Turtle Hatching in Los Cabos

Mother turtles emerge from the sea at night and dig holes in secluded stretches of sand where they deposit 150-200 eggs, before returning to the water. They do this several times a season, resulting in up to eight nests a year, for decades, but they never return to a nest once the eggs have been laid. With nothing standing between the eggs and potential predators and environmental dangers that might destroy their nest, it is truly a rare and life-affirming experience to see the turtle eggs hatching. As the first few turtles begin to emerge from the nest, they stimulate the others to follow suit — encouraging safety in numbers as they embark on their immediate migration to the sea.

Although the trek from nest to sea is relatively short, it is fraught with peril. Seabirds, crabs, and other predators are constantly lurking to make a snack of these mini marvels. Still, the journey across their native beach is crucial to the species survival of the world’s vulnerable population of sea turtles. As they take their first steps, the baby turtles instinctively learn the angle and intensity of the Earth’s magnetic fields and the coastal currents in that spot, enabling female turtles to know where to return when it’s time to spawn.

In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, sea turtle nesting season stretches from late July to November, with hatching season starting in September. After about 45 days in the nest, the soft-shelled hatchlings bubble up to the surface, like a pot of boiling water, at night, using phototaxis — or light sensitivity — to guide them toward the light shining on the horizon, even if it’s a moonless, cloudy night.

One of the best locations in the world to see Olive Ridley turtles hatch and emerge is at the Hilton Los Cabos. Since 2003, the Los Cabos Turtle Protection Network, co-founded by the hotel, has patrolled a 10-mile stretch of beach, between El Dorado and El Tule. The resort collects eggs from the nests and brings them to a protected corral where they can safely hatch. During turtle season, the resort typically releases the hatchlings from the week on Saturday evenings and invites guests to watch their journey to the sea from a safe distance.

Hatchlings tend to be most active between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., when the cover of darkness makes it easier to evade predators and the beach is less crowded with humans. The post-sunset and pre-dawn hours are the best times to watch the turtles make their pilgrimage. If you spot a nesting female turtle, or a clutch of hatchlings making their way to the ocean (or that seem to have veered off track), it’s important to avoid handling them yourself. Better to alert a properly trained professional, such as a Hilton Los Cabos security guard.

Although sea turtles have a relatively long lifespan of 50-100 years, only 0.01 percent of hatchlings survive to adulthood. In addition to natural predators, human factors like climate change have contributed to their vulnerable conservation status. In protected habitats like the beaches monitored by Hilton Los Cabos, visitors can learn more about turtle conservation, observe guided migration events, and spread awareness about protecting sea turtles and their habitats. They can also get involved by donating to the Los Cabos Turtle Protection Network and other conservation organizations.

For a firsthand experience of turtle hatching, Mexico is unparalleled. When you stay at Hilton Los Cabos, you’ll have front-row access to premier turtle-watching beaches and the natural beauty of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, while enjoying the hotel’s gracious hospitality and lavish amenities. You’ll also be part of eco-friendly initiatives that support marine conservation.

Reserve today and embrace the magic of this year’s extraordinary turtle hatching experience.