Turtles in Boa Vista

A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Cape Verde is the world’s third largest reserve of common turtles (Caretta Caretta) after Oman and Florida. Guided tours to observe the nesting of turtles take place every night from June to mid-October. August is the peak month of the spawning season.

Turtle watching contributes to the survival of these ancient creatures, showing the inhabitants of the archipelago that a living turtle is worth more than a dead one. In the past, they were hunted and sold on the market for their bones and meat. Unfortunately, turtle eggs are still a dish that is consumed illegally in some areas of the archipelago.

Often the turtles that reach the coast do not nest because they cannot find a suitable place on the beach. Sometimes, just a noise, a very difficult type of sand or artificial light is enough to make them retreat. However, the opportunity to see at least one turtle during the summer season is 100% guaranteed.

Tips

– It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and to wear a light sweatshirt: sometimes at night, near the sea, ventilate. Heels or elegant clothes are not recommended.
– Be punctual at the time of departure, as transportation is usually punctual.
– We advise you not to go alone: the road to reach the turtles’ beaches is very hard and without directions. Going with the official local guides is a guarantee that you will be able to see a turtle (even more than one on some nights) and with personalized assistance.
– When booking on this page, your order is forwarded directly to authorized agencies.

TURTLES EXCURSION

5 hours

After a journey of about an hour by car (with off-road vehicles) you arrive at the turtles’ beaches on the southeast coast of Boavista. Once in the researchers’ camp, you are welcomed by the guides, who speak your language. A briefing will provide you with general information on the biology of sea turtles and on the ongoing protection in Cape Verde, but also the basic rules to follow to minimize the disturbance to the animals.

During the evening it will not be possible to take photographs, even without a flash. Turtles are easily frightened, despite being harmless. You will be able to observe closely and touch the turtle as soon as it has finished making its nest. In fact, during the deposition phase, it falls into a state of temporary “coma”, which allows biologists to study and measure it. During the hatching period, it will be possible to visit the nests, the newborn baby turtles and free some of them at sea.

Every Saturday and Sunday, in the period July / October

DEPARTURE:
– Marine Club: 7.00 pm
– Riu Karamboa/Palace: 7.15 pm
– Royal Horizon and Bravo Praia Chave: 7.30 pm
– Riu Touareg: 8.00 pm

RETURN: Expected between 00.00 and 1.00 am

TRANSPORT INCLUDED: Pickup (with 8 seats)

EXCURSION PRICE
€ 60 adults (from 12 years)
€ 35 children (6-11 years)

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Why do turtle excursions?

A sea turtle lives 100 years on average. After birth, it remains in the sea for 20 years and then returns to the place where it was born to nest. Without GPS. In the darkness. It is a miracle that should not be lost: it’s like seeing dinosaurs.