Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Turtle-Watching
Most female turtles share a nesting instinct that drives them to return to the beach of their
birth, or natal beach, in order to lay their eggs. (Only the leatherback returns to a more
general region, instead of a specific beach.) During their lifetimes, they will usually nest
every two to three years and, depending on the species, may come ashore to lay eggs 10
times in one season. Often, a turtle's ability to successfully reproduce depends on the eco-
logical health of this original habitat.
The female turtle digs a perfect cylindrical cavity in the sand using her flippers, and
then lays 80 to 120 eggs. She diligently covers the nest with sand to protect the eggs, and
she may even create a false nest in another location in an attempt to confuse predators. She
then makes her way back to sea - after which the eggs are on their own. Incubation ranges
from 45 to 70 days, after which hatchlings - no bigger than the size of your palm - break
out of their shells using a caruncle, a temporary tooth. They crawl to the ocean in small
groups, moving as quickly as possible to avoid dehydration and predators. Once they reach
the surf, they must swim for at least 24 hours to get to deeper water, away from land-based
predators.
Because of the sensitive nature of the habitat and the critically endangered status of
some species, tours to see this activity are highly regulated. So as to not alarm turtles as
they come to shore (a frightened turtle will return to the ocean and dump her eggs), tour
groups gather in shelter sites close to the beach and a spotter relays a turtle's location via
radio once she has safely crossed the high-tide mark and built her nest. At this time, visit-
ors can then go to the beach and watch the turtle lay her eggs, cover her nest and return to
the ocean. Seeing a turtle is not guaranteed, but licensed guides will still make your tour
worthwhile with the wealth of turtle information they'll share. By law, tours can only take
place between 8am and midnight. Some guides will offer tours after midnight; these are il-
legal.
Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes and rain gear. Tours cost US$20 (a flat rate estab-
lished by the village; at the time of writing, there was talk of raising this to US$25). This
rate includes the purchase of a US$4 sticker that pays for the patrols that help protect the
nesting sites from scavengers and looters. Nesting season runs from March to October,
