Turtle-watching can be an extremely rewarding experience. Depending on the time of year, you can see decades old turtles returning to their nesting grounds, or hatchlings emerging from the sand and making their way to the ocean. Either way, it is an awe-inspiring sight.
For those not familiar with viewing nesting turtles, here is what you can expect to see:
- The female turtle emerges from the water, after nightfall, and slowly makes her way up the beach.
- She looks for a suitable place on the shore (typically a dry area) then creates what is termed a 'body pit' using all four flippers.
- She then excavates the egg chamber using her hind flippers.
- The turtle remains motionless while laying as much as 100 eggs, depending on the species.
- She subsequently covers the nest with sand using first the hind flippers and then all four flippers.
- Insert something on camouflaging the nest
- The turtle returns to the ocean.
Getting to and from the beach may seem like a simple task, but sea turtles are sensitive to even the smallest disturbance. This is why there are rules that any turtle watching guide will insist you follow. These guidelines are as much for the protection of the turtles as for maximizing your own experience and should therefore be followed at all times.
- As far as possible, do not visit nesting beaches on your own. Always use a trained guide who will be aware of any dangers to the turtles and to visitors.
- Keep any movement to a minimum. Turtles are very easily startled and will return to the sea without laying eggs if they sense any disturbance. Do not approach the turtles and keep a distance away as indicated by your guide. It is always best to remain behind the turtle and out of its field of vision. If the turtle shows any signs of distress, move away immediately.
- The use of flashlights is definitely discouraged, and shining a light directly into a turtle's face is prohibited. It is best to allow your own eyes to adjust to the ambient light levels.
- If you must take pictures, avoid using a camera which has a flash, as these tend to disorient both adult turtles and hatchlings. There are cameras available which are equipped with infrared lenses and these are much more suitable.
- It is often very tempting to help hatchlings make it to the water's edge. This is not an encouraged practice. Allow the hatchlings to emerge and proceed to the ocean on their own. Do not attempt to touch them unless instructed otherwise by a trained guide and, even then, this should only be in cases where they are in imminent danger.
Following these guidelines is crucial to having a successful turtle watching experience. You should also be aware that nesting and hatching activity takes place at night so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are a must. It is recommended that you bring along some food, but you should ensure that garbage bags are also taken so that discarded items are not left on the beach.
