Tulum's Eco-Tourism Spotlight: A Sea Turtle Nester’s Guide

As of the end of July 2026, Quintana Roo's sea turtle nesting season has seen 29,413 nests, with a whopping 25,685 green turtle nests and a single leatherback nest, marking a unique milestone for the region. This season, the turtle camps across the coast have recorded 29,413 nests, a figure that has caught the attention of both conservationists and eco-tourists.

Despite the high numbers, the scarcity of leatherback nests remains a cause for concern. In fact, the state body, CETMQROO, reported only one leatherback nest across the entire state, continuing a trend that has been noted since 2019.

The turtle camps, which are the backbone of this data collection, submit their reports to CETMQROO, which then compiles and publishes the figures. However, the process is complex, with each camp addressing issues ranging from sargassum to conservation efforts. These discussions are crucial as they highlight the challenges faced by both conservationists and locals.

Interestingly, Cancun alone has already counted 10,407 nests, showing that the nesting season is well underway. Tulum, being a key nesting destination, is expected to continue to see significant numbers as the season progresses. For those living in or visiting Tulum, understanding the role of turtle camps and the ongoing efforts to protect these endangered species is essential.