Located on the beach of Mazunte (word derived from Maxontetia, which in Nahuatl means “please lay eggs here”), The Living Museum of the Sea Turtle is an initiative of the Mexican Turtle Center and was created in 1991 to raise awareness about the importance of caring for this species, considered in danger of extinction, in a place known as an area of ​​sea turtles, where previously people used to traffic indiscriminately with these animals and their eggs.

The museum has six species of sea turtles, six species of freshwater turtles and two species of land turtles, with more than 500 specimens of these species, among which the lora turtle, hawksbill and golfina stand out, the latter has its main nesting centers on the beaches of Oaxaca.

As every good museum has different activities throughout the year, the most attractive being the birth and release of sea turtles, which starts from September 25 until the last days of October, each year, all of this under the supervision of authorized guides in an área known as ​​The Sanctuary, where visitors have the opportunity to see turtle pups born and give their first flutters to the sea. A wonderful experience!

Like most environmental projects, the key piece of this museum was to provide an alternative income to those who made money from the resource triyng to be protected, in this case the turtles.

This is what the Living Museum of the Sea Turtle tries to do and so far it has had incredible success. With a recovery cost of approximately 200 pesos per person, the museum receives sufficient funds to keep standing and generate employment for the inhabitants of  Mazunte, and is a clear example of how ecotourism and environmental sustainability can generate good earnings for the whole area.

Every year thousands of tourists gather on the beaches of Mazunte to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the scenarios of this beach in Oaxaca and, incidentally, visit this magnificent museum.  If you are an animal lover, this will definitely be the best museum you’ve ever been to. No question!

Best of all, ZOA Hotel Secreto, is located between Mazunte and San Agustinillo beaches, and it is only 15 minutes away from both, so you have the advantage of being able to reach the museum on foot. One more reason to come as soon as possible to any of our rooms during your next vacation with your significant other or your family.

The Mexican Turtle Center works from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


However, the closing of the ticket office does not correspond to the closing of the place, if any visitor arrives exactly at 4:30 pm or 2:30 pm on Sundays, they have the freedom to visit the facilities calmly, enjoying the more than 500 turtles that are exhibited there.


Monday and Tuesday the museum remains closed to the public.

So now you know, if you’re looking for a place that combines natural beauty with tranquility and environmental awareness on your next vacation, don’t hesitate to visit the Living Museum of the Sea Turtle in Mazunte.


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Zoa [Hotel Secreto]