La Marinera beach reserve, located in Guanico Abajo, Tonosi, in south region of Los Santos province, has become, due to its nature, the ideal site for the maternity of sea turtles, especially the olive ridley or olive ridley species.
A Nature Spectacular That Happens Every Year
Every year, thousands of turtles parade through the calm waters and warm sands of this Panamanian Pacific beach to nest and lay their eggs, in a natural spectacle. An indication that this coastal area maintains the appropriate biological balance to host its eggs and give life to the hatchlings.
Records from recent years indicate that during the months of July and December, about 25,000 turtles arrive at La Marinera beach each year to lay their eggs. This event allows approximately 2 million hatchlings to enter the sea, with October being the month of greatest nesting density for Kemp’s ridley turtles, which attracts scientists and conservationists from all over to learn even more about this natural event.
A Hidden Paradise in Los Santos
This natural reserve has an area of 968 hectares, which makes this place a great natural laboratory. Getting to La Marinera can take six hours by road from Panama City to Guanico Abajo, in Tonosi. To get there you must follow the path at low tide, crossing the shore of the beach, rivers, ravines and pastures for a journey of about 30 minutes to reach La Marinera station.
In this natural paradise, it is best to stay in a tent to camp, since the moment in which the turtles arrive to lay their eggs or when the turtles will hatch to begin their ascent to the surface towards the sea varies. Both gifts of nature are recorded at night, at dawn or in the early hours of the morning. Yes, it is important to coordinate with the Ministry of Environment in order to request permission to stay in the place.
Expand the Experience in this Natural Sanctuary
If you want to stay in a place with more amenities to visit this beautiful natural sanctuary, there are hotels in the Guanico Abajo and Tonosi sectors, taking into consideration that those closest to the sea also offer tourist packages, enjoy diving and even surfing classes.
In the sector it is also possible to do trekking that takes you to a beautiful waterfall, as well as hiking on the ranger trails. True adventure fans will find the paradise they are looking for in La Marinera beach.
