The Magnificent 5 Sea Turtle Species You Must See in Cancun Mexico

Gabriela Cortaberria
May 15
4 min read

Updated: Jun 4

5 Sea Turtle Species You Must See in Cancun Mexico

Cancún, Mexico, is renowned for its stunning beaches and nightlife, but beneath its turquoise waters lies a world teeming with marine life, including five magnificent sea turtle species. These ancient mariners not only captivate divers and snorkelers but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts by organizations like Xcaret Park and the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat and contribute to their preservation.

🐢 The Magnificent 5 Sea Turtle Species in Cancun

1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Scuba diver and green sea turtle swim together underwater. Clear blue ocean, bubbles, and sunlight create a serene, adventurous vibe. — A scuba diver swims alongside a graceful green sea turtle in the crystal-clear ocean waters.

The Green Sea Turtle is perhaps the most recognized sea turtle species in Cancun. Weighing over 300 pounds, these gentle giants have a unique olive-brown shell that helps them blend into their surroundings. Primarily herbivorous, they feed on seagrass and algae, contributing significantly to the health of marine ecosystems. During nesting season, from May to October, they come ashore to lay eggs, offering a remarkable sight for nature enthusiasts.

2. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Divers observe a loggerheadsea turtle swimming in clear blue water, creating a serene underwater scene. The turtle is central, with divers in the background. — A loggerhead sea turtle gracefully swims through the ocean, accompanied by divers observing its majestic presence in the deep blue sea.

Easily identifiable by their large heads and powerful jaws, Loggerhead Sea Turtles feast on hard-shelled prey like crabs and conchs. They are the most common turtles in the western Atlantic Ocean, making Cancún a prime location for observing them. Their presence highlights the importance of conservation efforts, as they are a threatened species.

3. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Diver in black wetsuit swims underwater, reaching toward a large hawksbill sea turtle near coral reef, with clear blue water in the background. — A scuba diver gracefully reaches toward a hawksbill sea turtle near a coral reef, capturing a serene underwater moment.

Known for their vibrant shells and sharp beaks, Hawksbill Sea Turtles primarily feed on sponges, playing a vital role in coral reef health. Often found in coral reef areas, they navigate the nooks and crannies in search of food. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and illegal trade, Hawksbills are critically endangered, underscoring the need for ongoing protection efforts.

4. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Sea turtle swimming over a sandy ocean floor, surrounded by coral, in clear blue water. The turtle's shell is brown with black limb patterns. — A olive ridley sea turtle gracefully glides over the sandy ocean floor, its brown shell and patterned limbs highlighted against a backdrop of coral and clear blue water.

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is known for its extraordinary nesting strategy, where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously in a phenomenon called arribada. Although less frequently seen than other species, witnessing this nesting event is unforgettable. Their diet mainly consists of jellyfish and crabs, and while not as widespread in the Caribbean, some populations nest on the Yucatán Peninsula from June to August.

5. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Leatherback turtle swims underwater in clear blue ocean. Its dark, speckled shell contrasts with the bright water, creating a serene scene. — A majestic leatherback turtle glides gracefully through the crystal-clear blue waters, its dark, speckled shell creating a stunning contrast against the vibrant ocean backdrop.

NOT SEEN on the last 5 years.The Leatherback Sea Turtle, the largest of all sea turtle species, can reach lengths of up to 9 feet. Known for their distinctive leather-like shells, they are impressive divers, capable of reaching depths over 4,000 feet. Primarily feeding on jellyfish, their sightings in Cancún are rare but significant,( only saw it one time) emphasizing the importance of marine conservation.

🌊 Top Dive & Snorkel Sites to See Sea Turtles

🐠 Chitales Reef (Cancún)

Located near Punta Cancún, Chitales Reef is a vibrant coral ecosystem teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, lionfish, eels, and stingrays. It's an ideal spot for both novice and experienced divers. (scubatotal.com)

🐢 Akumal Bay (Riviera Maya)

Akumal, meaning "Place of the Turtle" in Mayan, is renowned for its resident sea turtles that graze on seagrass beds. Snorkeling here offers a high chance of encountering Green and Loggerhead turtles, especially during the nesting season from May to November.Please note that you may encounter many people

🎨 MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)

MUSA, located between Cancún and Isla Mujeres, features over 500 life-size sculptures that promote coral life. This unique dive site combines art and marine conservation, attracting various sea turtle species. (MUSA)

🛡️ Conservation Efforts in Cancún

🏥 Xcaret Park's Sea Turtle Conservation Program

Xcaret Park, in collaboration with Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México A.C., has been instrumental in sea turtle conservation. Since its inception, the program has released over 7.5 million baby turtles into the wild. The park also operates a Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for Sea Turtles, providing care for injured and sick turtles. (blog.xcaret.com)

🐣 Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm (Tortugranja)

Tortugranja is a government-funded sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles. It focuses on safeguarding turtle eggs from poaching and educating the public about these majestic creatures. (Tripadvisor)

🐢 Participate in Sea Turtle Release with Scuba Total

Chart of sea turtle sizes on blue background. Shows Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green/Black, Flatback, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley, Olive Ridley, and a man for scale. — Chart of sea turtle sizes illustrating different species such as the massive Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green/Black, Flatback, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley, and Olive Ridley, shown alongside a human figure for scale comparison.

Experience the magic of releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean with Scuba Total. We organize turtle release events three times a year, aligning with the nesting seasons. This hands-on experience not only offers a memorable encounter with nature but also contributes to the conservation of these endangered species.

👉 Contact Scuba Total to Join a Turtle Release Event

By immersing yourself in the fascinating world of sea turtles in Cancún, you not only create lasting memories but also play a part in preserving these incredible creatures for future generations. Whether you're diving into the depths of Chitales Reef, snorkeling in Akumal Bay, or participating in a turtle release, each experience brings you closer to understanding and protecting our ocean's treasures.

For more information on sea turtle species, visit their respective Wikipedia pages: