Although there are plenty of beaches where travelers with a passion for nature can watch and interact with sea turtles, we will explore those that stand out, easily being counted as 5 of the world’s best.
1. Turtle Town, Maui, Hawaii
This is a long coastline in Makena’s southern district and usually refers mainly to Maluaka Beach on Maui’s south shore. It serves up clear blue waters filled with marine life, lined with a white sand beach. Its large population of Hawaiian green sea turtles makes it clear where the name Turtle Town came from. Visitors can see the turtles by walking down the beach to where the coral reef begins. Their shells are actually brown and can be taken for rocks in the shallow water where the turtles dine on seaweed.
Photo by Punchup
2. Kahaluu Beach Park
Also known as “Snorkel Beach”, the park is on the Kona coast of the “Big Island” of Hawaii and is fed with up to ten million gallons of fresh spring water every day. Its attractions include rock formations, corals, and about 100 species of fish including the ever famous green sea turtles. An early Hawaiian king had a seawall constructed to protect the small cove and keep its clear waters calm making it an excellent spot for children.
Photo by MrTopher
3. Wreck Rock Beach
This beach in eastern Australia is a renowned location that monitors the nesting of marine turtles such as the endangered loggerhead, leatherbacks, flatbacks, and green turtles. The nests are monitored every night between December and February. The number of nestings has declined over the years, but now seems to be slowly increasing.
5. Frot Morcan Beach
Located on the Gulf Coast in Alabama, United States. Boat tours are conducted here, allowing visitors to encounter the sea turtles in their natural habitat. This area is very family friendly with most beach rentals allowing pets.
Photo by francisbonte
5. Fort de Soto Park
The park is just outside St. Petersburg, Florida, and comprises five offshore islands all connected to each other by land. The five species of turtle that lay their eggs along the undeveloped six miles of shoreline from May through September include green sea turtles, leatherback, Kemp’s Ridley, hawksbill, and the most common, which is the loggerhead. The beach is closed at night to the public to protect these nesting creatures, each of which lays between 75 to 150 eggs that hatch about 50 to 60 days later; the hatchlings then head for the water. Unfortunately, the baby turtles are on the food menu for crabs, fish, sharks, and birds, so only a handful make it to maturity.
Photo by Fire Horse Leo
Interacting with sea turtles can make for an exciting ecotourism holiday experience. Once you’ve decided where to go, you should start planning your holiday well in advance; the earlier you book, the cheaper the flight deals will be.
About the author
Nadine Hallak is a Travel Expert from the UK’s leading flights website Cheapflights.co.uk.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
