Join the incredible Giant Sea Turtle Conservation Tour at Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro! You can easily reach the site by taking a taxi from Bocas Town or by staying at one of the nearby hotels located right on the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable guide, who specializes in turtle conservation. Since 2010, Bluff Beach has been home to an ongoing monitoring and conservation program, carried out by a passionate local community organization with vital support from the Sea Turtle Conservancy and funding from USAID’s regional program for aquatic resource management and economic alternatives. Plus, responsible tourism activities play a key role in funding these crucial conservation efforts.
This enchanting nocturnal sea turtle nesting tour occurs along a stunning beach that stretches 4.3 kilometers. On Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, this beach sees around 250 leatherback turtle nests, 100 hawksbill nests, and between 1 to 5 green turtle nests each year.
What truly makes this location special are the leatherback turtles. Witnessing the largest living turtle species is an unforgettable experience. They can reach lengths of up to 5.6 feet (about 1.7 meters), and their impressive size can equal that of a human! Weighing in at around 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), they are the heaviest non-crocodilian reptiles on Earth. Adult leatherbacks typically measure between 4.5 and over 6 feet (1.4 to 1.8 meters), with the largest ever recorded found in Wales, measuring 6.6 feet (2 meters) and weighting an astounding 1,980 pounds (900 kilograms). Your guide will measure every turtle that comes ashore, and who knows, you might even witness a record-breaking specimen!
During the tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures as they lay their eggs. Since this is a scientific observation activity, it’s essential to follow specific protocols for the safety of these endangered turtles. As you stroll along one of the most beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro, your guide will share fascinating insights about these amazing animals. The Giant Sea Turtle Conservation Tour runs from April through mid-September, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary experience!
Giant Sea Turtle Conservation Tour in Bocas del Toro
Join the Giant Sea Turtle Conservation Tour at Bluff Beach, Bocas del Toro, easily accessible by taxi or nearby hotels. Since 2010, this tour, supported by the Sea Turtle Conservancy and USAID, aids vital conservation efforts through responsible tourism. The tour occurs on a 4.3 km beach known for up to 250 leatherback nests annually. Witness the largest turtle species, the leatherback, reaching 5.6 feet and weighing around 500 kg. Participants observe egg-laying while adhering to safety protocols. The tour runs from April through mid-September, offering a chance to learn about these endangered creatures.
Tour Highlights
- Opportunity to see leatherback turtles, the largest living species of turtle.
- Hawksbill turtles and green turtles also nest at Bluff Beach.
- Expert conservation guide that will teach you about sea turtles.
