For people who work at Xcaret, to release a turtle is more than a “symbolic act in favor of ecology”.  It is a commitment which implies dedication, economic inversion and a lot of patience. Thus, as the result of our effort, we achieve not only the visitor sensitization, but also a real support to preserve the green turtle and the loggerhead, both endangered.

The Xcaret’s commitment with the turtle starts with the Flora Fauna y Cultura association, through which Xcaret protects the Xcacel beach, the main nesting site for loggerhead turtles. During the nesting season, volunteers have counted around 6 thousand turtle nests there. With the permission of local government, Xcaret takes two of them to the Park.

The little turtles are fed and protected until they are about 12 inches long. Thus, when they’re released during the firsts three months of the next year, they have more possibilities to survive from their depredator’s attack than those turtles that are released just a few days after they have broken their shell.

This year, Xcaret will achieve 2,000 young turtles released in their natural habitat along 16 years. That means a record not only for Xcaret, but for the entire country.

During January, February and March of each year, Xcaret visitors can participate in this turtle release in the Park. Visitors give a name to each turtle and wish them good luck before let them go into the sea. Thus they feel involved in this preservation program.

Xcaret commitment doesn’t finish here. To introduce the visitant to the turtle’s world, the Park has more than 300 specimens in exhibition. Also, the Xcaret veterinarians had attended 120 specimens which were found injured, aground or intoxicated.

This effort for preserving the marine turtle species which nest on the Quintana Roo coasts is possible only thanks to your visit. You get the best experience of the Mexican Caribbean, and at the same time you contribute for that in future, many people can also enjoy it. Come to Xcaret to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean and live the commitment with the marine turtle!