Boa Vista: Turtle Nesting Night Tour & Small Group Pickup

Summary

Sea turtle nesting tour in Boa Vista with local guides and night beach walks

You’ll walk along Boa Vista’s moonlit beaches with a small group and local guide, watching sea turtles lay eggs up close. There’s time for quiet observation (and photos if you’re patient), plus stories from your guide about conservation work. Expect sandy feet, some laughter, and a real sense of connection with nature long after you return to your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was my sandal got stuck in the sand right as we hopped out of the pickup. I nearly lost it to the dark, but one of the Cabokaitours drivers just grinned and handed me a flashlight — apparently, I’m not the first. The air was thick and salty, and honestly, I was surprised how quiet everything felt out there at night. You could hear little waves lapping somewhere close, but mostly it was just our group shuffling along behind our guide, Maria.

Maria’s been doing these turtlewatch tours for years — she knew exactly where to walk without disturbing anything. She’d stop now and then to point out tracks or whisper about what to look for. When we finally found a loggerhead digging her nest, everyone went silent except for this one kid who gasped so loud he made us all laugh. Watching her lay eggs under the moonlight felt weirdly intimate; I didn’t expect to feel so protective over a creature I’d just met. The main keyword here is “turtle tour Boa Vista” but honestly, it’s more like being let in on something secret.

I tried taking a few photos but kept fumbling with my phone — sand everywhere, fingers sticky from sunscreen I’d forgotten to wash off after dinner. Maria gave us plenty of time though; nobody rushed us or made us move on too fast. She talked about how part of our fee goes straight into protecting these turtles from crabs and other threats (I didn’t even know crabs were such an issue). On the way back, someone asked if we’d see hatchlings next time — she said maybe in November, when they do tours to help slipperies reach the water. So yeah, might have to come back for that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turtle reserve visit and observation

• Pick up at hotels
• Drive to turtle reserves
• Briefing on turtle activity
• Observe egg laying or hatching
• Return to hotels

Top questions

When is turtle nesting season in Boa Vista?

Turtlewatch tours run from mid-July to November each year.

Is hotel pickup included in the turtle tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included with transport to the turtle reserves.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The excursion is conducted in small groups for a more personal experience.

Can children join the turtle nesting tour?

Yes, children can join and have priority seating inside the vehicle.

What should I wear or bring for the tour?

You should be able to walk on sand; comfortable shoes and layers are recommended.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Do I get enough time to take photos during the tour?

Yes, each participant has enough time for photos or filming during observation.

Does part of my booking support turtle conservation?

Yes, part of your excursion fee helps fund sustainable turtle protection efforts.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from your hotel by experienced Cabokaitours drivers, entry into protected turtle reserves guided by certified experts like Maria, plenty of time for observing (and photographing) turtles nesting or hatching depending on season, plus knowing that part of your fee directly supports local conservation projects before you’re dropped back at your accommodation late at night.