Turtles On The Beach: When To Spot Them

Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that migrate thousands of miles each year and help maintain the health of our oceans. Unfortunately, sea turtle populations have declined in recent decades, with most species now considered endangered. However, there are still many places around the world where you can find and observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. In this article, we will explore the best destinations and provide guidelines for respectfully watching these magnificent creatures. From the beaches of Costa Rica and Hawaii to the shores of Australia and the Maldives, we will reveal the top spots for a life-changing sea turtle encounter.

Turtle nesting beaches around the world

Turtle nesting beaches are scattered all over the world, with varied numbers and species of sea turtles. Here is a list of some of the best spots to witness marine turtles:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a prime location for turtle watching, with 60 beaches along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, welcoming one or more of the four sea turtle species: Green Turtle, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill (Loggerhead rarely). Tortuguero National Park, situated on the northeast Caribbean coast, is a sanctuary for approximately 20,000 green turtles, which nest along its beaches from July to October. The Caribbean coast also sees leatherbacks and hawksbills from March to May. Olive Ridley turtles are found on the Pacific side, with the beaches of Playa Ostional and Playa Nancite in the Nicoya Peninsula being key nesting spots.

Mexico

Mexico is a key area for Kemp's Ridley Turtles, the smallest sea turtle species in the world and the only endemic species in the Gulf of Mexico. They nest during the day and return to two primary nesting beaches: Tamaulipas and Veracruz. The beaches of Veracruz are also home to other species, including Green Turtles. The beaches in Campeche and Yucatan also welcome a variety of sea turtles, though in smaller numbers.

Florida, United States

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to three sea turtle species: Loggerhead, Leatherback, and Green Turtles. The world's largest Loggerhead Nesting occurs along Florida beaches each year, with female turtles coming ashore to nest between April and October.

Trinidad and Tobago

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are visited by giant Leatherback Turtles during the high tides from March to September. Matura Bay, Fishing Pond, Grande Riviere, and Turtle Beach are the best places to witness these turtles.

French Guiana

French Guiana has witnessed significant numbers of Leatherback Turtle nests in the past, with almost 17,000 nests observed in 2009. While those numbers have declined due to erosion and fishing bycatch, it still remains an important nesting site, with turtles arriving at the Awala-Yalimapo region from February to August.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde offers ample opportunities for turtle watching, with loggerhead turtles making their home along its coastline. The islands of Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, and Sal are particularly favourable spots, with the nesting season lasting from July to October.

Northern Cyprus (Turkey)

The Mediterranean region of Northern Cyprus sees approximately 3,000 Loggerhead Turtles and 400 Green Turtles nesting each year, with a significant portion choosing beaches in this region. Alagadi Beach and Ronnas Bay (Karpaz) have multiple turtle conservation sites set up to offer ethical turtle watching opportunities.

Oman

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman is the only place to legally watch turtles in the country. It welcomes approximately 20,000 adult female turtles, with a nesting and hatching season from May to September. Green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles are the most commonly seen species.

The Maldives

The Maldives has 14 islands designated as primary sea turtle nesting places by the government. Kuredu Island hosts a significant number of Green Turtles from November to January, while Gaadhoo Island is also an important nesting site.

Sri Lanka

The beach of Rekawa and the town of Kosgoda in Sri Lanka welcome tourists during the nesting season, which falls between April and July. Hawksbill and Green Turtles are the main species found here. The beaches of the Kalpitiya Peninsula are also nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles.

Malaysia

The Turtle Island Park in Sabah and Talang Satang National Park in Sarawak are top spots in Malaysia for turtle watching, hosting hundreds of Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Borneo is unique in that turtles frequent its beaches daily, though the peak tourist season is from July to October.

Australia

Australia is the only place in the world to see Flatback Turtles in the wild, as this species is endemic to the country. Raine Island hosts the largest Green Turtle nesting globally, with 64,000 turtles recorded in 2020. The best time to visit is from November to March.

How to respectfully watch turtles on the beach

Watching turtles on the beach as they nest and hatch is a captivating and inspiring experience. However, it is crucial to approach the experience with care and respect to avoid disturbing or harming the turtles and their habitat. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow for a respectful turtle-watching experience:

Timing and Location

Before your trip, research the specific regulations and guidelines for the location you plan to visit. Different beaches have varying peak seasons for turtle nesting and hatching. For example, the peak season for turtle watching in Costa Rica is from July to October, while in Malaysia, it is from July to October. Additionally, seek out designated turtle conservation sites or ethical turtle-watching tours to minimise your impact.

