The Ancient Mariners of Bocas del Toro: A Love Letter to Our Sea Turtles

There is something sacred about watching a sea turtle emerge from the tide and onto the sand under a full moon. The slow, deliberate movement of her massive body, the quiet determination in every push forward—it feels like bearing witness to an ancient ritual, as old as the oceans themselves.

Here in Bocas del Toro, we are blessed to share our waters with these incredible creatures. Three species—hawksbill, leatherback, green turtles—return year after year, following unseen maps across entire oceans to nest on the very beaches where they were born. Scientists call this ‘natal homing.’ We call it magic.

But with this magic comes responsibility.

Against All Odds: The Journey of Survival

A sea turtle’s life is a story of perseverance. From the moment the tiny hatchlings break free from their shells and scramble toward the waves, they enter a world stacked against them. 

Out of every thousand hatchlings, only one or two will reach adulthood. Yet, despite the odds, they keep coming back, as they have for over 100 million years.

The Human Threat & Our Role in Their Future

While natural predators have always played their part in this story, human impact has taken the lead. Plastic pollution, fishing nets, habitat destruction, and the illegal turtle egg trade have placed these creatures on the edge of survival.

Here in Bocas, we have the power to make this place a welcomed sanctuary for these amazing creatures–but it takes everyone's help and awareness.

Sustainable Practices: How We Can Help

Beach Etiquette Matters – If you’re lucky enough to witness a nesting turtle, keep your distance, stay quiet, and never use flash photography. Artificial light can disorient both nesting mothers and hatchlings. The best way to view them is to use a red light which will not disturb their senses.

Respect the Red Zones – Many beaches in Bocas have designated nesting areas, like Bluff Beach. If an area is blocked off, trust that it’s for a reason. Footsteps can collapse buried nests, and beach bonfires (which are illegal) can deter nesting females.

Leave No Trace – That water bottle, plastic bag, or beer can left behind doesn’t just disappear. Many turtles mistake plastic for food, leading to fatal blockages. A simple mindful habit—picking up after yourself—can save a life.

Speak Up – Locals and visitors alike have the power to report poaching or harmful activity. Community conservation groups work tirelessly to protect these turtles, and they rely on all of us to be their eyes and ears.

A Living Legacy

Every turtle that makes it to adulthood carries the story of its ancestors. When a hawksbill glides past you while snorkeling in Bocas, know that it is part of a lineage stretching back before the dinosaurs. When a leatherback heaves her massive body onto the shore to nest, she is honoring a cycle as old as the tides.

These creatures don’t ask for much—just a chance to keep their story alive. And here, in this wild, beautiful corner of the world, we have the privilege of helping them do just that.

So let’s be good ancestors. Let’s make sure that long after we are gone, these ancient mariners still return, riding the moonlit waves home.

Remember: every small action counts. From respecting nesting areas to supporting local conservation efforts, we all have a part to play in keeping these ancient mariners returning to our shores.

Want to support? Here are community organizations in Bocas working on behalf of the turtles:

Sea Turtle Conservatory https://conserveturtles.org/project/bocas-del-toro/

ANABOCA www.anaboca.bocasdeltoro.org

PanaTortugas https://panatortugas.org/

All photos by Sea Turtle Conservatory Bocas