The journey home: 27 loggerhead turtles return to the sea in Mojácar

A rare and heart-warming event took place on Mojácar’s Rio Abajo Beach this Monday, June 15, when 27 loggerhead turtle hatchlings made the journey across the sand dunes towards the ocean, returning home for the first time.

The hatchlings were first found on Piedra Villazar beach in June 2025 as part of a nest of 99. Due to a high risk of flooding, the nest was moved and monitored until eventually the hatchlings emerged in August.

A year of intensive care and monitoring

For their first few months of life, the hatchlings were constantly monitored ensuring they were healthy and developing correctly. The young turtles were transferred to the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Centre (CEGMA), where specialists carried out weekly weight checks, veterinary examinations and monthly growth assessments.

Experts from the Roquetas de Mar Aquarium and Selwo Marina were involved in their care, proving conservation is a collaborative effort. Some turtles were even temporarily housed at these facilities to ensure their healthy development.

Although the project achieved significant success, it was not without challenges. Four hatchlings died shortly after emerging, and a further 25 were lost following an infectious outbreak in January 2026. Rapid veterinary intervention and strict health measures helped contain the outbreak and protect the remaining turtles.

Successful release marks conservation milestone for Almería

Once the hatchlings reached 1.2 kilos, they were deemed fit to return to the sea. Monday’s release is only the fifth nesting event to take place along the Almeria coast in the last 25 years, following previous nesting events recorded in Vera, Pulpí and Mojácar itself.

The release attracted a large crowd, including local schoolchildren, conservation groups, environmental officials and residents, all eager to witness this important moment. The event highlighted the growing success of marine conservation efforts in Andalucía and the importance of public awareness in protecting vulnerable species.

Loggerhead turtles return home to the ocean

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are known for their remarkable migrations, travelling thousands of kilometres during their lifetime before returning to nesting beaches as adults.

When they next return, these hatchlings will be fully grown and likely come ashore to lay their own eggs, continuing the cycle of life.  For those gathered on Rio Abajo Beach, the sight of 27 young turtles disappearing into the waves was a powerful reminder that coordinated conservation efforts can make a real difference for one of the Mediterranean’s most threatened marine species.