Finding Sea Turtles In Nicaragua

When you invest in Nicaragua real estate or retire to Nicaragua you are afforded many benefits. One such benefit is the opportunity to be exposed to natural wonders that you otherwise would not experience in North America. Among the more fascinating experiences is the opportunity to see huge groups of sea turtles lay their eggs on the shores of Nicaragua. This is one of the few places in the world to see this. This fascinating event is called arribadas and occurs several times per year.

Sea turtles have been victims of over worldwide harvesting and only seven species are left in existence today. Of the seven a whopping five individual species are present in Nicaragua. These turtles include the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Leatherback Turtle, and the Green Turtle. Three of these five can be found near the San Juan del Sur area. Sadly, each of the five species of turtles is at risk and has been placed on the critically endangered species list or the endangered species list. It is not uncommon to find yourself maneuvering a boat through hundreds of turtles.

The coastal dwellers use the eggs as a food source and more recently they found there was a lucrative commercial demand for the eggs. The turtle eggs are easily sold to seafood restaurants in Leon or Managua or any other major city. The commercial consumption of turtle eggs is having a devastating effect on the sea turtle population.

With increased knowledge of the problems being faced by the sea turtle populations there have been conservation steps taken. The protection of the sea turtles and the very important sea turtle eggs is regulated and managed by organizations like the Cocibolca Foundation. Beaches such as Chacocente and La Flor have become national turtle reserves. The local residents are allowed to take a limited number of eggs for their families in exchange for their help in protecting the sea turtle nests

Environmentally sensitive tours to La Flor to watch the arribadas can be easily arranged in colourful and charming village of San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur is quickly becoming a popular Nicaragua real estate investment destination amongst retiring baby boomers.

go to nicaragua real estate. To find out more about nature watching in Nicaragua