By Steven Sanders


There are a plethora of fantastic vacation spots in Mexico. One of the most prominent is Turtle Beach, or as it is officially called, Playa Las Tortugas. It is a picturesque beach that is located in the Nayarit region in the country.

The beach runs for an estimated distance of ten miles and was once part of a coconut plantation. Tourists often love it for its serene environment. There is a conservation camp for sea turtles in the area as well. If you are want to be actively involved in the conservation of the species, you might also want to pay it a visit.

There is a thriving ecosystem in Turtle Beach that should be a paradise to the typical nature enthusiast. A large number of turtles, crocodiles and birds are also protected at a nearby mangrove estuary. During your trip, you will get up close and personal with the beautiful land and marine creatures. Tourists also love to go to the beach for leisure walks, kayaking, surfing, swimming and horseback riding.

If you are an avid kayaker, you will be pleased to know that rental equipment is always available on site at an affordable rate. There are shops that rent out one person kayaks, paddle boards and canoes. Whale watching is also an interesting part time activity that is predominantly practiced in the area. Depending on your tour agency, you may be able to take a boat ride deep into the sea to sight them.

The sole aspect that has made the beach so famous is its large turtle population. The Platanitos Turtle Camp, located close by, is always a beauty to behold. It lies at the farthest end north of Turtle Beach. It primarily serves as a breeding area for sea turtles. The local turtle population often breeds between November and December. Once the eggs hatch, tourists are permitted to release the hatchlings straight into the ocean. This is a really memorable thing to do.

The Puerto Vallarta Airport is the sole airport that serves the region. The distance between the airport and Turtle Beach is 74 miles. Time zone differences usually take effect for those landing from distant places. The airport uses the Central Time classification of time zones. In Nayarit, the Mountain Time classification is used. Just ensure you always know which time zone you are in and reset your watch if necessary.

One of your primary concerns for the trip is certain to be accommodation. Fortunately, this is not something to worry a lot about as there are plenty of affordable hotels and villas around. It would be prudent to find out whether your tour package fee will cater for accommodation. Most tourists who love their privacy always opt for the villas as opposed to hotels. One has the option of choosing a beach front villa or the types located in secluded gardens.

Just as it is with any other trip, advance planning is essential. You want to ensure your finances are in order before contacting a tour agency. Remember to inquire about essential items to include in your packing list.




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