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TOP 10 BEST SITES IN THE WORLD FOR SEA TURTLES.

20 August 2019 - Destinations

We are proud to announce our partnership with Indagare,the members-only boutique travel-planning company, to bring you curated content about dream vacations. Indagare's trip designers partner with their members to create customized itineraries and unlock behind-the-scenes access and exclusive perks that they won't find anywhere else.

To inspire your crew this summer (and beyond), here are 10 destinations that are ideal for trips with family or friends—from a dude ranch in the American West to a storied hideaway in the South of France. Summertime provides a well-deserved opportunity to unwind and pursue new adventures together.

1/ The most inaccessible site: Burma (Myanmar)

Better known for the beauty of its temples and for its Buddhist monks than for its sea turtles, Burma actually happens to be one of the few countries in which you can find 5 out of the 7 species, all native to this wonderful country. Hawksbill sea turtles have found refuge in the Andaman Sea, a stunning expanse of water dotted with 800 forgotten yet idyllic and exclusive islands. Pollution, the destruction of their habitat, dynamite fishing and the poaching of their eggs which are considered delicacies all contribute to making these turtles one of the most endangered species. In this land that is as spiritual as it is cruel, one can also encounter green, leatherback, olive ridley and loggerhead sea turtles.

Where to turtle-watch?
At the Thameehla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary. Explorers take note: Thameehla Island is the place for you. Never in your life will you have travelled to a land this far, believe us! To visit, send an email to: enwildlifemyanmartravel@gmail.com and let yourself be guided.

The Vilebrequin look:
To observe the sea turtles’ every move with peace of mind, protect yourself from the sun with our anti-UV T-shirts for men, women and children!

2/ The most extreme site: Panama

Far from Panama City and its famous canal, one needs to venture deep into the potentially inhospitable tropical jungle near the Colombian border. An extraordinary adventure off the beaten track since Panama is one of the few countries in Central America that is still somewhat less popular with tourists. Its nature, however, is every bit as good as its neighbour’s, Costa Rica. Ornithologists and botanists from around the world favour this slice of paradise, which is so much more than a tax haven. Your final destination here is Armila, in the Darién region, which you can reach on foot or by boat from Puerto Obaldía. But one of the richest ecosystems in America must be earned. Let's be honest, the region is unstable. It is recommended to travel with a member of the Kuna community, which has controlled the region since the indigenous people rebelled against the Panamanian attempt to evangelise them. A fascinating (and safe) expedition in more ways than one.

Where to turtle-watch?
On Armila Beach during the Sea Turtle Festival which takes place at the end of May. Spot leatherback sea turtles, the largest reptile on the planet (up to 2 m wide and weighing up to 900 kg), currently strictly protected by the Kuna. If in the past this community used to eat turtle eggs, its members are now aware of the environmental dangers of extinction. Today, they teach their children and visitors about the need to protect these ancestral creatures.

The Vilebrequin look:
Slip on a Vilebrequin linen jersey polo shirt and a pair of Vilebrequin linen cargo pants, the perfect outfit to reach Armila Beach on foot.

Photo:
http://vaguementjulie.blogspot.com/2015/08/armila-bienvenue-chez-les-kunas.html

4/ The most unexpected site: Japan

When dreaming of a picture-perfect destination with white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, sunshine and palm trees, one wouldn’t necessarily think of the Land of the Rising Sun. One, however, would be wrong. Located in the south west of Japan, the Kerama Islands tick all the boxes. An extra box that we are particularly fond of this summer can even be added: swimming with turtles. Located in Okinawa Province, my love, indeed you saw nothing. This land ravaged by one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War could easily have inspired a love and death poem, like the beautiful “Hiroshima, My Love” by Marguerite Duras. But one only needs to dive into the sea among these thousand-year-old turtles to believe that April showers bring May flowers.

Where to turtle-watch?
At Ama Beach. Early birds like us, the turtles arrive at low tide, just in time for breakfast. Unlike us, however, they come to feed on algae. It’s the perfect time to mingle and enjoy an unforgettable swim.

When to go?
Between January and June, in order to enjoy warm sea temperatures and sunshine.

The Vilebrequin look:
A Vilebrequin stretch swimsuit in order to feel at ease in the water and join in the turtle dance!

5/ The most popular site: French Guiana

A site seemingly forgotten by tourists, this French Overseas Department is one of the most famous for the observation of sea turtles. There is nothing more moving than watching these sea turtles emerge from the ocean, which they only leave 2 to 3 times a year, to come and dig a whole on the beach in which they will lay and incubate their eggs. With 97% of its land being forest, French Guiana is the perfect destination for all nature- and marine-animal-lovers.

Where to turtle-watch?
Everywhere! No mass tourism or pseudo eco-friendly business ventures here, rest assured. Honestly, there is no one to contact, no particular location to choose: just walk along the beach after dark. However, our favourite site is Awala-Yalimapo, 245 km from Cayenne, the capital. And if you want to be sure to be at the right place at the right time, you can contact the Kwata association. Website: https://www.kwata.net

When to go?
Between February and late August (peak season being in June-July) and then until late October to see the baby turtles leave their nests and, at their own peril, attempt to reach the sea.

The Vilebrequin look:
To do your bit in this sustainable environment, our Vilebrequin MAN swim trunks in recycled polyamide are a travel essential.

6/ The most heroic site: Madagascar

If you read our TOP 10 most beautiful eco-friendly beaches, you will know that Madagascar is a country with exceptional but fragile biodiversity. Threatened by human activity as a result of the impoverishment of the population, the fauna and flora are among the first victims. The illegal sale of turtle meat and turtle shells continues to prosper. In 30 years, the turtle population has been divided by four. But there is room for hope. Thanks to numerous associations, such as WWF and TRAFFIC (an international network monitoring trade in wild plants and animals), and thanks to volunteer citizens, several thousand turtles are regularly saved from poaching and reintroduced into their natural habitat after several weeks of care. The brave defenders of four-legged reptiles haven't given up and continue to work tirelessly to protect the turtles and educate future generations.

