Best time to travel to Honduras

Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching in Honduras

See how volunteers care for the turtles' eggs and babies during the summer breeding season

Best time: August–October (nesting) | October–December (hatching)

Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching
Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching
Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching

The beaches of the smallest of the Honduras Bay Islands are the home to 3 species of sea turtles including the hawksbill, green, and loggerhead. It is said that sea turtles have been natives of the island for more than 90 millions of years. Unfortunately, because of poachers, environmental pollution, climate change, and human factors, these turtles are endangered. During the nesting season, many poachers want to rob nests to sell the eggs. So, from August to October (turtle nesting season) on the beaches of Utila you can see volunteers who are on duty all day and night to protect the eggs.

Even when babies are hatched 50-60 days after the nesting, volunteers also observe them, to avoid theft until the babies reach the sea.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Honduras to witness sea turtle nesting and hatching?

From August to October is the optimal time in which tourists can observe sea turtle nesting, while hatching season runs from October to December in Honduras. Volunteers work around the clock to keep eggs safe and monitor babies' progress en route to the sea. The summer breeding season is the best time to see volunteers care for the turtles' eggs and babies. Show more

Where in Honduras can you observe the nesting and hatching of sea turtles?

The Honduras Bay Islands, specifically Utila, is home to three species of sea turtles — green, hawksbill, and loggerhead. These turtles have inhabited the natural island habitat for 90 million years. From August to December, visitors can witness these turtles in their natural habitat while learning about the programs that help to conserve them. Show more

How do volunteers protect the sea turtle eggs from poachers?

Volunteers safeguard the sea turtle eggs from poachers by patrolling the beaches day and night. They observe and protect the nests, ensuring that no one can interfere with them. In addition, volunteers protect the babies as they journey to the sea to avoid theft. These preservation efforts to protect sea turtles require the support of regional wildlife organizations and individuals that volunteer their time. Show more

What are the factors that have led to the endangerment of sea turtles in Utila?

The endangerment of sea turtles in Utila is primarily due to poaching, environmental pollution, climate change, and other human activities. Poachers take eggs during nesting season, while pollution caused by plastics, or toxic chemicals also harms sea turtles. Climate change alters the turtles' habitat, such as rising sea levels which impacts breeding. Overfishing and habitat loss are human factors that contribute to their extinction. Show more

Can tourists participate in the sea turtle conservation efforts on the beaches of Utila?

Yes, tourists who are interested in sea turtle conservation can volunteer during the breeding season on the beaches of Utila. Several organizations provide visitors with an opportunity to train to protect eggs and babies, and to partake in other conservation efforts. Tourists can also participate in community events that promote conservation or raise awareness about issues affecting sea turtles and their natural habitat in Utila and other regions around the world. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin