Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2018 (#29)

Though fewer in number than Trinidad, the
nesting turtles in Tobago are much easier to
get to. Hundreds of giant leatherbacks and
hawksbills nest on three main beaches —
Turtle Beach, Mt Irvine and Grafton. Hawksbills
nest in great numbers near the Magdalena Grand.
A giant leatherback turtle
heaves her bulk out of the
water to nest
Ancient
mariners
March–September is nesting season for the leatherbacks
who may come from as far away as Australia to
nest on the beach where they were born. Their hatchlings
will emerge six to eight weeks later and head
for the sea. Green turtles and hawksbills inhabit the
coastal waters year-round, and you can spot them foraging
for food on the reefs and sea grass beds.
Many resorts on nesting beaches can notify you
either when nesting turtles have been sighted, or
when clutches of baby turtles are ready for release.
For tours and information, contact SOS Tobago (Save
Our Sea Turtles Tobago, 328-7351), or a reputable
tour guide. You can become a volunteer and join SOS’
efforts in tagging turtles, counting nests, and rescuing
disoriented hatchlings. You must commit to a minimum
of four weeks.
discovertnt.com
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COURTESY TDC
THINGS TO
REMEMBER
Do not touch or disturb
nesting turtles
or hatchlings. Try to
be quiet and unobtrusive,
and do not use
flashlights or flash
photography. Lights,
noise and activity can
disorient both turtles
and hatchlings
Do not drive on nesting
beaches — the
weight of the vehicle
can crush eggs buried
in the sand.
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