Turtle Experience on Sal Island: Watch nesting at night

Night on the beach: turtles digging, laying eggs between 65 and 100, covering the nest and returning to sea

A night tour on Sal Island where you watch sea turtles come ashore to nest, from the moment they select a spot through egg-laying and camouflage, with hotel pickup at 8 PM and a professional guide in multiple languages. The turtles set the pace. They won't emerge if they sense disturbance, so patience and stillness are essential to the experience.

The experience

Hotel pickup happens at 8 PM, and the group heads to the beach where turtles come ashore to nest. A professional guide introduces what you're about to witness and explains how the process unfolds. The turtles are cautious. If they don't feel secure, they won't leave the water. You'll stand back and watch as a turtle selects a spot on the sand, prepares the ground, and begins digging a chamber for eggs.

If the sand isn't suitable, the turtle abandons the hole and searches for a better location. Once satisfied, she lays between 65 to 100 eggs into the chamber. After laying is complete, she covers the nest and camouflages it with sand and debris before returning to the sea. The whole process is unhurried and entirely controlled by the turtle's own timing and comfort.

The tour ends with a return to your hotel. A professional guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and two additional languages, so the explanation of what you're seeing is available in your own words.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and two additional languages.
• hotel pickup at 8 PM and return transport.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 to 30 years) · Senior (31 and older) · Youth (14 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Spot Travel Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour where you watch the turtles work. You don't touch or interfere, and the turtles' own pace sets the evening. It suits anyone with moderate fitness who can stand and walk on sand for several hours and who wants to witness a natural process without being hands-on. If you prefer to interact directly with wildlife or need a faster-paced outing, a different activity may fit better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

What time does the turtle tour start and when do I get back to my hotel?

Hotel pickup is at 8 PM, and the group returns after the turtles complete nesting and head back to sea, typically a three-hour outing in total.

Will I definitely see turtles come ashore on the night I book?

Turtles are wild animals and won't emerge if they sense disturbance or don't feel secure. Patience is essential. The guide will explain what conditions allow nesting to happen, but sightings depend on the turtles' own behavior and comfort level.

What happens if the turtle doesn't like the spot where she starts digging?

The turtle will abandon that hole and search for a different location on the beach. You'll watch her move along the sand until she finds a spot that feels right, then begin the digging process again.

Is this tour shared with other travelers or private?

This is a shared group tour. You'll be with other hotel guests who have booked the same experience.

What should I bring or wear for a night beach tour?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for evening temperatures and walking on sand. Bring a light layer, as it can be cool at night. A flashlight or headlamp with a red filter is helpful, though the guide will advise on what's best for not disturbing the turtles.