Majahuas Turtle Camp, Colima, Mexico

Majahuas Turtle Camp, Colima, Mexico

Hours-old Oliver's Ridley sea turtle hatchlings.

Hours-old Oliver's Ridley sea turtle hatchlings.

Swimming allowed only during the day...

Swimming allowed only during the day...

Sunset over the Pacific...

Sunset over the Pacific...

Majahuas turtle camp, colima, mexico

Located about two hours South of Puerto Vallarta, Majahuas Island is home to the Majahuas Turtle Camp. This 11-mile uninhabited island is a natural nesting site for Oliver's Ridley sea turtles, primarily nesting from October thru February.

The back half of Majahuas island faces a 26-mile estuary... aka. the local crocodile sanctuary. This provides a somewhat natural deterrent to would-be poachers; the #1 threat to turtle nests here are wild animals - primarily coatimundi.

 
Latin American Sea Turtle (L.A.S.T.) camp, Pacuare Beach, Costa Rica

Latin American Sea Turtle (L.A.S.T.) camp, Pacuare Beach, Costa Rica

Rescued Leatherback sea turtle eggs, 30lbs!

Rescued Leatherback sea turtle eggs, 30lbs!

Slow progress... 

Slow progress... 

L.A.S.T. TURTLE CAMP, PACUARE BEACH, COSTA RICA

Pacuare Beach is the natural nesting site to three species of sea turtles - the Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill. 

Here every Leatherback nest is either poached or saved by volunteers... and female turtles are also taken for their meat (Green) and shells (Hawksbill). Many grim days...

L.A.S.T. operates a network of turtle camps in most Caribbean countries- with a goal of cooperation among nations to coordinate efforts to protect the several species of sea turtles which call this area home.

10-16 mile shifts per night... no mosquito repellant?!

10-16 mile shifts per night... no mosquito repellant?!

Pacuare hatchery - requires 24-hour security to deter thieves.

Pacuare hatchery - requires 24-hour security to deter thieves.