An Adventure to Discover the Mysteries of the Endangered Sea Turtle.

For a few months each year, a select few nature enthusiasts are lucky enough to witness a remarkable event, as thousands of olive Ridley sea turtles arrive on the pristine beaches of southern Mexico to lay their eggs. Driven by ancient impulses, these remarkable creatures return to this tropical paradise to recreate the miracle of their fragile lives. Each evening, our Expedition Leader – who has played an integral role in the protection of these animals and has been granted special access to the beach – escorts us as we stroll among dozens of turtles laying their eggs and tiny hatchlings scurrying for the safety of the Pacific Ocean.

Dates (2006) :

Aug 14 - 19
Aug 21 - 26
Sep 18 - 23
Sep 25 - 30
Oct 16 - 21
Oct 23 - 28

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Huatulco, Mexico

Upon arrival in Huatulco, Mexico, your Expedition Leader will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our lodge, Posada Rancho Cerro Largo. This special eco-lodge is comprised of five cabanas, each perched high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After checking in, you may relax and lay in a hammock on your verandah with sweeping ocean views. This evening we will have an orientation / welcome dinner at 7:00 pm.

Day 2: La Ventanilla / Puerto Angel / La Escobilla Turtle Camp

After breakfast, we visit La Ventanilla estuarine ecosystem, a project run by the community of La Ventanilla, which is restoring the mangroves and caring for such natural inhabitants as sea turtles, crocodiles and birds. Here, we take a small boat ride around the channels in search of the endemic wildlife. We then visit the Body Shop Factory, where local people make body cream, deodorant, skin oil and shampoo with natural materials found in the area. The technology was developed in England, but the operation is now run by the community as a revenue replacement for turtle hunting. After lunch in Puerto Angel, a small fishing village, we’ll have time to swim and relax on the beach before returning to our lodge. After dinner, we travel to La Escobilla Turtle Camp to get acquainted with their conservation program. The beach is patrolled by the local people, sometimes the Mexican Ministry of the Environment and, for extra protection, the Mexican Navy. We will help patrol the beach closest to the camp, and return to our lodge around 1:00 am.

Day 3: Mazunte / La Escobilla Turtle Camp

After sleeping in and enjoying a late breakfast, we will visit Mazunte, the beach chosen as the site for the National Mexican Turtle Center. In the face of the imminent extinction of a variety of turtle species, the Mexican government called for the creation of the center in 1991. All varieties of sea turtles that live in the coastal waters of Mexico are on exhibit, as well as six species of freshwater turtles and two species of land turtles. At the center’s ten-acre complex, biologists, veterinarians and research groups are dedicated to the study, protection and preservation of the sea turtle. The center also serves as an educational site, providing both local residents and travelers with a greater knowledge of these fascinating creatures and their habitats. After lunch in Puerto Angel, we will have time time to relax on the beach before returning to our lodge. This evening, we return to La Escobilla Turtle Camp to continue with our observation of the amazing turtles and our conservation program, helping patrol the beach, and if we are lucky, releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Overnight at Cerro Largo.

Day 4: Iguana Farm / Puerto Escondido

After another morning to sleep in after our evening activities, we will drive to the charming Mexican village of Puerto Escondido (“Hidden Port”). On the way, we stop at an iguana farm run by a biologist who is working to increase the local wild iguana population. While in Puerto Escondido, we will stay at the Hotel Santa Fe. This blissful spot on the Pacific Coast offers the rare combination of elegant accommodations with an unspoiled natural setting in one of Mexico’s most relaxing destinations. Here, white coral-sand beaches are set against a backdrop of dense jungle. This afternoon, we transfer to Manialtepec Lagoon. Manialtepec, “the place of spring-fed waters,” is a tranquil mangrove-lined lagoon with a rich diversity of wetland birdlife. We glide quietly past herons, ibis and egrets, also watching for more exotic species like roseate spoonbills, white-fronted parrots and tiger herons. The lagoon provides great photo opportunities of luxuriant mangrove forests and fishermen at work from their dugout canoes. This evening, we will either return to the sea turtles or enjoy the beach and the town and overnight at the Hotel Santa Fe.

Day 5: Puerto Escondido

After an early continental breakfast, we will take a motor boat ride to search for sea turtles in the ocean, where we may have the opportunity to observe mating activity. After lunch we return to our hotel for our final chance to enjoy the beach. For those travelers who choose, snorkeling on the reefs of Angelito beach, where we may see colorful tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles, is included. An optional horseback ride on the beach is also available. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner in town.

Day 6: Huatulco / Home

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Included:

All land transportation within Mexico, all accommodations, NHA’s Expedition Leaders, meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 5, soda and beer at meals, tips, except for Expedition Leader, entrance fees and donations to the turtle museum and iguana farm, snorkeling for those who choose, taxes and service charges except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes.

Not Included:

Travel to and from Huatulco, alcoholic drinks, except as mentioned above, gratuities for the Expedition Leader, optional horseback riding, airport and departure taxes, and travel insurance.

Price Guide:

£1230 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: £200

Call 01903 816500 for further details or email info@exquisiteworld.com