Tulum: World’s Top Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Site

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The 23rd edition of the Sea Turtle Festival concluded successfully, an event that promotes environmental awareness and celebrates the natural heritage of the Caribbean.

Over three days packed with educational, cultural, and recreational activities, the festival was carried out with great success. The event aims to strengthen awareness about the protection of the coastal ecosystems that make Tulum the primary nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the world.

The festival took place in Akumal, Chemuyil, and downtown Tulum, where hundreds of residents, tourists, environmentalists, and volunteers participated in activities highlighting the importance of caring for the natural environments that receive thousands of sea turtles for nesting each year.

During the closing ceremony, biologist Rocío Peralta, from the Directorate of Sustainability, emphasized that the festival emerged over two decades ago with the purpose of recognizing the work of the "tortugueros" who protect the nests and monitor the beaches during the nesting season.

"This festival was born to thank and make visible the effort of those who, with commitment and love for nature, protect the turtles and their habitats. Despite being protected by law, there is still clandestine consumption of eggs and meat, which is why we need to continue sensitizing the population," explained the specialist.

The organizing committee was comprised of various institutions and organizations including Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México, Centro Ecológico Akumal, Fundación Ecobahía, Programa Kanan A’ak, the Directorate of Environmental Sustainability, Biodiversity and Environmental Culture of Tulum, Red Ambiental, Fundación Santuario Akumal, the Universidad Tecnológica de Tulum, the Instituto de Biodiversidad y Áreas Naturales Protegidas de Quintana Roo, and the Reserva Estatal Santuario de la Tortuga Marina Xcacel-Xcacelito.

Throughout the three days of the festival, environmental talks, educational workshops, sand sculptures, kermises, contests, live music, and recognition ceremonies for new "tortugueros" were held, fostering community participation centered on environmental protection.

The Sea Turtle Festival reaffirms the joint commitment of authorities, civil organizations, and citizens to preserve the natural heritage of Tulum, a destination recognized not only for its beauty but also for its world leadership in the conservation of marine species.