As the sun sets over the turquoise waters of Cancun, Mexico, a quiet and important event takes place on its white sandy beaches: the arrival of female sea turtles, returning to nest and lay their eggs in the very sands where they hatched years ago. Cancun, a popular resort destination known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, is also home to a unique and vital natural phenomenon that plays an essential role in preserving marine biodiversity -- sea turtle nesting.
In 2024, the Cancun beaches witnessed a massive arrival of female sea turtles, prompting local authorities to increase efforts to protect these endangered creatures. The Cancun City Council, working alongside its Ecology Department and the Cancun Hotel Association, has expanded turtle nesting pens to accommodate the growing number of turtle arrivals. Notably, the Sunset World Group, a well-established hospitality brand in the region, has been instrumental in this conservation initiative.
For the 2025 nesting season, Sunset World Group has reported significant progress. Their flagship property, the Sunset Royal Beach Resort, located along one of Cancun's busiest beaches, has seen 63 female sea turtles arrive to nest, resulting in 7,789 eggs laid so far. With Cancun's natural beauty at risk, the tourism industry and local conservation efforts are now more intertwined than ever. Thanks to these initiatives, the sea turtles' survival rate has improved, and many hatchlings now make their way back to the ocean safely.
The Cancun Hotel Association has worked in close partnership with local authorities, including the Cancun City Council and the Ecology Department, to implement the following measures for the protection of sea turtles:
Sunset World Group, a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector, has been at the forefront of environmental conservation in Cancun. Known for its passion for sustainability, the company operates six resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with a strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Cancun's beaches are among the most critical nesting grounds for sea turtles in Mexico. The region attracts a variety of turtle species, including the endangered loggerhead and green turtles. The beaches' importance as nesting sites is recognized by the Mexican government, local authorities, and tourism businesses, all of whom work together to preserve this important natural resource.
In the past decade, Cancun has become an example of how tourism and conservation efforts can coexist. Through dedicated initiatives, the city has successfully managed to balance its booming tourism industry with its responsibility to protect the environment. The collaborative efforts of hotels, local communities, and environmental organizations are ensuring that the sea turtles continue to return to Cancun's beaches for generations to come.
As the 2025 season progresses, there are promising signs that the region's conservation measures are having a significant impact. The involvement of local hotels, such as Sunset World Group, has been essential to the success of these programs. With more sea turtles arriving each year, Cancun's conservation programs are expected to expand even further in the coming seasons.
Cancun has become a beacon of hope for sea turtle conservation, thanks to the tireless efforts of the local community and its tourism partners. These efforts are vital not only for the survival of sea turtles but also for the health of the region's ecosystem. The tourism industry, which brings millions of visitors to Cancun each year, continues to thrive while ensuring that the environment is protected for future generations.
By integrating environmental protection with tourism, Cancun is setting an example for other destinations worldwide. As more hotels and resorts take an active role in conservation, the region is not only providing a unique vacation experience but also ensuring the survival of one of the most incredible marine creatures in the world.