Clothing and Equipment

Females prefer their nesting beaches dark and quiet. Avoid wearing light-coloured clothing, and leave your pets at home. Use flashlights with red filters to minimise disturbance, and never shine lights directly at turtles. If possible, let researchers and guides handle the lighting.

Behaviour Guidelines

Maintain a safe and respectful distance from the turtles, both in the water and on nesting beaches. Stay with your guide to avoid surprising a turtle, and walk on moist sand to prevent startling female turtles or emerging hatchlings. If you encounter an adult turtle emerging from the sea, remain still and allow it to travel up the beach undisturbed. Wait for your guide's instructions on when and how to approach; this is usually once the turtle has started laying eggs and is highly focused on nesting. Always stay behind the front flippers, keep a safe distance from the head, and speak softly while moving slowly.

Photography

Avoid using flash photography or strong flashlights, as the intense light can disturb and even deter nesting turtles. If photography is permitted, follow any specific guidelines provided by your guide.

Interaction

Do not touch or handle the turtles or their eggs. Interfering with the natural process can cause stress and harm to the turtles and disrupt their nesting behaviour. In the US, only permitted researchers are allowed to touch sea turtles or their eggs. Overseas, follow local regulations regarding wildlife interaction.

Environmental Impact

Keep the beach clean and free from litter, especially plastic, which can be harmful to sea turtles if ingested. Reduce your use of disposable plastic, and consider joining beach clean-up efforts to minimise the impact on turtle habitats.

Support Conservation

Consider taking a turtle conservation tour, which directly supports conservation efforts and local communities. Additionally, choose to dine at local restaurants that source sustainable seafood caught with environmentally friendly methods.

Hatchlings

During the hatchling season, be cautious when walking along the beach to avoid stepping on baby turtles making their way to the sea. While it's tempting to help, hatchlings need to navigate part of the beach independently. Ensure a clear path to the ocean for them by removing any obstacles.

Report and Educate

Report any suspicious human behaviour that may harm the turtles or their nests to your guides or local authorities. Additionally, consider supporting organisations dedicated to sea turtle conservation, such as Billion Baby Turtles, where every $1 donated saves a hatchling.

Remember, sea turtles are endangered, and witnessing them is a rare privilege. Respect their space, follow guidelines, and contribute to conservation efforts to ensure their protection for future generations.

Best beaches to see turtles in the US

The best beaches in the US to see turtles include:

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Kemp's Ridley sea turtles can be seen laying eggs on the beaches of Padre Island National Park from April through August. Green sea turtles also live in the waters off the beach year-round.

Laniakea Beach, Hawaii

Laniakea Beach, locally called Turtle Beach, is a favourite hangout spot for honu (green sea turtles). Here, turtles crawl out of the sea to sunbathe on the warm sand or munch on seaweed in the shallows.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Florida

This beach in North Palm Beach, Florida, is a prime nesting habitat for loggerhead turtles. Go on hikes with rangers to learn about and spot turtles, and volunteer to help collect data and perform other duties to protect these endangered species.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Green, loggerhead and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles all nest on Jekyll Island typically from May to August, with July being the peak month. Learn about Georgia's sea turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, where visitors can see rehabilitation efforts, daily turtle feedings, and even go on beach hikes to look for turtles with staff members.

Topsail Beach, North Carolina

With 26 miles of beach, Topsail Beach is prime real estate for nesting loggerhead mothers from mid-May through August. Volunteers comb the beach each morning to identify new nests and either tape them off or move the eggs to a safe location. Check out the Kaoren Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in nearby Surf City to see recovering turtles and learn how you can help.

Long Beach, California

A population of green sea turtles has taken up residence in the waters off Long Beach. Their heads are often seen bobbing up for air near the San Gabriel River inlet. It is thought that these turtles travelled from Mexico and are attracted to the warm-water discharge of an electric plant. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific to learn more about California's newest residents and the efforts being taken to help them.

Best beaches to see turtles in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to the native and endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle, known as Honu. These turtles are some of the largest sea turtles, weighing between 200 and 300 pounds and reaching lengths of up to 3.5 feet. They are easily recognised by their wide, flat, olive-green or brown shell and small, blunt snout.

Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

Located on Oahu's North Shore, Laniakea Beach is so frequently visited by turtles that it is known locally as Turtle Beach. It is considered one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii to see turtles, with gentle waves ushering the turtles to the shore to sunbathe.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Right outside this resort is a great spot for viewing turtles as they nibble on seaweed. You may even spot them napping on the beach, with the best viewing times being early morning or late afternoon.

