Beautiful Puerto Angel (CC photo by Emergenz courtesy of Flickr)

If you were a sea turtle, where would you want to raise your young? There are several beaches along Mexico’s Oaxacan coast that sea turtles choose as nurseries when breeding season arrives. There are still a few Mexican beaches that lack the crowds and hustle and bustle of the more widely known tourist favorites. The beautiful Puerto Angel holds many of those sandy sanctuaries, as well as, the National Mexican Turtle Center which is located in the area’s Manzute community. The center is a great place for tourists to enjoy the solitude and beauty of one of Mexico’s most beloved creatures.

Gorgeous shell designs (CC photo by Jami Dwyer courtesy of Flickr)

The National Mexican Turtle Center exhibits all species of sea turtles living on the Mexican coast, but also includes six fresh water and two land turtle species. The center came about as a result of the dramatically low number of sea turtles which have forced them into the category of endangered. To combat the sea turtle’s struggle against extinction, the Mexican government boosted defense through the creation of the center.

Just a few days old (CC photo by Waffler courtesy of Flickr)

The center is becoming an intriguing opportunity to teach locals and visitors about the turtle species while also showing how to live in harmony with the sea going creature. A new program helps former sea turtle harvesters find new careers in chicken farming. This agriforestry project, like many of its kind, are proving successful by replacing the loss of livelihood with a new way to make a living. While many will not argue the importance of saving wildlife, the need for supporting families puts many locals in a difficult position and few would question their decision. This eliminates the burden offering choices many are happy to embrace.

Turtle in motion (CC photo by Waffler courtesy of Flickr)

The National Mexican Turtle Center is a great place for families who are looking for a non congested fun place for the children. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. The center can be found at Mazunte, Tonameca, Oaxaca Apdo, Postal, 16. Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, C.P. 70902. Tours are conducted with a guide which offers a wonderfully personal feel. The turtle Center should definately be a stop on your Oaxaca visit.