Bahia de Banderas
Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay) is a lovely “half moon” bay on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and straddles two states: the northern portion of Jalisco and the southern portion of Nayarit.
Along the coast of the bay, north of the popular vacation destination of Puerto Vallarta, lies the eight mile stretch of beach that represents the NVSTP: the Nuevo Vallarta Sea Turtle Preserve.
Beach Development on the Bay of Banderas
Over the last few years there have been dramatic changes to the sea turtles’ nesting habitat on Nuevo Vallarta’s beaches, due to rapid urbanization of the seashore brought about by increasing resort and condominium development. High rise buildings are filling in every open space on the eight mile stretch of beach where Olive Ridleys have been laying their eggs for millions of years.
The Nuevo Vallarta Preserve is located on the property of the new Ocean Terrace Condominium Development. We thank the owner developer Lic. Ghazy Casab, who continues to honor the original inhabitants of the beach by allocating space for the Preserve and egg incubation facilities.
Currently the Preserve located on the Casab family’s property consists of:
- Incubation Corrals where turtle nests are relocated and protected
- Holding tanks for recently born hatchlings
- A dormitory and office for staff and volunteers
- A public education area where visitors gather for “turtle talks” and prepare to release hatchlings to the sea
- A Sea Turtle Information Center which houses an extensive collection of photos, videos and displays.
In spite of the changes we are witnessing as the Nuevo Vallarta beach is urbanized by new resort development, the daily activities of our Sea Turtle Conservation Program remain largely the same and even more vitally needed. There is a sense of urgency in our work.
