Turtles hatching

Your resort security team has been watching over five green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests this summer and in August they welcomed the first baby turtles of the season to the world.

On August 8, the first 55 tortuguitas of 2023 hatched and they were followed by a further 122 on August 14. In strict observance of the turtle conservation rules established by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, the tiny turtles were released immediately at dusk or at night when predators such as sea gulls, frigate birds and pelicans have gone to roost.

On the second occasion, owners, members and guests and their families were lucky to be able to witness the release from a distance and wish these amazing little creatures “Godspeed” as they raced across the sand towards the waves and a new life at sea.

Turtle eggs take between 45 and 60 days to hatch and our turtle guardians will be monitoring the remaining three nests for signs of movement. The eggs in one nest are due to hatch in September and the others in October.

When the eggs begin to hatch, the turtles literally gnaw the soft shells until they can struggle out. The sand begins to bubble as they move underground in the nest and gradually tiny heads and flippers begin to emerge. Breaking free of the shells is a mammoth task and leaves them exhausted, but their instinct is so strong that after a rest, they are ready to go. Hopefully, in 12 to 15 years some of them will return to lay their own eggs on our beautiful beach.