Pedasí’s beaches, especially Playa El Arenal and Playa Venao, are part of one of Panama’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles. September marks the peak of the nesting season, when female turtles, mostly Olive Ridley (Lora) and occasionally Leatherback turtles, return to the very beaches where they were born.
Visitors in September can observe these incredible creatures laying eggs at night under guided conservation programs. Later in the season, hatchlings emerge, beginning their perilous journey to the ocean.
Nesting Period and Behavior
- Timing: Female turtles typically come ashore at night, using the moonlight to orient themselves. In Pedasí, the main nesting period is July through November, with September offering frequent sightings.
- Nest Construction: A single female can lay 80–100 eggs per nest, burying them about 40–50 cm deep. She covers the nest meticulously with sand to protect it from predators and temperature fluctuations.
- Hatchling Journey: Eggs incubate for 45–60 days, depending on sand temperature. Cooler sands produce more males, warmer sands more females — a phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination.
Tips for Responsible Observation:
- Always join guided tours; avoid approaching turtles at night.
- Do not use flash photography or touch eggs.
- Keep the beaches clean and respect roped-off conservation areas.
September is a perfect time for eco-tourists to witness this natural spectacle and support local conservation efforts, making your visit meaningful and impactful.