Cape Verde constitutes the 3rd world largest loggerhead turtle nesting population, just after Oman and southeast USA.
Nonetheless, despite being protected by national and international laws, marine turtles in the archipelago are still harvested in large numbers for traditional human consumption.
Turtle-watching may contribute to the survival of these ancient creatures by showing Cape Verde people that a living turtle yields more profits (in terms of employment and incomes) than a dead one.
A part of the revenue from tours is destined to conservation programmes for the implementation of the National plan for the safeguarding of protected species in Cabo Verde.
Turtle-watching tours (observation of nesting loggerhead turtles) are conducted at night from early July to mid October.
August is the peak of the nesting season.
Program:
Departure from your apartment is between 19:00 to 19:30.
An 80-minute trip by car (4-wheel pick-up vehicle) takes guests to the nesting beaches on the E-SE coast of the island.
Briefing: a guide will introduce people several information on marine turtles’ biology and conservation work in the Cape Verde Island, as well as the basic rules to follow in order to minimize disturbance on the animals.
Observation of turtles: The chance of seeing turtles is 100%.
However, it must be borne in mind that most times, turtles coming ashore do not lay eggs, because they do not find a suitable nesting site on the beach.
Nesting females are approached only when they have started to lay eggs.
Arrival at your apartment is between 1:00 and 2:00 am.
Group sizes: 6-16 people.
Prices:
60€ per adult
30€ per child from 6 to 11 y.o.
Babies and children from 0 to 5 y.o. are free.