Keawakapu Beach

A perfect beach for barefoot walking, Keawakapu Beach is also a popular spot for turtles to stroll along. You never know when a group of green turtles might emerge on this pristine beach, which is also famed for its tide pools.

Maluaka Beach

This calm and inviting beach is hidden from trade winds by the peaks of Haleakala, ensuring peaceful waters for both humans and sea life. Maluaka Beach is a dream for boaters and swimmers, and is also a great spot to see crustaceans and other sea life.

Brennecke's Beach

Brennecke's Beach is a great spot for turtle watching from the shore. The rocky corners of this beach provide perfect viewing spots, and surfers can also combine a day of turtle spotting with surfing thanks to the amazing waves found here.

A-Bay

A scenic and intimate crescent-shaped beach, fringed with palms and small coves, A-Bay is found on Hawaii Island, also known as "The Big Island". The turtles that visit this beach tend to favour its small coves.

Kīholo Bay

The sea turtles that frequent Kīholo Bay add a dreamlike quality to an already surreal setting, famed for its dark rocks and jewel-coloured tide pools. Kīholo Bay is considered one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii for seeing turtles, and is also one of the best snorkelling spots on the island.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

This beach on the Big Island is one of the most reliable spots to see turtles, with turtles spotted here almost daily. They can be seen resting on the shore and swimming in the surf.

Kahalu'u Beach Park

Kahalu'u Beach Park is a beautiful snorkelling spot along the Kona coast on the Big Island, which often gets visits from turtles who like to hang out in its shallow waters.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

This popular snorkelling and swimming spot on Oahu is home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles. They can often be seen swimming in the shallow waters near the shore or basking on the sandy beach.

Electric Beach

Located on the west side of Oahu, Electric Beach is another good spot to see turtles. They can often be found basking on the sandy beach or swimming in the shallow waters.

Waikiki Beach

Although not as well-known for its turtle population, you can still spot turtles at Waikiki Beach swimming near the shore or basking on the sand.

Makapuu Beach

This popular beach on the windward side of Oahu is known for its strong currents and large waves, but it's also possible to spot turtles here swimming in the water or hanging out on the shore.

It is important to remember that turtles are wild animals and should always be respected and admired from a distance.

How to help turtles on beaches

Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that migrate thousands of miles each year and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans. Unfortunately, human activities have led to a significant decline in their population, and now six out of seven species are considered vulnerable or endangered. Here are some ways you can help make a positive impact and ensure their survival:

Keep Lights and Flash Photography to a Minimum

Lights and flash photography can negatively impact both nesting females and hatchlings. When visiting a beach known for turtle nesting, avoid using flashlights or flash photography, as this can disturb and even harm the turtles. Use flashlights with red filters if necessary, and direct the light away from the turtles' eyes. Additionally, fires on nesting beaches can have detrimental effects, distracting the nesting turtles, attracting hatchlings, and potentially destroying nearby nests.

Respect the Turtles' Space

When visiting a nesting beach, always go with a trained guide who can ensure your safety and that of the turtles. Keep your distance from the turtles and follow the guide's instructions regarding when and how to approach. Remember that these females are sensitive to disturbances, and your presence may prevent them from laying their eggs. Stay behind their front flippers, away from their heads, and speak softly while moving slowly. Give researchers and guides space to work, and save your questions for later.

Keep the Beach Clean

Participate in local beach clean-up initiatives and get involved with organisations working to protect sea turtles. Properly dispose of plastic bags, balloons, 6-pack rings, monofilament fishing lines, cigarette butts, and other unnatural items. These items can be harmful, and even fatal, to sea turtles if they end up in the ocean. Additionally, fill in any holes on the beach, as these can pose a threat to both turtles and hatchlings.

Do Not Interfere with Hatchlings

While it's tempting to want to help the baby turtles, it's important to let them make their way to the sea on their own. Interfering with their natural journey can hinder their ability to learn essential environmental cues they will need to navigate back to their nesting areas in the future. If you encounter disoriented hatchlings away from the beach, call a local emergency line for guidance. Do not keep them in aquariums or buckets of water, as this triggers their swimming reflex and depletes their energy reserves.

Report Suspicious Behaviour

If you witness anyone harassing a sea turtle or poaching a nest, take action by reporting it to the local authorities or the beach guides. Additionally, keep an eye out for suspicious human behaviour and report it to your guides.

Support Conservation Efforts

Consider donating to organisations dedicated to sea turtle conservation, such as the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Your contributions can help fund research, protection measures, and public awareness campaigns, all of which are crucial for the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Frequently asked questions