Turtle Sanctuary in Veraguas: Marine Conservation and Protection

If you are looking for a unique experience to enjoy with your family and connect with nature, visit the turtle sanctuaries on the Pacific coast of Veraguas.

Voluntaries at turtle nesting, Morillo, Veraguas Province, Panamá

What is a Turtle Sanctuary?

Turtle sanctuaries are protected areas on nesting beaches where communities gather to take care of each and every one of the adult and baby turtles that visit the beach each year. 

 

The process begins by accompanying and protecting the pregnant turtles who arrive at night to lay their eggs. The eggs are later transferred to a nursery, where they are taken care of for around 60 days until the baby turtles are ready to hatch. Finally, they are accompanied in their journey to the ocean to make sure they get there safely.

 

In order to maintain the sanctuaries, and as a source of income for the families managing them, communities have created sustainable tourism plans. You can visit, share time with them, learn about sea turtle survival, discover the amazing ecological efforts that are made to protect them, and enjoy the experience of patrolling the beach or releasing newborn turtles into the ocean.

Medium shot of a turtle as it swims among colorful corals in the reef.

The Sea Turtles of Veraguas

Sea turtles are fascinating animals, with incredible survival skills. Some species are among the oldest living beings to ever inhabit our planet.

 

However, a large number of factors have endangered them in the last years. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification, out of the four species nesting on the Pacific coast of Veraguas, leatherback and hawksbill turtles are “critically endangered”, green turtles are “endangered”, and olive ridley turtles are “vulnerable”.

 

But not all is lost. Hundreds of individuals, organizations and coastal community leaders have contributed their work and efforts to help them. For the time being, it looks like we are winning this battle and you are invited to take part. Visit a turtle sanctuary during your next trip to Panamá and be part of the change.

A man preparing nesting spots for sea turtles on the sandy beach.

What Should I Expect when Visiting a Turtle Sanctuary?

If you would like to be part of the solution and have a special family experience, visit the beaches with sea turtle sanctuaries on the Pacific coast of Veraguas.

 

Community Tourism on the Pacific Coast of Veraguas

Not only will the community tourism experience take you on an unforgettable beach adventure, it will also allow you to take part in a community. You will get to know everyday life in the towns of Panamá’s Pacific coast and do your part to make the world a better place.

 

You can choose to visit for one day, join as a volunteer for the season, or stay a couple of days to experience every stage of the process. 

 

Sea Turtle Season in Panamá

When you plan your trip to Panamá, it is important to take into account that turtle season starts in June and ends in December. The best months to visit are September and October. Your chance of seeing them is higher during these months because more turtles lay their eggs on the beach and, therefore, more babies hatch.

baby sea turtles. These tiny creatures are just beginning their long journey to the ocean. They are likely Olive Ridley sea turtles

Furthermore, as you share time with the community, you will have the chance to participate in everyday activities, such as milking cows, extracting sugarcane juice, cooking workshops, local handcrafting and much more. 

 

Nesting beach towns have hotels, hostels and cabins where you can spend your days next to the ocean for a uniquely authentic experience.

 

Join the efforts of local leaders, who have helped shift the culture from hunting to protecting. Meet the neighbors who have come together to take care of the turtles, and engage in a new form of community tourism. Here, there is a deep connection with nature and the reward is big—knowing that you are helping to build a better world.

 

Nighttime Patrols on Nesting Beaches

Experience a nighttime patrol on the beach and join the community guardians as they protect the turtles that come to dig their nests and lay eggs under the moonlight.

 

When baby turtles are ready to march into the ocean, you can join the releasing afternoons. Watch them go on their journey and celebrate as hundreds of babies make their way down the beach, with the sunset as an unforgettable backdrop.

 

And, if you are lucky, you could even swim alongside a turtle in an incredibly biodiverse ocean in Coiba National Park.

Follow the Recommendations of your Guides

When you visit a turtle sanctuary, you must follow best-practice recommendations to make sure you have a good experience and that everything is safe for you and the turtles. For example:

  1. Only wear dark clothing during nighttime patrols; you must not attract attention

  2. Do not use your flash or white lights, as this could be harmful and cause the turtles to be disoriented while they do their important work

  3. Never touch wild animals, as it can cause stress or injure them

  4. If you take part in releasing baby turtles, it is essential that you respect their path. Do not block their way or move them yourself. Turtles have to walk their own path to mentally map the zone, so they can come back

  5. Be quiet; noise and abrupt movements can cause stress or harm this perfect life cycle

  6. Respect nature and do not litter; this is a basic rule for all tourists seeking to enjoy our beautiful scenery and biodiversity

  7. Always follow the recommendations of your guide; listen to those who know the most and devote their days to taking care of these special animals

 

Continue your Adventure