A lot of people might not know this, but the Hotel Zone of Cancun is actually a long and narrow island separating the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean sea. The Hotel Zone also has a boulevard as the main traffic way.
This posses a small problem for the blue crabs from the lagoon. Twice a year, during the Autumn rainy season in Cancun, female blue crabs who have are sexually mature and fertilized, migrate from their burrows heading towards the sea to spawn. Without assistance, the crabs would be all crushed by passing cars and would never make it to the waves… The issue was first identified years ago and now there are brigades of volunteers helping them cross to the other side.
You can also participate in this ecological activity! The first protection program will start at 6 pm to 9 pm on September 27th to 29th, and the second crossing will happen at the same hours on October 26th to 28th. The places with highest crab crossing are Playa del Niño, Playa Las Perlas, Punta Nizuc, Malecon Tajamar. It is highly recommended to bring a bucket, gloves and a flashlight as tools to move the crabs, as well as white clothes and mosquito repellent to keep you comfortable through the evening.
Crabs play an important role in maintaining the populations of their prey in check and to oxygenate the substrate of the mangrove, estuaries and marshes with the construction of their burrows. They are essential to keep the lagoon healthy!
Don’t miss the chance of joining the effort of hundreds of volunteers! In a way, this will certainly be an unique experience on your vacation in Cancun. You will be able to save a little part of mother nature so we can still all enjoy it for years to come. If you do participate, be sure to share your photos on our Facebook wall here!