Turtle Nesting and Hatching in Cancun 2025

Dozens of sea turtles crawling to and from the sea means nesting season is on in Cancun

Best time: May–mid-October

Cute little creatures, huh? Well, these turtles can grow to quite a decent size. A mature Cancun green turtle can become as much as 1.5 m (5ft) long. Local beaches are not only limited to Green turtles, but also Hawksbill turtles and Loggerhead turtles. They come out of the water not to sunbathe, but to build nests and lay eggs there. All these species are endangered, so if you really love turtles, you should do them a favor during your visit there and do not disturb their natural process. Leaving the nests untouched is a complete must! You can also volunteer to help protect turtles and their eggs during the egg-laying season which is between May and mid-October. This way you can get some pleasure observing wildlife, and also help their conservation efforts.

The most famous turtle spots in Mexico include Akumal, 120 km from Cancun, where snorkeling with turtles is possible. In Cancun itself, hundreds of turtles lay eggs at Playa Delfines.

Isla Mujeres has several turtle sanctuaries that keep baby turtles safe and grow them strong in the pools of water, and then release them into the ocean. Isla Mujeres Tortugranja is one of the most well-known turtle farms. Release day is called Turtle Liberation, and you can watch or participate in this process. In Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Turtle Liberation is usually held in late August or September.