Port of Spain: Matura Beach Turtle Migration Observation
ID: GYG250462-433972
Category:
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Duration:
05:00 hours
Description
Watch as giant leatherback sea turtles climb out of the ocean to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Witness the culmination of their months-long journey and learn about their fascinating migration and egg-laying history.
Depart Port of Spain in the early evening following a pickup from your hotel. Head east through several villages before you reach Matura Beach on Trinidad's eastern coast. Here you’ll meet a small group of local experts on the egg-laying season that will guide you to the beach to view the turtles nesting under moonlight.
The leatherback sea turtles can weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg) and measure nearly 10 feet (3 meters) across. You’ll witness the end of a journey that has taken them across the Atlantic Ocean, as the female turtle returns to the beach she was born on to spend over 2 hours laying her eggs. Biologists believe that these creatures — and this migratory process — have seen relatively little change in almost 150 million years.
If you're lucky, you may see a baby turtle hatch and crawl its way into the ocean, and often there are multiple turtles laying eggs at the same time. Each nest contains almost 80 eggs, but typically only 2-3 turtles survive per nest. At the end of the evening, make your way back to Port of Spain, with a drop-off around midnight.
Highlights
- See giant leatherback sea turtles climbing out of the ocean
- Watch the egg-laying process in the sand
- Learn about turtle migration and egg incubation from local experts
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Children under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
• At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place
• You must be able to walk on sand and unpaved trails
• This activity operates in most weather conditions
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Hotel lobby
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
