Travel Guide Chencán

Mexico is known to collect the nests of 7 of the 8 marine turtle species on the planet. On the coast of the State, between April and September, the Carey and Blanca species come to lay their eggs. The 18 km of beach around Chenkán and Punta Xen are Mexico's most important area for laying Carey turtles, which have so far escaped the depredation of tourist infrastructure. The beaches are home to several seasonal camps, including Campamento Tortuguero Chenkan, which operates patrols to protect nests several times a night, take out the eggs and place them in incubators before releasing the babies once the eggs have hatched. The help of visiting volunteers is always welcome.