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The Sea Turtle Release Program—May through October—is a fun and educational tradition at the Marriott CasaMagna Resorts in Puerto Vallarta. During "sea turtle season," families can also benefit from the "All-Inclusive Value Vacations" package with up to two children allowed to stay and eat free when sharing a room with their parents.

Sea turtle season begins in May when thousands of sea turtles arrive on the resorts' beaches to lay their eggs, which would naturally incubate in the sand until hatching. However, the recreational activities that take place on a resort beach hardly make it a safe place for baby sea turtles! Each night resort staff patrols the resorts' beaches to gather sea turtle eggs. The eggs are then transported off property for incubation, still in their nests, to best preserve natural conditions. During the incubation period, researchers gather and study data.

Approximately 40-70 days after the sea turtle eggs arrive on the resorts' beaches, the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and are ready to be released on the beach—their nesting site—with the aid of the recreational staff and families staying at the resort. Tradition holds that the children name their tiny sea turtle babies, wish them luck, then set them free to find their way into the water. Since young sea turtles face threats to their survival from land predators, the turtles are only released at night. Resort staff uses the opportunity to educate children about the sea turtles and Mexico's environmental awareness initiatives to save them.

"As a result of our Sea Turtle Release Program, 96 percent of these eggs will hatch. Prior to this program, only 40 percent of the eggs would hatch. So we're happy to be doing a real service to aid in the recovery of the sea turtle population on both Mexican coasts," states Dennis Whitelaw, general manager of the Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta.

The Marriott CasaMagna resorts' sea turtle programs are strictly carried out according to the procedures established by the National Institute of Fisheries and the Fishing & Marine Biology Station of the University of Guadalajara.

The Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta Resort is nestled in a spectacular natural setting between the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and Mexico's picturesque Bay of Banderas. The resort offers 433 guest rooms and 29 suites, plus a variety of facilities for adults and children, including three lighted tennis courts; oceanfront pool; various water sports and beach activities; nearby golf; multiple restaurants; health club with whirlpool; and the "Club de la Casa" children's program. When not relaxing in the sun, guests can stroll through the old town of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the sights of colonial Mexico, view folkloric shows and historic Mexican landmarks, or experience jungle adventures.

Rates for the "All-Inclusive Value Vacations" package during "sea turtle season" start at $234 per night, double occupancy at the Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta and $319 per night, double occupancy at the Marriott CasaMagna Cancún.

For additional information, or to make reservations:
Offshore Resorts or call 1.800.223.6388.

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