Turtles are one of the most fascinating marine creatures. Marine turtles have lived in the oceans for over 100 million years. They even constitute an important symbolic figure for many indigenous communities in the world.
All marine turtle species are endangered due to a variety of threats to their survival; among the most important are pollution and the transformation of habitats of main importance for turtles. Other important threat involving human beings is the over-harvesting of turtles and their eggs.

In Mexico, since 1990, marine turtles are protected by the Federal Law. Xcaret, joining efforts with government institutions, protects the two species of turtles that nest in Quintana Roo`s beaches: the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta).

During nesting season, in the summer months, Xcaret establishes turtle camps and patrols 62 miles of coastline, in order to protect the turtles and their nests of possible predators. 60 days later, baby turtles hatch out; a large number of them become part of our Aquarium`s Conservation Program. When they arrive to the park, the baby turtles are marked through a special technique, so they will be identified when they return to nest 25 years later, and also to learn more about the migratory routes of marine turtles.

Before being liberated to join wildlife a year after their arrival, the turtles become part of the Environmental Education Program at the Park, allowing visitors to learn about the life cycle of marine turtles and all the measures to follow in order to protect them. During turtle season, Xcaret, joined by a group of enthusiastic people, liberates in its turtle camps in the nearby beaches about 300,000 young turtles per year. Some ecological tours invite park visitors to participate in the liberation