If you’re looking for something to do over the weekend, we’ve got the perfect activity—turtle watching. If you haven’t done it before, this is the year to do so. It’s a fantastic experience that you can only look on with awe. It’s remarkable that these huge amniotes make their way across the ocean, come ashore on our beaches, and dig nests approximately 18” deep using their rear flippers.

Since March and through to August, the female leatherbacks have appeared on Caribbean shores, having engaged in their seasonal migratory journey. Nomadic, marine animals, the largest living sea turtles, cover great distances between their breeding and feeding areas. The leatherbacks swim the Atlantic Ocean laying their eggs on various beaches throughout the region.

Local authorities have taken significant measures throughout the islands to protect the creatures.  However, sadly factors such as pollution, climate change, and human predators are causing their numbers to dwindle. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies leatherback turtles as vulnerable. The IUCN’s classification means that leatherbacks face a high risk of extinction in the immediate future. 

That is truly unfortunate, as anyone who has ever witnessed the marine turtles in action knows the sheer wonder they experience as they become party to this pre-historic ritual. Still, all is not lost as knowledge is power.

So, let’s review some amazing facts about our friendly visitors, who loyally return to our shores.  And, in case you’re wondering, why do they? It’s a well-known fact that leatherbacks, when nesting, return to the shores on which they hatch

The IUCN’s classification means that leatherbacks face a high risk of extinction in the immediate future. That is truly unfortunate, as anyone who has ever witnessed the marine turtles in action knows the sheer wonder they experience as they become party to the pre-historic ritual.

Still, all is not lost, as knowledge is power. Thus, let’s review some amazing facts about our friendly visitors who loyally return to our shores. Also, in case you’re wondering why they do this. It’s a well-known fact that leatherbacks when nesting, return to the shores on which they hatched. 

Amazing facts about Female Leatherback Sea Turtles

• Weighs between 660 pounds to 1,500 pounds.
• They can grow to between four feet and nine feet in length.
• Jellyfish is their main diet. Their jaws would be damaged by a diet of anything other than soft-bodied animals.
• Mainly nests every two or three years. Instances of annual nesting are possible, but not common.
• They nest up to seven times during the season with an interval of approximately 10 days.
• At each nesting, lays an average of 80 fertilised eggs, and 30 unfertilised eggs.
• The eggs take six to eight weeks to hatch.
• They live up to 50 years when in the wild.
• Unlike other marine turtles, their shell is soft, flexible, and leathery.

In addition to Grand Riviere, Matura and Toco are other popular nesting sites you can visit to see the turtles. At all three locations, the tours are supervised, and a permit is required. The licenses can be acquired at the sites, or through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries – Forestry Division.

You can also book a tour guide; the guide will take care of all permits and fees on your behalf.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you visit the turtles.

No flash cameras are allowed. The flash of the camera can blind the turtle.

Refrain from making loud noises. Especially around the nesting site, keep things quiet so as not to disturb the turtles.

No drinking at the nesting site. Alcohol consumption at the site is strictly forbidden.

Do not litter. The anti-littering policy is to be strictly observed.

Wear dark clothing. Also, a sweater is a good idea as it can be cold.

Enjoy your turtle-watching trip, and do let us know if you enjoyed the experience.

Sources: World Wild Life, Britannica, and National Geographic