Sea Turtle Sightings: Where to Spot Them Now

It’s an emotional experience. Watching hatchlings traverse what must be for them a vast expanse of treacherous sand on their way to the sea for the first time—you can’t help but cheer them on. This October, as nesting season draws to a close around most of the world, don’t miss your chance to see these tiny turtles triumph, with a little help from Four Seasons.

Turtles in Nevis

Sea turtles swim in nearly all the world’s oceans, but despite their global reach, it’s getting more and more difficult for these serene creatures to maintain safe, fertile nesting grounds for their young. In Nevis, sea turtles play a special part in the island’s culture and history, sharing a place with none other than the queen herself on Eastern Caribbean currency.

For this reason, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies, in collaboration with the Nevis Turtle Group and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, has been working hard to protect these animals and the fragile ecosystem that they call home. Guests can learn more about the endangered animals by participating in events such as guided beach walks, or by getting to know any of the six sponsored Nevisian turtles—Ginger, Coral, Jewel, Paradise, Pinney and Neve—who are GPS tagged and can be followed in real time online. The Kids for All Seasons programme also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that include interactive games, turtle tales under a tree, beach walks and more. Read more about Nevis’ conservation efforts at Living Values.

To the Rescue in the Maldives

Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species live in the waters surrounding the Maldives. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru boast Marine Discovery Centres specifically dedicated to educating guests on the importance of protecting the marine environment and the creatures who live in it—sea turtles included. Both resorts have implemented a number of conservation efforts that range from treating injured turtles to rearing a select number of hatchlings to improve their chance of survival. But don’t take our word for it—see for yourself with this video from Landaa Giraavaru.

More Turtle-Spotting Opportunities at Four Seasons

The Caribbean and the Maldives aren’t the only places to spot turtles before the regular nesting season comes to a close at the end of October.

•    At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, you might find yourself rubbing elbows with a honu (the Hawaiian word for the green sea turtle) in the Resort’s Ocean Pool, set on the Big Island’s exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast.

•    Guests at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita can also swim with the green giants while snorkelling in crystal-clear waters surrounded by a coral reef, not to mention spotting other marine creatures like dolphins and manta rays.