Three species of endangered sea turtles nest and forage in the waters of the Estero Padre Ramos Nature Reserve. They dine on the fish, shrimp, anemones, and jellyfish in the salty waters of the Pacific and rely on the sandy beaches to lay their precious eggs between July and November. Eggs hatch and tortugitas scramble for the ocean in November and December. Leatherbacks are the most highly endangered of all the species, with fewer than 2000 nesting females remaining in the entire Pacific Ocean.Sea turtles are threatened from industrial fishing fleets off the coast of Central America in search of tuna, shark and swordfish. These ships directly catch and kill tens of thousands of individuals every year with their hooks and nets. Sea turtle eggs are also a precious commodity in local coastal communities, where locals harvest the eggs illegally for sale and consumption.
Leatherback Sea Turtle - Common NameTortuga Tora - Spanish Name
Hawksbill Sea Turtle - Common Name
Tortuga Carey - Spanish Name
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle - Common Name
Tortuga Paslama - Spanish Name
Most commonly, we see adult and juvenile hawksbill sea turtles swimming in the estuary.
