Who doesn’t adore baby turtles? If you’re like us and love them, you probably want to explore all the top spots for turtles around the globe.
The hatching season for turtles is truly amazing. However, witnessing baby turtles hatch is quite challenging. Due to the growing threat of poaching on turtle eggs and hatchlings like the Olive Ridleys, governments globally regulate access to wild hatcheries where you can see these little turtles.
It’s essential to connect with a reputable local tour operator to learn when and how you can visit these locations to watch turtles hatch. But first, let’s talk about where you can go to witness these newly hatched turtles.
Imagine a bunch of adorable baby turtles making their way to the sea from the beach where they were born. Eventually, they’ll come back to lay eggs in the same spot. Watching baby turtles hatch is a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Just be sure to go at the right time and to the best places to catch a glimpse of them! In this guide, we’ll highlight the top spots for seeing turtles hatch and take their first swim into the ocean.
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Five must-visit places to see turtle hatch in the wild
1. Ras Al Jinz in Oman
Ras Al Jinz is world-renowned for its turtle nesting grounds. Here, you’ll primarily find green turtles, Hawksbill turtles, and leatherbacks. The area close to Ras Al Jinz, a traditional fishing village, is famous for its endangered green turtle nesting sites by the Arabian Sea.
The State of Oman has also set up a dedicated Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve. The reserve works hard to let tourists see turtle hatchings while protecting them from human threats. that studies and protects the local endangered turtle population. Tourists can choose to come and watch the turtles hatch or hire a guide to view the nighttime nesting.
There are plenty of opportunities to see the underwater wildlife here. A little away from the shore, on Daymaniat Island, you’ll spot adult turtles swimming back to the sea after laying their eggs. Sometimes, you may even be lucky enough to spot a whale shark nearby.
The best month to visit for turtle hatching is July, although you can spot the brilliant wildlife all year round.
2. Turtle Hatch Kosgoda in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s sleepy township of Kosgoda is home to the nests of various turtle species, including the Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles. The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project oversees the hatching and also steps in to aid wounded and traumatized turtles who wash up on shore.
Unfortunately, during the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004, Kosgoda lay devastated, and the beach became a dangerous place for turtles to nest. Since then, the Conservation Project has worked relentlessly to restore the pristine conditions of the beach and to get them ready for the thousands of turtle mothers who come here to lay their eggs.
Getting there: Kosgoda is easily accessible as a day trip from the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, such as Bentota, and typically includes visits to the turtle hatchery and Galle.
The best months to visit Kosgoda for turtle hatching are November and May.
3. Pulau Tioman in Malaysia
Turtles in Malaysia, especially on Pulau Tioman, have been facing tough times. But thanks to the hard work of volunteers at the Juara Turtle Project, their numbers are improving. They protect nests, work with locals, study turtles, and teach others about conservation, despite challenges like resort development.
The Juara Turtle Project is easy to reach from Singapore and Johor Bahru by car and ferry. They offer affordable opportunities for individuals and groups to help with turtle hatching and conservation.
If you’re interested in seeing the turtles and contributing to their conservation efforts, you’ll find Pulau Tioman the best place to visit. This Malaysian island looks like paradise. But don’t let the calm waters and lush forests fool you. This is a hotspot for turtle trafficking, which is why the Juara Turtle Project, a local environmental organization, has a very strong conservation and research network.
Visitors can choose to volunteer for a few hours or a few weeks. You can help the Project protect the turtle nesting sites, count hatched turtles, support research operations, and assist them in community education and outreach activities.
It’s best to visit Pulau Tioman from June to September, when the Leatherback hatching starts. However, come earlier, and you may find the mothers laying the eggs.
4. Greece and Greek Islands
Greece and its islands are prominent places, and it’s excellent news that many Greek islands welcome nesting grounds for various species of sea turtles. You can visit Grecian places like Zakynthos, Chania, Kyparissia, Koroni, Rethymno, and Lakonikos to see baby turtles hatch.
Here, you’ll find several turtle species, such as the Loggerhead turtle, African Softshell turtle, European Pond turtle, Leatherback turtle, and Yellow-bellied Slider Turtle. Tortoise species like the Greek tortoise, Hermann’s tortoise, and Marginated tortoise, amongst others.
Even if you’re considering turning your Greek beach vacation into a volunteer opportunity, Organizations like Archelon focus on turtle conservation across coastal Greece and its islands. They offer volunteer programs suitable for different levels of commitment, from part-time to full-time, for individuals, families, and large groups.
Best time for hatching season: August to October.
Explore further: Starting from Heraklion, Crete, you can join a cruise to visit islands and coves where you might see sea turtles and dolphins.
5. Iztuzu in Turkey
Found on a narrow strip between Turkey‘s Daylan River and the Mediterranean, this area is a marvel in itself, earning the nickname “Turtle Beach” for good reason. It’s part of the Köycegiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area, set aside to protect endangered turtle species from harm. So, while Loggerheads are the primary nesting species here, you’ll find other species occasionally.
During the 1980s, Iztuzu was nearly destroyed for tourism. However, the Kaptan June Turtle Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation fought hard to protect loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites and turned Iztuzu Beach into a beloved eco-tourism spot suitable for all ages.
The perfect time to visit the turtle nesting grounds for hatching here is from May to June. In that short period, you’ll find thousands of baby Loggerheads making their bid toward survival.
Rules for watching turtles hatching
It can be an exciting experience to watch turtle eggs hatch. But don’t forget to follow these essential rules when there.
- Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and the turtle nesting ground.
- Do not pick up a turtle egg or a newly hatched turtle.
- Do not try to take selfies with the eggs or newborns.
- Do not interfere with the hatching unless directed by a qualified conservationist as part of your volunteer process.
- Do not try to interfere and save the turtles from predatory feeding post-hatching (unless specifically directed by a qualified conservationist).
- Remove any waste or garbage left by other visitors, and do not litter the beach.
- Do not record or live stream the hatching unless you have received permission to do so.
Following these rules will allow you to enjoy the turtle-hatching experience while letting nature take its course.
Summary
Witnessing the incredible journey of baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea is a truly magical experience. These gentle creatures face numerous threats, from poaching to habitat destruction, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices. By following the rules for watching turtles hatch, we can ensure their safety and contribute to their survival for future generations to enjoy.
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