Saving Sea Turtles—A Pueblo Bonito Success Story

According to the final report of the Pueblo Bonito Group’s Sea Turtle Camp, 2025 was a banner year for the protection and conservation of the sea turtle population in Los Cabos. 

The sea turtle protection program got its start at Pueblo Bonito Resorts in 2003, making it one of the first hospitality companies in Los Cabos to shelter turtle nests and safely return hatchlings to the sea. These measures have boosted the survival rate of an endangered reptile vital to the region’s ecosystem. 

The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), the Black Turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii), and the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) are the three prominent species that make nests and lay eggs along the pristine beaches in front of the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica and Sunset Beach resorts. 

“The peak sea turtle nesting season begins in May and ends in January, although turtles are present year-round,” the report stated. “For this reason, the incubation enclosure is dismantled and reassembled in late April for proper preparation, including watering, raking, and temperature measurements.”

Sea Turtle Camp activities, refined and expanded over the years, include:

• Setting up and watering the enclosure
• Measuring sand temperature
• Preparing materials (tags, stakes, protective cylinders)
• Night and day patrols (6-7 times per day)
• Collection and planting of nests
• Responding to reports of injured or stranded turtles
• Cleaning nests
• Releasing hatchlings
• Managing organic waste from nest cleaning

In addition to dividing the beach into zones, the location and coordinates of each nest are recorded. Last year, 1,063 nests were collected, and 111,559 eggs were protected. August was the peak month for nest collection. Why? Because the sand is warmer in late summer, making it more suitable for incubation. 

Females return to the precise location where they were born to lay their eggs, a phenomenon known as natal homing. It is theorized that turtles use the earth’s magnetic field as a means of navigation. 

The vast majority of the nesting in Los Cabos is by Olive Ridley Turtles, so “the incubation period and the parameters for successful hatching are well known,” the report said. On average, the hatchlings break the shell and begin to emerge from the nest 45 days after collection, although this period can extend up to 75 days during the winter season due to lower temperatures.

In addition to safeguarding eggs from predators, the camp’s staff, with the help of volunteers, ensured that 100% of the hatchlings reached the sea. In 2025, 88,668 hatchlings were released into the ocean in front of the Pacifica and Sunset Beach resorts, with the greatest number of hatchlings set free in September and October.

After the rainy season, temperatures drop and humidity lessens, which increases the survival rate of hatchlings in each nest. Last year, the hatching rate was 85.5%. Within the established parameters, an average above 70% is considered successful, the report stated, noting that the percentage is well above average. However, it is expected that the survival rate will exceed 90% next season.

Nearly 1,000 people, including owners, residents and renters, participated in the emancipations. During each release, the number of sea turtle hatchlings ranged from 150 to 500. This allowed participants to interact with the hatchlings, providing an opportunity for the Turtle Camp team to explain the purpose of the conservation program and how the survival rate of sea turtles is greatly increased by human intervention.

Hatchling releases with Pueblo Bonito hotels were coordinated by the Turtle Camp manager in collaboration with the butlers and concierge staff of the various properties. The activity was managed through reservations. Information and flyers were shared via email and WhatsApp so that guests could participate. 

The participation numbers for 2025 were impressive:

• Sunset Beach: 2,111 guests
• Montecristo and Novaispania: 2,106 guests
• Pacífica: 1,275 guests
• Rosé and Blanco: 88 guests

Plan ahead and book a Los Cabos visit for late fall or early winter this year, and you may get to experience the very magical event of a turtle release in person!