Matura Leatherback Turtle Nesting Nighttime Tour

Leatherback turtles weighing over a ton come ashore at night to lay hundreds of eggs in the sand.

A nighttime turtle-watching tour in Matura village on Trinidad's east coast, where endangered leatherback turtles come ashore to nest from March 15 to August 31. The tour includes a walk through forest trails to a nesting beach, a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and return, and water. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the experience runs seven hours. Children from age 3 are welcome, though the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Leatherback turtle nesting experience

• Walk forest trail to nesting beach
• Observe Leatherback turtles nesting
• Watch hatchlings journey to sea

The experience

What makes you want to see a leatherback turtle? These ocean giants (weighing up to 1,500 pounds and measuring three meters long) spend most of their lives at sea, traveling thousands of miles. Once a year, from mid-March through August, they return to the same beach where they were born to nest. Matura village sits on one of Trinidad's most important nesting grounds, and this tour puts you there at night when the turtles actually come ashore.

The experience starts with pickup from your hotel and a short walk through forest trails to reach the beach. A guide leads you to the nesting site, where you'll watch females dig into the sand and lay their eggs: sometimes hundreds in a single nest. Depending on timing and conditions, you may also witness hatchlings making their first journey to the sea. The tour runs seven hours total and includes a headlight for the nighttime work. Water is provided throughout.

The tour operates only during nesting season, March 15 to August 31, because that's when the turtles are present. Weather and road conditions sometimes shift which beach the tour uses, so flexibility matters. A minimum of two people must book together, and the walk and nighttime conditions mean you'll need at least moderate fitness. Children from age 3 can join, though the tour isn't suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Water.
• all fees and taxes.
• hotel pickup and return.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• and a headlight for the nighttime tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Sensational Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if your group includes children aged 3+ and you're available for a full evening commitment with a nighttime forest walk. Choose another tour if you prefer daytime wildlife or shorter outings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 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.

When exactly do the leatherback turtles come ashore to nest?

Leatherback turtles nest from March 15 to August 31 each year, arriving at night to dig into the sand and lay their eggs. The tour operates only during this window, so booking outside these dates won't work.

How long is the walk to the nesting beach from where we start?

The walk through the forest trail to the beach is short, though the full tour runs seven hours. That time includes pickup, the walk, the time spent watching at the nesting site, and your return to the hotel.

Could we see baby turtles hatching and heading to the sea?

Yes, depending on the time of year within the nesting season, you may witness hatchlings making their journey to the ocean. This is not guaranteed on every tour, but it's one of the possible wildlife moments the timing can offer.

What's included in the price, and what do we need to bring?

The tour includes pickup and return from your hotel, water throughout the seven hours, a headlight for nighttime viewing, and a live English-speaking guide. You'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for warm nights, and insect repellent.