Nesting Season Nears: Hopes, Tides, and Sea Turtles in Belize

Nirvana Ramos
May 29
2 min read

A wide twilight view of a calm Caribbean shoreline in Belize, with soft golden sky and still water, just before sea turtle nesting season begins. — The last light of day on a quiet Belize beach. Nesting season hasn’t begun—but the tides are shifting.

There’s a shift in the air by late May in Belize. The days are still warm and breezy. The water is still calm. But the rhythms start to change.

Most travelers have already come and gone—chasing the dry season's peak and flying home before the first rains arrive. But nature isn't in a rush. Her seasons don’t follow airline schedules.

On the islands, the breeze carries something softer. You’ll still see nurse sharks glide through the shallows, still hear the rustle of palm fronds and the clink of coffee mugs at breakfast—but you might also spot new signs in the sand.

Because by the end of May, sea turtle nesting season is almost here.

The Hope of Hawksbills

Hawksbill sea turtles are among the most endangered sea turtle species in the world. And while they don’t nest in large numbers in Belize, a few extraordinary individuals return here—year after year—to lay their eggs on quiet stretches of sand.

Places like Ranguana Caye or Silk Caye sometimes see early arrivals as soon as late May. And if you're lucky—very lucky—you might witness something unforgettable: a hawksbill emerging from the sea and walking ashore.

There’s no guarantee. No promise. But there’s always hope.

Daytime view of turquoise waters and leaning palm trees on a Belizean island, suggesting the seasonal shift toward turtle nesting time. — Winds shift, waters warm, and the islands grow quieter — signs that nesting season is almost here.

Why We Travel Differently

At Exploring Earth Together, we don’t promise turtle sightings. In fact, we don’t try to control much at all. Our tours are designed around the rhythms of place—timed with the best weather, the right seasons, and the cultural patterns that define the real Belize.

Late May is special. It’s quieter. It’s gentler. And if you slow down and stay present, the wild might just show up.

Sometimes, nature arrives right on schedule. And sometimes, she surprises you.

Looking Ahead

June 13 is Hawksbill Turtle Day and June 16 is World Sea Turtle Day—both dedicated to honoring these remarkable creatures and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.

As we prepare to share stories from the field, we’re holding onto this moment of quiet before the season truly turns.Because in Belize, just before the rains come… anything can happen.