Leatherback sea turtle baby
Text & Photos by Eduardo Lugo from Homes & Living
Banderas Bay and Vallarta are very fortunate, since the beginning of the year 2009 the region has been receiving the very vulnerable leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) that are nesting on the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta. In 2009 it had been 9 years since the last time the area had seen the arrival of these sea turtles on the Banderas Bay beaches.
Read more on the sea turtle conservation effort and baby turtle release camps
These leatherback sea turtles (sometimes called lute turtles) are very rare and are currently on the list of critically endangered species. The leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle and fourth-largest reptile. It can measure more than 2 meters and weigh up to half a ton. The leatherback diet consists of jellyfish and medusa and is complemented with crustaceans and mollusks. Many turtles have died asphyxiated when they confuse plastic bags thrown into the ocean for medusas.
Leatherback sea turtle baby closeup
A surprising feature of the leatherback turtle is its shell, which consists of minuscule independent bone plates, covered by thick leathery skin. The young leatherbacks are covered with small scales, reminiscent of lizards; however, they fall off with age. Their backs are mainly black and their fins have white edges, they also have a few white scale lines along the back.
Leatherback turtles travel much longer distances in the ocean than other sea turtles. It seems that in a single year, leatherbacks migrate from South America to the northeastern part of the United States and then return to their starting point.
Sea turtle baby from above
The main nesting beaches are found on the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guyana, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. To a lesser extent, they also lay their eggs in Veracruz, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, the Windward and Leeward Islands and Guyana.
Leatherback sea turtles
Scientists speculate that in the Pacific Ocean they have no more than 10 years left of survival, they are currently faced with a mortality rate of up to 30%. In the Atlantic Ocean, they are also disappearing fast: since 1982, the number of breeding females dropped from around 90,000 to less than 3,000, the current estimate (according to the WWF). They have suffered a catastrophic decline in population and nowadays in the whole of the Pacific Ocean rim, they have only 10 important nesting sites at their disposal.
Who is to blame? … mostly humans. Humans are the ones that catch them directly, eat and sell their eggs, destroy their habitat, and accidentally drown them by catching them in fishing nets and hooks.
Although only three leatherback turtles nested this season in the Vallarta area and only less than 30 baby turtles were born, it is still important because any amount is extremely valuable when you take into account the situation they are in. Hereby we would like to congratulate the staff of the turtle camp in Nuevo Vallarta for their effort in protecting the bay’s sea turtles.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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