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Sea Turtle Release in Punta Mita: Season, Species and How to Take Part

Costa · Local guide to the Mexican Pacific coast · Updated October 2026

Sea turtles nest on the beaches of Banderas Bay and the Riviera Nayarit from roughly June through February, and local conservation groups hold hatchling releases through the season. The olive ridley is the most common species, and Punta Mita is also described as a nesting site for hawksbills.

When the season runs

The Riviera Nayarit tourism board puts the nesting and hatching season at June through February. Local sources describe the summer months as turtle season in Punta Mita. Hatchlings usually emerge at night.

Which turtles nest here

The olive ridley is the most common species in the region. A female can nest up to three times a year, laying about 100 eggs each time. Hawksbills also nest in the area, and local sources describe Punta Mita as an important hawksbill nesting site on the Pacific coast. Leatherbacks and black turtles are seen less often, and the leatherback is critically endangered.

Turquoise water and the golf peninsula seen from the air, Punta Mita

How releases work

Federal environmental authorities and local nonprofits patrol the beaches, protect nests and move eggs that are at risk to protected incubation areas. Conservation groups then schedule releases of the hatchlings, and volunteers and visitors can join some of them. Across the Riviera Nayarit, camps release about a million hatchlings in a season.

Taking part respectfully

Join a scheduled release run by a recognized conservation group. Your villa team or Costa can find one for your dates.
Never dig up a nest or pick up a hatchling or a nesting female.
Keep lights, flash and noise off the beach at night, and stay well back from a turtle that is nesting.
Expect a small donation, which normally goes to conservation, and expect the date to move with the hatching.

Staying near the beach

If your villa or condo is on the beach, ask the property about its rules for lights and noise on the sand at night during the season. See our guide to the best beaches for where to stay.

Who this is not for

If you are visiting between March and May, releases are over for the year. Consider a Marietas boat day, or whale watching if it is December to March.

Questions people ask

When is sea turtle season in Punta Mita?

Nesting and hatching run from roughly June through February across the Riviera Nayarit, with summer described locally as turtle season in Punta Mita.

Which turtles nest near Punta Mita?

Olive ridleys are the most common. Hawksbills also nest, and leatherbacks and black turtles are seen less often.

Can visitors join a turtle release?

Often yes. Conservation groups schedule releases and some welcome visitors and volunteers. Costa or your villa team can find one for your dates.

Can I touch a hatchling?

No. Do not pick up hatchlings or nesting turtles, and keep lights and flash off the beach at night.

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Riviera Nayarit: A Sea Turtle Sanctuary · Live Punta Mita: Summer is turtle season. Details as published and checked in October 2026; dates, status and conditions can change.