Coco Tulum, by simply being what it is -an ecological, affordable, communal, friendly hotel- offers its visitors a variety of simple, basic natural gifts. These gifts are there for the taking, but in the hustle and bustle of our urban lives many of us forget they exist: the sunset, a soft breeze, the sand under our feet, and, of course, the fascinating animal world.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing animal species that we have the opportunity to see at Coco Tulum is also one of the most primitive: the sea turtle. These beguiling creatures have been on this earth for more than 70,000 million years and are survivors of the mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs. They spend almost their entire life in the ocean. The males, once they have hatched, never return to the shore, but the females come ashore once a year under the cover of the night, to lay their eggs.
Coco Tulum has the incredible fortune to be located right in the middle of the coast that is the main nesting ground for two species of sea turtles: the Loggerhead Turtle and the Green Turtle. Turtles do not like noise, people or lights, which makes the coast of Tulum a very appealing place for them. With still relatively few tourists and little electricity, it is not uncommon to find a large female sea turtle creeping up the sand on the Tulum beach in the dead of night to lay her eggs.
Hatching season is another truly fascinating event. The baby turtles fight their way out of the eggs and sand and rapidly scurry to the water. They are tiny; smaller than the palm of your hand. It is amazing to realize that they will one day become huge, pre historic creatures who roam the seas.
Turtle nesting and hatching season is from May to October. If you are lucky enough to see either the female laying her eggs or the tiny turtles scurrying to the ocean, please remember that they do not like noise or light. If you are going to be visiting us during that time and want the chance to have the unforgettable experience of watching turtles, please bring a red or yellow flashlight and remember to be very, very quiet!
