CAUTION PLEASE! TURTLES ARE NESTING

Protecting Turtles Is Our Priority

On the south east coast of Barbados, turtles nest all year round, and it can take 60 days or more for hatchlings to incubate, hatch and make their way up to the surface of the sand, usually emerging at night when it's dark to scamper relentlessly towards the ocean waves.

Sea Turtles are protected in Barbados because the species is endangered, so we feel privileged that Sea Breeze Beach House is located close to turtle nesting sites, so we make it a priority to protect the moms and their nests until the hatchlings are safely on their way, and to partner with conservation groups to show our commitment.

Our beautiful island is home to three species of turtles: Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback, which visit our shores to nest all year round, and during the summer months, mother turtles visit and lay up to 100 turtle eggs in the sand.

How do turtles know where they were born? Research shows that sea turtles use the earth's magnetic fields to navigate back to the area where they were born decades earlier, according to a study that used loggerhead genetics to investigate their travels.

Why do they return also has a fascinating answer, as the female turtles from different islands tend to have varied immune genes, suggesting that returning to their island of birth to breed is associated with the advantages in parasite resistance and diseases.

At Sea Breeze Beach House, once we've observed the signs of a turtle nesting - or sometimes the miraculous event itself. Once hatched, it can take 2-4 days for the tiny turtles to make their way up to the surface, and they usually emerge at night when it's dark.

Ocean Hotels Barbados Group is working with the Sea Turtle Project, who give the following advice for guests who happen on these wonderful creatures.

• Avoid touching nesting turtles or picking up baby turtles.
• Never shine a light or use flash photography as the laying mother or hatchlings will become disoriented.
• Guests who see any turtles on our beach should contact the Hotel Front Desk.

A note for the general public: Anyone who thinks a turtle or hatchlings are in trouble should call the Barbados Turtle Hot Line +1 (246) 230 0142