Tulum Ramps Up Sea Turtle Protection as Nesting Season Begins

Tulum, Quintana Roo — As the 2026 sea turtle nesting season gets underway, Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo toured local beaches to oversee conservation measures and urge residents and tourists to help protect the animals.

The nesting season runs from May 1 to November 1. Under the mayor’s direction, authorities are stepping up surveillance, conservation, and awareness efforts along the coastline to ensure safe conditions for the turtles’ arrival and reproduction.

“We are one of the most important places in the world for sea turtle nesting; four of the seven species that exist on the planet come here,” Castañón said during his visit.

He called on the public to do their part: “Keep your distance, turn off lights on the beach, respect the nests, and if you see a turtle, report it to 911. Protecting them is protecting Tulum.”

The mayor also visited the “Kanan Ak” camp operated by the Tulum city government, which is already fully protected. He spoke with staff responsible for guarding these areas, acknowledging their essential work in preserving biodiversity.

The Tulum city government, in coordination with environmental agencies and volunteers, maintains ongoing patrols to protect nests and runs awareness campaigns for both locals and visitors.