Puerto Vallarta’s City Council has unanimously approved new support for the Nakawe Wildlife School and Turtle Camp at Boca de Tomates, a practical boost for one of the area’s most visible sea-turtle conservation projects during nesting season.
The initiative, presented by Councilwoman Melissa Madero and backed by the 14 council members in attendance, calls for equipment and supplies for the environmental brigades that monitor nests, patrol the beach and rescue vulnerable eggs along this northern edge of the bay. The camp sits on Boca de Tomates beach, directly behind Puerto Vallarta International Airport, and protects one of the municipality’s principal nesting areas.
Approved materials include shade netting, wooden boards, poles and tarpaulins to reinforce work areas, plus tools such as chainsaws and shovels, logistical support, electrical service, signage and security measures. Local coverage says the support is meant to improve daily operations throughout nesting season and strengthen volunteer brigades that protect hatchlings before they reach the Pacific.
The Boca de Tomates camp has long paired conservation with environmental education. CUCosta has documented the site’s Nakawe A.C. work and its roots in local sea-turtle protection, while BanderasNews reports the sanctuary releases an average of about 60,000 hatchlings each year. Visitors interested in responsible wildlife experiences can review PuertoVallarta.net’s guide to the Puerto Vallarta sea turtle protection program and the updated baby sea turtle release season guide before planning a visit.
For travelers, the main takeaway is simple: turtle releases are memorable, but they work only when visitors follow camp instructions, avoid flash photography, keep dogs away from nesting areas and support authorized programs rather than informal beach handling.
