Boa Vista: Turtle Nesting Night Tour & Private Pickup

Summary

Night walk on Boa Vista’s sands watching turtles nest with local guides

You’ll join a small group led by a local guide for a late-night walk on Boa Vista’s beaches, watching as sea turtles nest under starlight. Feel the sand beneath your feet and listen for flipper sounds in the dark. Includes private pickup from your hotel and return after witnessing this rare natural ritual.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be quietly rooting for a turtle in the dark, but that’s exactly what happened on Boa Vista. Our guide, Amilcar, picked us up from the hotel just after dinner — he had this calm way about him, like he’d done this hundreds of times but still found it special. The drive was mostly silent except for the hum of the van and someone in the back whispering about stargazing. I remember rolling down my window and getting that first whiff of salt air mixed with something earthy — maybe the dunes? Hard to say.

We walked onto the sand, shoes off because Amilcar said it helped us feel “part of the island.” There were no lights except for our guide’s red torch (apparently white light confuses the turtles). The beach felt endless and weirdly soft underfoot. Then we waited — honestly, longer than I expected — and just when I started thinking maybe we’d missed it, Amilcar pointed silently ahead. There she was: a Caretta Caretta turtle hauling herself up, slow and determined. Nobody spoke; you could hear her flippers scraping at the sand and even her breathing if you listened hard enough. It was strangely moving. When she started digging her nest, I caught myself holding my breath.

The whole thing lasted maybe forty minutes but felt both quick and stretched out at once. At one point I tried to whisper “boa noite” to Amilcar and he grinned — not sure if my accent was any good. Watching that turtle cover her eggs before heading back to the sea… I don’t know, it stuck with me more than I expected. On the ride back, everyone was quiet again but in a different way — like we’d all agreed not to break whatever spell had settled over us out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turtle nesting tour at night

• Depart from hotel
• Travel to turtle nesting beach
• Listen to guide's insights
• Watch turtle dig nest
• Observe egg-laying process
• See turtle cover nest
• Watch turtle return to sea
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the turtle nesting tour on Boa Vista last?

The main turtle nesting experience lasts about 40 minutes, plus travel time to and from your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included in this Boa Vista turtle tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

What time does the turtle nesting tour start?

The tour begins after dinner hours when it’s dark enough for turtles to come ashore.

Are children allowed on this Boa Vista turtle experience?

Yes, children are welcome—specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I need special fitness for this night tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness due to walking on sand at night.

Will we see turtles every time?

Turtle sightings can’t be guaranteed but guides choose locations with high nesting activity during season.

What’s included

Your evening includes private pickup from your hotel in Boa Vista, transport to a quiet nesting beach with an experienced local guide leading you through the experience, then comfortable return transport back afterwards so you don’t have to worry about logistics late at night.