In February, the Prodivers’ ‘turtle phone’ lived up to its name. Guests and the Resort’s Security reported a turtle sighting on three occasions, and we are happy to let you know that nests have been laid and we now very much look forward to welcoming baby turtles to this world.

Hannah, the Dive Center Manager, prepared a brief overview of everything you need to know about the nesting and hatching of our beloved turtles:

There are two species of turtles that nest at Kuredu, the Green Sea Turtle (the one most commonly seen around the island) and its smaller cousin, the Hawksbill Turtle. When they nest, the turtles will come up on the beach, above the high-water mark, and dig a hole where they will lay between 60-120 eggs, depending on the species. The depth of these holes is crucial as the temperature of the eggs determines the sex of the new turtles. Often the turtles will come to the beach a couple of times before they actually lay, either the same night or on previous days, to try and find a good place to nest. Sometimes they will also dig a hole, however if they are approached or disturbed (usually by people) before they have started laying, the turtle will leave the area and wait a couple of days before trying again. The main nesting period for the turtles is November through March, although we do have reports of nesting activity year around.

The incubation period for the turtles usually takes around 60 days, at which point the eggs hatch and then the turtles will dig their way out and head out to see, using the moon as a guide. This is why when there are artificial lights close to nests, baby turtles can get confused and are found wondering around the island.

Female turtles will always return to the beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs, but this is often not where they live. Having said that, it is very unlikely that the turtles that live in and around Kuredu’s lagoons are the ones that nest here. Males will never return to land once they have hatched.

Now you know! Watch this space to be the first to find out about Kuredu’s turtle hatchlings!

To find out more about Kuredu’s conservation projects, take a look at this.