Save a Turtle

Save, learn, help, protect, enjoy and contribute. This tour is for anyone who wants to leave Cozumel a little better than how they found it. You'll be led by the biologist’s team member who spearheads the Save the Endangered Sea Turtle Program. This is a hand’s on tour, where you'll actually help save the sea turtles. This is a groundbreaking, conservation system that has been adopted by other state wide programs with the help of local volunteers. Cozumel boasts the most sea turtle nests per kilometer than any other area in Mexico by a 3 to 1 ratio. The increased volume of fertile ground has as much to do with the island’s history as it does with this program, that had only been open to the local public and is now available to a select few visitors so they, too, can witness this marvel of nature.

There are several aspects to turtle protection and conservation and you'll be able to participate in the “save a turtle” portion. Every evening the turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. This is a natural process, but in the frenzy of the nest only about 80% of the hatched turtles actually have the stamina and energy to climb out. You'll help rescue those, that did not make it out the previous evening, by digging them out and they will be kept until they are mature enough to be released. This is extremely heartwarming and satisfying, as you'll be directly involved in saving the life of the little turtle and giving it another chance.