Where to turtle-watch?
At the Turtle Village. Created by an association, the Turtle Village is a refuge located in the south west of the island. If you wish to find out more about the life and protection of turtles, the refuge guides will be more than happy to share with you their extensive knowledge. Or why not try something different and volunteer at the Village? An unforgettable family experience. For more info: https://www.villagetortues.com

The Vilebrequin look:
Opt for our Mappemonde Dots men’s swim trunks in support of the Te Mana O Te Moana association and help save the turtles!

7/ The sexiest site: Brazil

Before becoming a top holiday spot among jet-setters from around the world, the small, Brazilian village of Praia do Forte was nothing more than a fishing village, similar to Saint-Tropez back in the day, and others around the world. Except that Praia do Forte is located in what some call “Brazilian Polynesia”. That says it all. We've (almost) booked our flights. Kilometres of palm trees and white, sandy beaches, natural pools and a coral reef bursting with life set the idyllic scene. Every year, in Bahia State, more than half the sea turtles along the Brazilian coast come to lay their eggs, up to 100 per nest. When one knows that, on average, only one out of every thousand eggs will produce a turtle capable of reproducing, the protection of these nesting areas is not only logical but indispensable.

Where to turtle-watch?
On Praia do Forte Beach. Contact the members of Projeto TAMAR who, since 2001, have been dedicating their time to the protection and preservation of sea turtles. Transmitters are placed on the turtles in order to survey their population, to monitor their movements, to locate where they feed and reproduce, but also to get a better understanding of the extraordinary navigation abilities of these slow and steady creatures. Website: http://www.tamar.org.br (in Portuguese).

When to go?
From September to March.

The Vilebrequin look:
Be at the height of fashion on Praia do Forte Beach with a lightweight Vilebrequin shirt.

8/ The most romantic site: Sri Lanka

Turtle-lovers and straight-up lovers, take note. Sri Lanka is the perfect country to mix romantic getaway and off-the-beaten track experiences. End-of-the-world beaches, bungalows nestled in the jungle, days whiled away in a hammock and the feeling of being cast away, Sri Lanka has it all. And on top of that: all the animals you could dream of! Elephants (please help avoid the exploitation of these beautiful creatures by refusing to ride them), monkeys and turtles, obviously. Five different species of turtles have picked Sri Lanka as their favourite country. Very active in their protection, the State even sentences turtle egg thieves to 16 days in prison! On the other hand, it pays fishermen who bring them back willingly. Smart!

Where to see and swim with turtles?
On the beaches of Rekawa, Kosgoda and Hikkaduwa in the southern part of the island. On Rekawa Beach, inaccessible without a guide, you can watch giant turtles lay their eggs (by night) or baby turtles be released. These activities are organised by the local turtle conservation centre. A little further west, at Hikkaduwa, you can swim with turtles in translucent water. Your presence won't bother them in the slightest.

When to go?
November, December, March and July.

The Vilebrequin look:
Slip on a long dress, sensual and lightweight, to fit in with this romantic atmosphere...

Vilebrequin Australia Copyright Indagare

9/ The most ecumenical site: Egypt

The cradle of one of the most fascinating civilisations in the world, Egypt is a true mystery that reels you in with its charms. Its history, its culture and its rites are a never-ending source of intrigue. An iconic place for the main monotheistic religions, the Red Sea attracts turtles by the dozen, though these ancient stories leave them cold. Here, turtles abound, in particular leatherback sea turtles, also known as giant turtles. Is this because of higher salinity levels? They do quite enjoy floating. Or is it the always-warm waters? The mystery remains unsolved, but their presence is no secret. Scuba divers and snorkellers are well aware of the reputation of this site revered by fauna and flora buffs. A reputation that is lived up to. Sahara sand might come to die in the clear waters of the Red Sea but the explosion of underwater life is astounding.

Where to swim with turtles?
On the beach at Abu Dabbab Bay. One the most important (and lesser-known) spots to swim with turtles in the Red Sea. But let's be honest, you won't be alone. You will have to put up with dolphins and hundreds of tropical fish, each one more beautiful than the next… Tough life!

When to go?
From June to September.

The Vilebrequin look:
Don't forget your Vilebrequin fouta beach towel to bask in the sun and comfortably await the turtles’ arrival...

10/ The most legendary site: the Galápagos Islands

“Islas de los Galápagos” literally means “Islands of the Sea Turtles”. Between 30,000 and 40,000 species of different turtles populate these volcanic islands, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978. An impressive record completed by the presence of turtles with exceptional longevity, almost 180 years, that researchers are studying relentlessly. It's therefore no surprise to see that, here, turtles are treated like rock stars. Entirely free to roam, the Galápagos fauna outnumbers the archipelago's human residents. Walking around is a primitive, raw and overwhelming experience, leaving you with memories that will be hard to top. Several native turtle species have taken up residence, such as the Galápagos green turtle, a species only found in this area. The archipelago's nickname, the Enchanted Islands, is rather apt.

Where to swim with turtles?
At Quinta Playa on Isabela Island. One of the archipelago’s largest islands is home to the largest population of Galápagos green turtles. An opportunity not to be missed since, as their name suggests, you can only swim with these turtles in this part of the world.

When to go?
From December to March.

The Vilebrequin look:
In our women's one-piece swimsuit, you can swim with turtles all day long whilst remaining elegant.