TOP 10 BEST SITES IN THE WORLD FOR SEA TURTLES

The most inaccessible site

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.

The most extreme site

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.

The most militant site

Where to turtle-watch?
On Iztuzu Beach, a 4-km-long stretch of wild sand on which baby loggerhead and green sea turtles take to the sea every year. Located between the Mediterranean and the Dalyan Strait in the south west of the country, this Turkish beach is home to turtles whose egg-laying and nesting are closely monitored by volunteers. Access to the beach is prohibited after 8 p.m. Ask the turtle clinic about attending the release of baby turtles; the experience is truly magical.

The most unexpected site

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.

The most popular site

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.

The most heroic site

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.

The sexiest site

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.

The most romantic site

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!

The most ecumenical site

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.

The most legendary site

“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.