Yes, our sea turtle mothers are here! We already have 16 Loggerhead nests. Please remember to follow our recommendations – Visit our Sea Turtle Tips.
If you want to learn more about our lovely endangered species, join our Turtle Walks which will start Monday, May 21, at 9PM. We don't take reservations online or by phone; you need to come to the CEA Center and book your place directly with our staff members.

CEA is the only organization with permission to work with these creatures in our area and to take 10 people with us each night. Beware of tour operators or public transportation businesses that offer you this service.

Season:

• May--October 2012 -- Monday through Friday -- 9 PM to Midnight
• Groups limited to 10 people -- NO RESERVATIONS in advance online or by phone
• Donation: Adults, $15 US/$180 pesos; children 12 and under, $10 US/$120 pesos

We ask that you please:

• Wear sneakers or sturdy walking shoes (no sandals).
• Be prepared to walk up to 3 miles without the use of flashlights.
• Refrain from using mosquito repellent, perfume or cologne. (Long sleeves/pants recommended)
• Bring a water bottle and bag to collect any trash you see on the beach.

For further information: tortugas1@ceakumal.org or comunicacion@ceakumal.org.

In addition to the beginning of the Sea Turtle Nesting Season this month, three international environmental days take place (International Bird Day May 12; Biological Diversity Day May 22; and Sea Turtle Day May 23).

Volunteers from all over the world are joining us this month to begin our summer season. Help us provide them all a lovely welcome as we work together to clean up the beaches for the turtles.

We invite you to participate in this environmental activity, the beach cleanup, which will allow us to incorporate the participation of CEA staff, volunteers, locals and tourists. We will clean both sandy and rocky areas.

One hour, once a month, can make a difference. We also will try to separate the trash, so we can get a better understanding of its makeup and source. Together, we can keep Akumal's beaches safe and clean. Next beach clean-ups will be announced in Facebook.

We Hope to See You Saturday, May 26, at the CEA Center at 7:30AM.

To honor the life of Stacy Lee Watkins, who died in an automobile accident on March 16, 2012 in Bedford, Texas, her parents asked mourners to send donations to CEA's Sea Turtle Program.

Stacy was born on July 3, 1973 in Florence, Colorado to Richard C. (Dick) and Andrea L. Watkins. Stacy is survived by her family and hundreds of friends.

Dick and Andrea spend their winter months on the beaches of the Caribbean at their residence in Paamul. Stacy loved the sea, so in late 2008 she came to Quintana Roo. Many in the area knew her personally from the year-and-a-half that she spent either in Paamul with her parents, on Xpu-Ha Beach, or Xcalacoco. She was a ray of sunshine for everyone who knew her.

In early 2010, she moved back to Texas, where she felt at home. At the time of her death she worked for BJ's Brewhouse and Restaurant in Hurst, Texas. She leaves behind many friends who are not quite certain how their lives are going to go on without her.

Stacy's parents chose Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) and their Sea Turtle Protection Program as the organization for donations to be made in Stacy's memory. While Stacy lived on XpuHa Beach, she and her friend walked the entire beach on the beautiful bay at least twice a day all year long. During sea turtle nesting and hatching season they were on the beach many times during the days and nights making sure that the nests were protected from predators; she wanted those little eggs to hatch. Once the eggs were hatching, she wanted to make sure the little hatchlings would be able to find their way to the water to fight for their lives in the sea.

If you choose to donate to this cause in Stacy's memory, you may do so by clicking here.