Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Tour: Egg-Laying & Hatchlings July–November

You'll Stand on the Beach While Sea Turtles Nest Right in Front of You

You're driven to a protected turtle nesting reserve on Boa Vista, where you watch sea turtles lay eggs (July–October) or observe hatchlings emerge and head to sea (November onward). A certified guide keeps the group small and paced so you can photograph and film the entire process without rushing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and a portion of the tour fee funds ongoing turtle conservation on the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Turtle observation and hotel transfer

• Pick up at hotels
• Drive to turtle reserves
• Briefing and egg laying observation
• Watch turtle hatching
• Return to hotels

The experience

The driver picks you up from your hotel in the early evening (timing matters because the turtles come ashore when it's cooler), and the ride to the reserve takes about thirty minutes across Boa Vista's quiet roads. On the way, he points out landmarks and tells you which beaches are active that night. There's no script to this part. He just knows the island. When you arrive, your guide meets the group, usually under a dozen people, and explains what you're about to see and how to move around the nesting sites without disturbing the animals. The reserve itself is a protected stretch of sand, cordoned off, with a few observation points where you can stand without getting in the way.

From mid-July through October, you watch female sea turtles dig into the sand and lay their eggs. It's slower than you'd expect. The whole process takes time, and your guide lets you stay close enough to photograph it, to film it, to really understand what's happening. The turtle doesn't rush. Neither do you. Starting in November, the focus shifts: you see hatchlings breaking out of the sand and making their first crawl toward the water, and the guide explains how many won't make it because of predators like crabs. Your job is to watch, sometimes help guide a hatchling safely to the waves if it's going the wrong way. Everyone in the group gets time to move around, to get their shots, to ask questions. The guide is certified and knows the behavior: what's safe, what's not, when to step back.

The return drive is quieter. You're usually processing what you just saw. Hotel drop-off happens after dark, and you're back by late evening. What matters here is that this isn't a rushed spectacle. It's a small group on a protected beach with someone who knows these turtles and has been doing this for years. Part of what you pay goes directly into turtle protection on the island, so the money stays local and the reserve stays staffed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport to and from the turtle reserves in a vehicle with both interior and bench seating, entry to the protected nesting sites, a certified experienced guide who leads the small group, and time to photograph or film the egg-laying or hatchling process. A portion of the tour fee is directed toward turtle protection and conservation efforts on Boa Vista.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 18:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cabokaitours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're on Boa Vista between July and November and want to see sea turtles in their natural nesting habitat without arranging your own transport or guide: the small group size and fixed timing are what make it possible to watch the full process without crowds or rushing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What months can you see the turtles?

Mid-July through November. July to October focuses on egg-laying. November shifts to hatchling releases.

How long is the tour?

The reference doesn't specify total duration, but plan for an evening outing with pickup, drive time, observation, and return to your hotel.

How many people go on each tour?

Small groups, usually under twelve people per departure.

Is photography allowed?

Yes. Each participant has time to take photos and film the nesting or hatching process.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to the protected reserve, a certified guide, and transport by experienced drivers. A portion of the fee supports turtle conservation.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

You'll walk on sand for some time, so moderate fitness and the ability to walk on a beach are necessary. The guide will advise on pacing.

Is this tour run by an agency or directly?

Cabokaitours runs the tours directly. You're not passed to a third-party operator.