Turtles are reptiles, which from ancient times have populated the Caribbean Sea, a pleasant area chosen to spawn because of its tropical warm weather, geographical extension and numerous beaches.

Since ancient times, turtles were included in the diet of the aboriginal populations from the Antilles, a region where these reptiles were abundant five centuries ago. Even at present, the preference for its meat, eggs and shell has been maintained to the extent that its capture is under control. Most of the turtles that populate the Caribbean Sea belongs to the same superfamily, that of the Chelonioideas. Various species have different features, which differentiate ones from the others.

Different Species One of the most known species is that of Carey or hawksbill turtle or scale turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), persecuted in the past for its scales. Hawksbill turtle's shell may attain 90 cm of length and about 100 kg of weight. It is an omnivorous specie that feeds from sea-bottom species, algae and invertebrate. Hawksbill turtle has been largely persecuted for the beauty of its shell used in jewelry and hence is in danger of extinction. Although these turtles populate American waters rarely spawn there, they do it in the Caribbean Sea, though it's not frequent to see them in large numbers in this area. Cahuama turtle (Caretta caretta) may attain a size of 125 cm and 140 kg weight, though usually its weight fluctuates from 100 to 110 cm. This reddish carnivorous turtle is voracious and mainly feeds from mollusks, crustaceaea, sea urchins, sponges and little fishes. Cahuama or Loggerhead turtle lays eggs with the same frequency as that of hawksbill turtle and in every season lays between 100 and 126 eggs, hatched for 60 days. Spawning is usually performed in the southeast shores of the United States. Green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) is mainly herbivorous and is abundant on superficial waters whose bottoms are rich in vegetable. This turtle is in danger of extinction, significant numbers of them can still be seen in east California. It breeds every two and spawns for 60 days an average of 115 eggs. In the Eastern Hemisphere, the area by the name of Tortuguero in Costa Rica is the place where they usually spawn. Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) does not extend beyond 80 cm and 45 kg. This omnivorous Chelonian of green olive color feeds from crustaceae and mollusks. During the breeding season, this specie spawns a number of eggs, not more than 110, for 55 days. It performs the so-called "arrivals" (arribadas in Spanish), a sort of long spawning periods in Costa Rica (Nancite and Ostional) and in the Mexican Escobilla (Oaxaca). Finally, the small turtle of Chelonia family is Kemp´s Ridley (Lepidochelys Kempii) which measures from 62 to 70 cm and weights some 40 kg. This specie differs from other marine turtles in that it spawns every year and in each season lays some 105 eggs, hatched for 55 days. The only place where massive spawnings occurs is in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. The turtles of this specie spawn in a synchronized way forming "arrivals" in the months of April and June.

Species under Protection Turtles are famous for its prolonged longevity that may fluctuate between 50 and 100 years. Caribbean inhabitants are aware of the need of protecting these cute animals, in this regard, strict actions have been taken as close seasons, prohibition of eggs recollection in spawning areas and the setting up of breeding centers to re-populate the species. At present two breeding centers have been set up that in addition to follow these reptiles' development, are attractive centers where tourists may learn on the environment and life style of these animals. The first of these centers is located at Cocodrilo town, Isle of Youth, Cuba; the Experimental Sea Turtle Breeding Center. At Grand Cayman Islands is found a Turtle Farm. All these efforts are aimed at guaranteeing a stable Chelonian population in the Caribbean waters.