Observing a nesting sea turtle is a truly magical event, and we are happy to be able to share that experience with others! Jumby Bay Resort guests are invited to join the team on the beach any time during the nesting season; sign-ups are available at the resort’s front desk. We also host guests from the mainland on Friday evenings from June through October. JBHP Turtle Watches are coordinated by Antigua’s Environmental Awareness Group, and we note that space is very limited.

Sea turtles only come ashore to lay their eggs and are highly vulnerable when on land.  So, it’s important to maintain a safe and calm viewing environment to ensure that females are able to successfully complete the nesting process. Here are a few tips to help create an enjoyable Turtle Watching experience.

·         Please follow all instructions provided by JBHP team or, if you are turtle watching elsewhere, the appropriate research staff.

·         Limit noise (for example, use soft voices) and movement to minimize disturbance to the turtle.

·         Lights can disorient adult and hatchlings, so please do not use flashlights until the turtle is laying her eggs or as instructed by staff.  Additionally, sea turtles seem to be less affected by red lights than by yellow or white lights.

·         Please give a turtle adequate space before she begins laying her eggs and after she has completed laying  When a turtle is in the ‘nesting trance’ and focused on egg-laying, she may be approached and viewed more closely.  Project staff will notify you when it’s safe to approach.

·         Flash photography may disorient or temporarily blind a turtle.  Only take photographs while the turtle is depositing her eggs, and then only from behind.

·         Please do not leave litter at the beach, as both adults and hatchlings may become trapped or entangled in rubbish.