Since 2015, Villa Star of the Sea Turtle Preservation and La Sirena Gordita have been quietly committed to the protection and preservation of sea turtles along Playa de Coco. What began as a small, hands-on effort to safeguard vulnerable nests has grown into a dedicated sanctuary program, carried out under proper authorization and the University of Guadalajara, in alignment with federal conservation guidelines. Through careful monitoring, responsible egg recovery, and protected incubation, thousands of hatchlings have been given a safer start on their journey to the ocean.
Today, this work continues, seaonally from, October to April, as a meaningful part of who we are. Supported in part by our guests that come to La Sirena Gordita, and carried out with respect for nature and the surrounding community, our preservation efforts remain focused on education, protection, and allowing these remarkable creatures the best possible chance to return to the sea, just as they have for generations.
Our work begins on the beach, where nests are carefully located and assessed. When necessary, eggs are recovered and relocated to a protected hatchery designed to replicate natural conditions while reducing the risk from predators and environmental exposure. Each nest is documented, including species identification, egg count, and hatch success rates.
An important part of our conservation efforts is Coco, our self-trained, by osmosis, rescue dog with an extraordinary ability to detect sea turtle nests. Coco assists in locating nests that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping to improve protection rates along Playa de Coco.