9 of the best places to watch baby turtles hatch

Imagine a cute group of tiny turtles making their way to the sea, leaving the beach behind until they come back years later to nest where they were born. For nature lovers and fans of all things cute, seeing a sea turtle hatch is an unforgettable experience. But you need to get the timing right and know the best places to see them.

Yet, due to unsustainably developed coastlines, industrial fishing practices (in which turtles are accidentally netted), poaching, climate change, water pollution and the consumption of turtle meat and eggs, nearly all seven species of sea turtles have become highly endangered. Only 1 in 5000 baby sea turtles will live to be adults. 

Plan your trip during the hatching season of your chosen destination, but remember there’s no guarantee you’ll actually see a turtle birth. It’s like trying to guess when a bird's egg will hatch – nearly impossible, even for experts. However, volunteering with a turtle conservation project will greatly improve your chances.

Remember: Never search for sea turtles without a guide. Never use flash photography or shine light on them without a red filter. Mothers are easily disturbed when nesting. Don’t be part of the problem. Give them their space.

1. Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

The situation of turtles in Malaysia has been difficult for quite some time, especially on the beautiful island of Pulau Tioman. Despite this, the dedicated volunteers at the Juara Turtle Project have done a great job at improving their numbers through nest protection, working with local communities, research, education, and outreach. But they’re still working hard every day, especially against beach development by resorts.

An easy drive and ferry ride from both Singapore and Johor Bahru, the Juara Turtle Project offers affordable and accessible single and group volunteer experiences for turtle hatching and conservation.

When to go for hatching season: March to October.

2. Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

When a place is called the “region of turtles,” you know it’s special. Just 80km north of Port of Limon, on the palm-lined Caribbean coast, this park is one of the best spots to see sea turtles. It's also one of the most important nesting sites in the western hemisphere. Here, giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles all come to nest.

You can book different turtle experiences through the park. The Sea Turtle Conservancy group also offers volunteer adventures in the area. Remember, turtles nest on both coasts of Costa Rica.

When to go for turtle hatching season:
Caribbean coast: July to October and March to May.
Pacific coast: October to February and July to November.

3. Kosgoda, Sri Lanka

Green sea turtles are the most common species on the sandy shores of Sri Lanka. Four other types of turtles nest here too, but their numbers are low, so they are a rare sight.

The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project has run a simple but important hatchery in the area since 1988. They have worked hard to protect nesting grounds, especially after the tsunami in 2004.

When to go for turtle hatching season: November to May.

4. Greece and the Greek Islands

In the Mediterranean, sea turtles face threats from tourist development and net-fishing, even if their situation isn't as bad as in other places.

Groups like Archelon work to protect turtles at many sites along the coast of Greece and its islands, graciously offering a less-intensive conservation work to sunbathing ratio for a variety of volunteers (part-time, full-time, individuals, families and large groups).

When to go for turtle hatching season: August to October.

5. Ras Al Jinz, Oman

Near the authentic fishing village of Ras Al Jinz, this area of the Arabian Sea is famous for its endangered green turtle nesting grounds.

Oman’s eco-tourism project at Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve helps tourists see a turtle hatching while controlling human-induced threats. The center also offers guided night trips to witness a nesting.

When to go for turtle hatching season: Year-round, usually peaking in July.

6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This popular beach resort is also a turtle-watching hot spot. Several conservation organizations offer turtle tours, with controlled release of baby turtles most nights during peak season.

Though Mexico's Puerto Vallarta is easy for families to access, viewers should stay quiet around nesting turtles, as they are very timid. Disturbing them will only make you part of the problem.

When to go for turtle hatching season: July to September.

7. Iztuzu, Turkey

Situated on a narrow strip of sand separating the fresh water of Turkey's Daylan River from the Mediterranean, this landscape is worth a visit in itself. Iztuzu is commonly called “Turtle Beach” for a reason.

Almost bulldozed for mass tourism in the 1980s, the Kaptan June Turtle Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation has fought hard against development to protect loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds. It has also made Iztuzu Beach a popular eco-tourist attraction, great for travelers of all ages.

When to go for turtle hatching season: May to June.

8. Tofo Beach, Mozambique

Coastal Mozambique is a beautiful place with lots of different marine life. Unfortunately, it's facing many threats.

For anyone looking for a deeper engagement with marine life than simply a visit to a conservation center, Underwater Africa offers volunteer experiences ranging for 4–16 weeks. From turtle walks to scuba dives, volunteering in Mozambique is a great way to spur a passion for ocean conservation in Africa and at large.

Best time to visit for turtle hatching season: December to March.

9. Port Barton, Philippines

The calm, blue waters of Port Barton in the Philippines are perfect for relaxing and watching turtles. You can snorkel in "Turtle Bay" or watch baby turtles being released at the nearby Secret Paradise Marine Sanctuary. It's a great spot for turtle-watching.

Best time to visit for turtle eggs hatching season: December to May.

Top image: Newly hatched baby turtle toward the ocean © beltsazar/Shutterstock