Banderas Bay is home to several nesting areas for sea turtles. Four protected species nest along the coast of Nayarit, including leatherback turtles and Olive Ridley turtles, whose nesting season continues from June to November.
Hatchlings often take place right outside the resorts on Banderas Bay. Visitors walking along the beach may notice a fenced area with information about marine turtles, and a sign that says “El Campamento Tortuguero de Nuevo Vallarta” (Nuevo Vallarta Sea Turtle Preserve.). Resort guests are invited to release baby turtles from here in the evenings.