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Writer's pictureCari Mackey

Sea Turtle Nesting and Whale Watching Season in Panama

Updated: Apr 24, 2023

Wait...did you say "Stop and ASK for directions?" Please, these girls know the way. Just get out of her way...she's GOT this.  OK, man jokes aside did you say Polar Bears? While I have yet to see one here in Panama, this time of year we celebrate their migrating and endangered friends - Humpback Whales and Sea Turtles. That's cool but...how do they navigate the ocean for thousands of miles without a GPS or road signs? Leave it to the ladies they have a little secret to tell you about. 

- TURTLE NESTING & HATCHING SEASON -  August through January


Of all those cute little babies, only 1 in 1,000 will make it to maturity. These big mommas will journey thousands of miles back to the same beach they hatched from to nest. But how? That is the question.  As soon as they hatch, their inner magnetic compass is taking notes about their location so they can return a few years later to lay eggs. Imagine knowing how to use a compass, it's kind of like knowing how to write in cursive - not so common anymore.  4 different species of Sea Turtles come to nest here in Morrillo. Working with our local conservation group FUNDAT, guests can participate in releasing hatchlings, night patrols, learn from marine biologists, and experience Sea Turtles in their natural habitat. When releasing the little babies on the beach you can say "Hey little guy, see ya in a few years!" Remember that deep breath you took a couple weeks ago? Let's do it again but this time hold it as long as you can. How long did you last or, hopefully you didn't pass out. A Sea Turtle can hold their breath for up to 2 hours underwater! Whoah, I think I lasted 10 seconds, how about you?

- HUMPBACK WHALE MIGRATION & CALVING -  August through October


It's impossible to describe the feeling of an encounter with whales and their calves. Breathtaking. We always seem to be working on deep breathing here... Much like us humans from the North, they travel to the warm waters of Panama to fatten up, get some sun on the skin, mate, and have babies.  Feeling Randy Baby? Yea baby, Yea!

TURTLE TIP: BalloonsBLOW. When washed into the ocean, a balloon is often mistaken as a jellyfish which is a sea turtle treat. So, for your next celebration, consider an alternative to a balloon, easy fix! 

*On Aug 31, you can be part of a hatchling release. Stay tuned on Facebook and Instagram for details. 

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