A New Safe Haven for the Baby Sea Turtles of Playa Grande
Cahuita, Limón | November 2025
Good news travels on sand — this time, carried by shovels and hopeful hearts. Turtle Rescue Cahuita is proud to announce the official start of construction of its long-awaited sea turtle hatchery in Playa Grande, a critical step in protecting endangered species and made possible through the generous support of the Ford Environmental Grants Program..
This hatchery represents years of community effort, applied science, and deep love for marine life along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. It was born out of an urgent need to provide a safe, controlled environment for the most vulnerable nests and will significantly increase the hatching success rate for sea turtles nesting on our beaches
What Is a Hatchery and Why Is It So Important?
A hatchery is a protected and scientifically designed structure where sea turtle eggs are safely relocated when their original nesting sites on the beach are compromised by threats such as coastal erosion, light pollution, egg poaching, or predation by domestic and wild animals (e.g., dogs, raccoons, foxes).
Within this controlled environment, eggs are monitored daily by our trained team, following ethical and science-based protocols, until they hatch naturally.
Thanks to This New Hatchery, We Will Be Able To:
- Increase hatching success to over 80%, Above 80%, which translates into hundreds of baby turtles reaching the ocean every season.
- Regulate nest temperature,a key factor in determining hatchling sex and future viability.
- Protect nests from predators and human interference,both major threats in unguarded coastal zones.
- Collect reliable scientific data to strengthen our marine conservation and monitoring programs.
Building a Future, Protecting Life
Construction is now underway thanks to the coordinated work of our dedicated volunteers, local allies, and marine conservation experts, who are creating a strong, functional, and environmentally respectful structure.
“Every nest we transfer to the hatchery is one more chance to save a life. This space is a collective victory and a declaration of love for the planet’s future,” said Chalton Obando, President of Turtle Rescue Cahuita.
This hatchery will also serve as an educational tool, offering children, youth, and visitors the opportunity to learn firsthand about the incubation, hatching, and release process, reinforcing the bond between science and community engagement.
Thank You to the Ford Environmental Grants Program
This project is made possible through the generous support of the Ford Motor Company Fund, under their Environmental Grants Program, which recognizes and uplifts high-impact initiatives across the region. The award received by Turtle Rescue Cahuita not only funds the hatchery but also acknowledges the commitment of the entire Cahuita community to marine conservation.
We Keep Protecting — Step by Step
From the warm sands of Playa Grande to the hearts of those who believe in conservation, this hatchery stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when community, science, and love for life come together.
We’ll continue sharing progress updates through our website and social media. Thank you for walking with us on every step of this journey to protect sea turtles.
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