Visitors and volunteers can help release turtle hatchlings into
their natural habitat at the Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde
marine turtle nursery
Protection and increase of Olive Ridley sea turtle population in the
Platanitos Turtle Camp of Playa Las Tortugas
Brimming with wildlife, Riviera Nayarit?s
animal kingdom allows visitors to get up close and personal with the
endangered sea turtles. Experience the magic of life
first-hand by taking part in the turtle hatching season in Riviera Nayarit.
The turtle hatching process is but one of the many wildlife and outdoor
adventure opportunities in the destination.
Help newborn turtles through
the first steps of their lives at the Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde marine
turtle nursery and Platanitos Turtle Camp. During the summer and fall months,
travelers can volunteer or go on tours of nurseries and nesting sites to
learn about the fascinating life cycle of sea turtles for just one night or
participate in a two month volunteer program, subject to availability.
At the Grupo Ecologico de la Costa Verde marine
turtle nursery, visitors and volunteers can help release turtle hatchlings
into their natural habitat. Just after sundown, the baby turtles are let out
into the ocean to become independent. Also, every Wednesday night, the
organization presents a slideshow at the Costa Azul Hotel for travelers and
participants to learn more about sea turtles. For information on the
organization, visit www.project-tortuga.org. For information on packages at
the Costa Azul Hotel, please visit www.costaazul.com.
Located at Playa Las Tortugas,
the Platanitos Turtle Camp is focused on protecting and increasing the Olive
Ridley sea turtle population. A joint effort between the Mexican government
environmental agencies CONAP and SEMARNAT and the Home Owners Association of
Playa Las Tortugas and its developer Robert Hancock, the camp promises to
give travelers an unforgettable, exciting turtle experience. Visitors can
help the staff patrol the beach and collect eggs from nesting turtles, and
then learn how to incubate eggs in order to achieve a higher survival rate.
When hatching time comes, participants in the program can watch as the
newborn turtles begin their journey through the ocean to their new life.
Options for participation include one-time visits or long-term volunteering. Cost
is based on suggested donations depending on the number of participants and
the extent of the visit. For more information, visit the organization?s new
website, www.seaturtlecamp.org.
The Mexico Tourism
Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments,
municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and
destinations nationally and internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico?s
tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the
private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America,
Europe, Asia and Latin America.
FOR JOURNALISTS ONLY
For additional ideas,
help with a story or general travel and tourism information about Mexico,
please contact the MTB?s Canadian Press Room directly at 1-866-895-5297, by
e-mail at canadianpress@visitmexico.com,
or visit our Press Web site at www.visitmexicopress.com. To access
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