Turtle Watching in Dominica

Dominica is ideal for observing three types of globally endangered sea turtles that nest on its beaches. Leatherbacks come ashore to lay their eggs between March and August. Hawksbills and Green Turtles come ashore between May and October.


Photo by R. Byrne

The nesting females are protected by law and they are monitored very carefully by the Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization Inc (DomSeTCO). Their trained guides can tell you more about the turtles and take you to an active nesting site.

The best turtle viewing times are at night and into the early morning as that’s often when they come ashore or the hatchlings leave the nest.
click for large image of baby leatherback turtles
 16th Aug, 2004:
38 Leatherbacks hatch at Rosalie beach!
Click on image for larger photo
Why Watch Turtles?
  • Gain a greater understanding of these rare gentle giants and their importance in the marine environment.
  • Interact with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Learn about the critical status of the sea turtles.
  • Find out what we can do to ensure their survival.
  • Observe the actual egg-laying process or perhaps catch a glimpse of hatchlings heading to sea.
You’ll also be supporting Dominica’s role in this international conservation initiative!

Green Turtle

Where are the Turtles?

Turtles nest all over the island.

Leatherbacks, Greens and Hawksbills are found in the southeast, around Rosalie Bay and LaPlaine and the northeast, near Marigot, Londonderry, Wesley and Calibishie between March and August.

Greens and Hawksbills are found on the west coast beaches between May and October. Sometimes the mature females return to the same areas where they were born.


What to Take on a Turtle Watch

  1. A specially trained turtle tour guide who is a member of a community group that patrols the beaches. (See contact numbers below.)
  2. A jacket/raincoat and hat, as it can get cool and sometimes rains after sunset
  3. A camera that can take pictures WITHOUT a flash. Photographs can only be taken with a flash when the turtle has commenced laying and she is in a trance-like state.
  4. Some snacks and water to drink
  5. USD $10.00 – the cost per person for a turtle tour

Turtle Watch Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

  • ask your hotel or guesthouse about turtle watching activities
  • contact the SEA TURTLE HOTLINE to book a tour with a trained turtle guide (See phone numbers below)
  • keep quiet and maintain a respectful distance from the turtles at all times
  • report any sighting of turtles or nests to your hotel or a Forestry & Wildlife Officer or the Sea Turtle Hotline
  • walk only near the tide line of the beach and not in the dunes if in a known nesting area

PLEASE DON’T

  • touch or disturb turtles, hatchlings or eggs in any way
  • walk above the tide line near dunes or on known nesting beaches
  • shine any form of light at the turtles or towards the sea where turtles may be approaching
  • go near turtles without a certified turtle tour guide

For further information, contact:

Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization Inc. (DomSeTCO): (767)-275-0724

Dominica Sea Turtle Hotline: (767)-616-8684 or (767)-225-7742

NEWCEPT Community Group (Northeast): (767)-225-6258

NET Community Group (Rosalie Beach): (767)-277-1608

La Plaine Sea Turtle Patrollers (Bout Sable Beach La Plaine): (767)-265-4549

Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division: (767)-266-5852

 



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