This weeks wildlife Wednesday comes from Crystal. Here’s what she has to say;
I’m Crystal, passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, I can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. Now I just write, create, travel, repeat on ‘Castaway with Crystal’ I help YOU become a fearless traveller who grabs life by the big ol’ balls! Get excited about adventure, budget and eco-travel + dig my sweet photos & videos.
We caught up with Crystal about her time working with wild turtles in Mexico conservation beaches as well as swimming with them in the wild.

We’ve spoken briefly about your animal encounters while on the road, which have been your favourite to see in their natural environment and why?
Did you experience this encounter with a tour? What made you choose that particular company?
Had you seen them before in a zoo/sanctuary? How did it compare?

Animal tourism has become a big thing over the years. Have you had any experiences that looking back on, you feel weren’t very ethical, you perhaps wouldn’t do again or any that you wouldn’t recommend to other, what was it and why?
What advice would you give other travellers looking at working with wild turtles in Mexico?
Do you have any advice on being an ethical traveller?
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We were very lucky to be in Mexico during the season when the turtles were hatching. We got to see them hatch on the beach, and swim towards the ocean.
I loved reading about Crystal’s experience. It is definitely so important that we take care of our environment and nature. This was an enlightening read into animal tourism for me!
Those turtles look incredibly cute! We’ve encountered turtles in the wild before when diving in Thailand and Indonesia. but this looks like a completely different experience. We’re hoping to visit Mexico in the not too distant future – will have to pay a visit to the turtle sanctuaries when we do!
This is such an interesting post! That baby turtle is so tiny and cute. I am an animal lover and I am glad on your statement that you don’t feel right about riding an elephant. I am also happy to see the work on protection of turtles. thanks for sharing your incredible experience and knowledge.
So amazing! Seeing turtles is always something on my to-do travel list. Thanks for the great post 🙂
What a wonderful experience. Such an amazing creature we need to protect 🙂
I love reading about wildlife on your blog! Turtles seem like a fascinating species.
What an amazing experience. Seeing turtle hatch has been on my bucket list for quite a while. I had no idea that they were doing such amazing conservation work in Mexico. I’ve made a note for the future. Mexico has just moved to the no 1 spot to view turtles.
I love seeing wildlife while traveling and it’s always so great to be able to have these experiences while being ethical. Releasing the sea turtles sounds like an amazing experience!
We have stayed at Akumal Beach twice, and love getting up early to watch the turtles in the sea grass. On our first night ever at Akumal, there was a big commotion on the beach and neither oof us wanted to get involved. Unfortunately, we found out later that it was a nest of sea turtles that hatched and we missed it. We also regularly see turtles in Curacao.
Great interview and what a wonderful way to give back and help our precious animals. Seeing them hatch and survive must be such a special moment.
What a lovely post. I love turtles and would love to see them being released, however I’m always sceptical about doing this as a tourist. Glad.this was an ethical experience. Like yourself I rode an elephant in Thailand a few years ago before I knew the brutality that was these elephants had to experience, at least we know now and can help persuade others to think about the reality of animal tourism!
Louise