On a sun-soaked day, with a dazzling blue sky and calm sea, a Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) cautiously emerges from the water at Cousin Island Special Reserve. Her stunning, high-domed, olive-green shell glistens in the sun as she makes her way up the beach to find a suitable spot to nest before returning to the ocean.
At a safe distance, a group of excited tourists, guided by island staff, watch enraptured and silent. Moving on land leaves the turtle exposed and vulnerable, and any noise and movement might turn her back to the ocean, her mission incomplete.
Welcome to turtle nesting season in Seychelles! From October to March, visitors have a chance to witness either nesting adults or tiny adorable hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
From October and March, visitors have a chance to see turtles
Cousin Island is an essential nesting site for this critically endangered species in the western Indian Ocean. While it’s thrilling to see nesting turtles, ensuring they nest and head to the sea unhindered is a top priority for Nature Seychelles, the NGO that runs the island.
Trained wardens, well-versed in turtle nesting behaviour, conduct tours on the island. When a turtle is encountered, they watch its nuanced behaviour and react with appropriate instructions for visitors based on what is best for her.
“The turtle’s welfare is our number one concern,” Chris Tagg, Nature Seychelles’ conservation manager asserts. “At the beginning of the tour, we remind our guests to follow instructions from the wardens, or the other conservation staff, so that the turtle’s wellbeing is always protected.”
So, what are the general “dos and don’ts” visitors should keep in mind? Basically, it is simply respecting the animal and giving it space to do what it came to do, Chris says. “Turtles on land can be a bit skittish. They quickly abort nesting when disturbed. Watch quietly and keep a distance. Stay behind her, don’t enter her line of sight, rush towards her, or touch her. Do not use flash photography,” he adds.
“When she has completed laying and starts her journey back, remember to stay still, keep at least 10m away, and, again, keep out of her line of sight. Never position yourself between a turtle and the ocean. Admire her with your eyes only, and do not attempt to touch her.”
Do not obstruct the hatchlings journey to the sea
The same goes for hatchlings. Look, but don’t touch hatchlings or pick them up and put them in the water, Chris says. Let them find their way to the ocean – it helps them imprint the beach so they can return when they are ready to lay eggs. If you want to help, smooth out the sand by raking over footprints or removing obstacles in their path. Do not obstruct their journey to the sea in any way.
Tourism on Cousin is a lifeline for wildlife as tourist user fees are ploughed back into conservation. Seeing a sea turtle nesting is magical for most visitors. This experience often turns into action, inspiring tourists to support turtle conservation efforts. When done right, turtle watching can be a force for good.