TurtugAruba

The nesting season runs from March through September.

Hatching takes place from May to November.

Incubation takes approximately 60 to 70 days.

Look for the nesting barricades and please do not allow pets or children to go into them.

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Did You Know…

• Sea Turtles return to their natal beach in order to nest.
• Sea Turtles use the earth’s magnetic field to guide them on their long journeys at sea.
• Sea Turtles do not nest every year, but rather every 2-5 years.
• The Leatherback Sea Turtles of Aruba lay about 115 eggs a clutch.
• The Leatherback female will nest 6 – 8 times a season.
• It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings survives to maturity.
• All species of sea turtles are endangered and need our protection.

Can You Notify Me So I Can See the Hatchlings?

• Hatching takes place from May to November.
• Incubation takes approximately 60 to 70 days.
• There is no precise way to know when the hatching will occur during the ten-day window.
• We do not make any announcements as to the days and locations in order to not draw crowds around the nests.
• Some nests have the nesting date marked on them so you will have an idea of when they are due.
• You may occasionally see our volunteers around checking the nesting sites. Say hello.
• Most often the hatching occurs at night.
• Ask at your hotel desk if they have a call list for when a local nest hatches.
• Please do not email us to be alerted as we do not have a list for this purpose.

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What To Do If You See A Sea Turtle Nesting

If you see a sea turtle nesting on the beach, it’s important to respect the animal and help protect it. Here’s a list of what to do and not do:

• Keep your distance – Stay at least 30 feet (10 meters) away.
• Stay quiet – Speak softly and avoid sudden movements.
• Turn off lights – Flashlights, camera flashes, or phone lights can disorient turtles.
• Observe from behind – Always stay behind the turtle; never get between her and the ocean.
• Watch your step – Avoid walking on tracks or the nesting area to preserve evidence for researchers.
• Report it – Please call TurtugAruba sea turtle conservation group so they can mark and monitor the nest.

Please report ANY Aruba turtle activity to the 24-hour Turtle Hotline:

+297-592-9393

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If you wish to help the conservation of Sea Turtles in Aruba, please make a donation to:

TurtugAruba
Aruba Bank 
Accnt #4006684

Four species of sea turtles are found nesting on Aruba:

The Leatherback, the Loggerhead, the Green and the Hawksbill.

Things you can do to help:

Lights Out for Turtles

Nighttime activities and artificial lighting may deter adult females from nesting or disorient emerging hatchlings, leading them inland where they die of dehydration or are crushed by cars. So PLEASE keep all lights off, including flashlights, flash photography and video equipment.

Do Not Drive or Litter on Beaches

Vehicles compact sand and make it difficult for turtles to dig into or out the sand. Balloons, plastic bags and other non-degradable litter can kill sea turtles who mistake it for food.

Remove Obstacles From the Beach

Obstacles such as beach furniture or recreational equipment may cause nesting females to abort their nesting attempt or may even trap nesting females or hatchlings.

Nesting Females and Hatchlings

Watch a nesting turtle from a distance. Turtles are very shy and will easily leave without nesting. leave hatchlings in their nest; they will exit the nest when they are ready. Let them crawl to the water on their own, allowing them to imprint on their home beach. If you find hatchlings confused by lights call the Aruba Turtle Hotline for advice.

• WWF and Partners Launch New Initiative for Sea Turtles
• New Web Site Online

Mail:
C.Huygensstraat 8,
Oranjestad, Aruba

Email: info @ TurtugAruba.org – (Do not use this email to volunteer – see link below.)

Be a Volunteer

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Please report ANY Aruba turtle activity to the 24 hour Turtle Hotline: 592-9393

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If you wish to help the conservation of Sea Turtles in Aruba, please make a donation to:

TurtugAruba
Aruba Bank 
Accnt #4006684