Turtle Season 2025: Sea Turtle Conservation in Utila, Bay Islands

Each year, from May through October, the shores of Utila, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, become a sanctuary for one of nature’s most remarkable events: sea turtle nesting season. On Pumpkin Hill Beach, and other vital nesting sites across the island such as Airport Beach, Turtle Harbour, Carey Bay, and Rock Harbour, endangered sea turtles return to lay their eggs under the moonlit sky. In 2025, the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) renews its commitment to the protection and recovery of these majestic creatures with an ambitious and multi-faceted conservation effort. The mission is as vital as it is urgent: to create a safe space for sea turtle reproduction, increase hatchling success, and involve the local community in safeguarding Utila’s rich marine biodiversity.

Building a Safer Haven: The Hatchery Project

Central to this year’s turtle conservation strategy is the establishment of a new hatchery on Pumpkin Hill Beach. This hatchery will serve as a secure space for relocated nests, especially in high-risk areas threatened by beach erosion, human activity, or overlapping nest placements. Hatcheries not only improve hatchling distribution but also significantly boost survival rates by protecting nests from predators and environmental stressors. With municipal approval and strong support from the private sector, the construction of this hatchery will mark a milestone for turtle conservation on Utila. Once operational, the facility will be instrumental in ensuring more eggs hatch safely and more hatchlings reach the ocean.

Expanding Patrols and Volunteer Engagement

Another pillar of the 2025 initiative is increasing nighttime beach patrols. These patrols are essential to locate new nests, monitor turtle activity, and protect mother turtles during the vulnerable nesting process. BICA is mobilizing volunteers, including residents, tourists, and divers, to participate in expanded patrols across key nesting beaches. A structured training program will equip volunteers with the skills they need to safely assist with data collection, nest relocation, and turtle handling. This expansion not only enhances the reach of patrols but also deepens community engagement and raises awareness among those who visit Utila’s beaches.

Adopt a Nest: A Program for Participation

To help fund these efforts, BICA is launching the “Adopt a Nest” program. With a goal of securing 30 nest adoptions in 2025, this initiative allows individuals and organizations to symbolically adopt a sea turtle nest. Each adoption directly supports critical aspects of the project, including equipment purchases, salaries for conservation staff, and hatchery supplies. Adopters receive updates and photographs of the hatchlings they help protect, creating a personal connection to the island’s conservation story. The program is not only a powerful fundraising tool but also a meaningful way to involve the global community in the future of Utila’s marine life.

Educating the Next Generation

Long-term conservation success depends on the next generation. To inspire local youth and foster a culture of environmental stewardship, BICA will host a series of three-day educational camps throughout the nesting season. These camps, aimed at students and young residents, combine informative talks, games, and hands-on experiences like hatchling releases. Participants learn about marine biology, the importance of biodiversity, and how their actions can positively or negatively impact the environment. These camps serve as a gateway to lifelong involvement in conservation and help build a future generation that values and protects its natural heritage.

Insights and Innovations in Conservation

Utila’s 2025 turtle protection efforts are informed by both innovation and experience. Environmental training sessions, in collaboration with local authorities, will strengthen coastal and marine patrol efforts beyond turtle nesting sites. At the same time, scientific initiatives like turtle tagging will provide valuable data on nesting behaviors. By tagging young, first-time nesters, researchers can track migratory patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. One of the most inspiring developments has been the return of hawksbill turtles that were tagged in the early 2000s—proof that long-term efforts are bearing fruit. Additionally, a noticeable increase in late-season nesting in 2024 has continued into 2025, signaling a positive trend for the island’s turtle population.

A Collective Mission for 2025 and Beyond

As the 2025 turtle season unfolds, BICA’s mission on Utila is clear: protect vulnerable nesting areas, engage the community in active conservation, and ensure that sea turtles remain a vital part of the Bay Islands ecosystem for generations to come. Every action—from hatchery construction to late-night patrols, from symbolic nest adoptions to youth education—is a step toward a more sustainable future. Protecting sea turtles is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance that makes Utila so special.

Whether you are a resident of the Bay Islands, a conservation enthusiast, or a traveler seeking purpose-driven adventure, you are invited to be a part of this mission. Together, we can protect the future—one nest at a time. 🐢🌊

👉 Want to get involved or adopt a nest? Learn more and register here.