that although they are not

bothered by your presence you must still respect their space

What You Can do to Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles

-Remove beach litter

 Balloons, plastic bags, foam, fishing gear, and other non-degradable litter can cause the deaths of many sea turtles who mistake them for food.

-Observe from a distance

 If you encounter a nesting turtle, do not shine any lights on or around her - she may abandon her effort to nest.

 Do not use flash photography. Stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you.

-Do not harass a turtle

 Don't touch or prod her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water.

-Leave nest sites alone

If you see a nest, don't disturb it. Leave any identification makers in place. If you find a hatching wandering in daylight

place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call one of the numbers listed below.

-Report injured turtles

 Call to report dead or injured turtles.

-Lights Out! (see above)

-As long as you treat the turtles with respect you can get a fun, enjoyable encounter.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS GATHERING?

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READ OUR BLOG ABOUT

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"lOGGERHEADS IN iSLA mUJERES"

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