Sea Turtle Travel Guide from Caribbean to Middle East

May 10th, 2013

While sea turtles have been swimming the Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years – pre-dating even dinosaurs – all seven species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered today.

Nesting season begins this month, making conservation programs topical while hotels and resorts from the Caribbean to the Middle East draw travelers to witness the delicate nesting and hatchling rituals.

Some examples:

Jamaica’s Turtle Whisperer, GoldenEye

Those visiting GoldenEye in September for five days or more are guaranteed sea-turtle sightings at neighboring Golden Sea Beach. For a $10 donation, guests of any age have the rare opportunity to observe turtles nesting and hatching in their natural habitat while being educated by a local sea-turtle expert known as the “turtle whisperer.” More than 13,450 sea turtles hatched on Golden Sea Beach in 2012—an incredible 3,745% increase in hatchings over the launching of the program in 2005.

Kids Name the Turtles in Mexico, One&Only Palmilla

Guests at One&Only Palmilla between July and October have a chance to participate in the baby sea turtle release. Each summer, sea turtles return to One&Only Palmilla’s aptly-named Turtle Beach to lay their eggs, and 45 days later, the baby turtles break free from their shells. “Young biologists” have the opportunity to learn about the turtles and their yearly return to Los Cabos, name the turtles, and receive a certificate acknowledging their sea-turtle release participation.

Turtle Safe Haven in Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi seeks to peacefully co-exist with the Hawksbill turtles that find their way to the hotel’s beach every season. The hotel installed an elevated boardwalk to transport guests to the beach and clearly marked nesting spots to ensure the nests remain undisturbed. The turtles are monitored continuously in a joint program by the Tourism Development and Investment Company and the Environmental Agency in Abu Dhabi, and guests may donate to these organizations to support the Hawksbill turtles.

Private Island Hatchlings, AndBeyond Mnemba Island

On the private island off the coast of Zanzibar, Green Turtle nesting season is year-round, peaking in February and March. The turtles lay their eggs on the island’s beach, and in September and October, baby turtles immerge. With only 10 thatched roof bandas on the island, guests can watch the tiny hatchlings make their way down to the water without a crowd for an incredible experience.

 

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