Caribbean Resorts Supporting Sea Turtle Conservation

If sea turtles and humans have anything in common, it’s an attraction to Caribbean beaches. While humans relax and recharge on these sunny strands, sea turtles depend upon beaches for their survival as they crawl ashore to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, beach development, lighting, and illegal egg poaching have severely impacted the six species of turtles inhabiting the Caribbean, all of which are threatened or endangered.

Fortunately, increased awareness and conservation efforts in recent years have significantly aided sea turtle populations. Many resorts are pivotal in helping these turtles, and the following Caribbean resorts, in particular, are committed to protecting the sea turtles that have utilized these beaches long before they became popular tourist destinations.

Rosalie Bay, Dominica

Reopening in February 2020 after being devastated by a direct hit from 2017’s Hurricane Maria, Rosalie Bay on Dominica continues to monitor and assist hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles nesting on its pristine beach.

Collaborating with the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network, Rosalie Bay’s sea turtle conservation program employs night patrols with guests to locate and identify nesting sites. Nests endangered by human disturbance or tides are relocated to the resort’s cordoned-off nursery, where eggs are carefully reburied.

Guests are notified when a nest hatches and can witness the tiny turtles being gathered and released into the sea. Additionally, they can assist naturalists in collecting data on nesting turtles and patrol the beaches to monitor nests.

Cooper Island Beach Club, British Virgin Islands

At Cooper Island Beach Club in the British Virgin Islands, you can contribute to sea turtle conservation merely by enjoying a drink. The resort’s Cooper Island Brewing Company donates $1 from every IPA beer sold to the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), which manages the BVI Sea Turtle Programme monitoring and assisting leatherback and other turtle species in local waters.

Guests can also participate in the Turtle Encounters Project, helping to capture, tag, record data, and release sea turtles with marine biologists. The resort and brewery are solar-powered and utilize desalination, thereby minimizing Cooper Island Beach Club’s environmental footprint. Starting in 2020, guests can stay aboard and sail on Electrified, an electric-powered yacht.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

At Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, beach areas are roped off to safeguard nesting sites. This resort has received multiple environmental titles and awards, including LEED Silver certification, and has achieved carbon neutrality.

Bluefields Bay Villas, Jamaica

Jamaica’s Bluefields Bay Villas support the Bluefields Environmental Protection Association, which has brought crucial resources like computers and plumbing to local schools since 2009. Their Sea Turtle Protection Program monitors nesting sites, protects them from poachers, and funds local fishermen to assist in turtle conservation.

Harbour Village, Bonaire

Bonaire’s Harbour Village is a favorite destination for scuba divers and works with Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire to protect hawksbill sea turtles that nest on its beach. The resort’s gift shop sells a variety of sea turtle-themed jewelry and art, with all proceeds aiding the organization.

If a physical visit isn’t feasible, Harbour Village broadcasts its November hatchling release via a live stream on the resort’s Turtle Cam. Diving guests can also assist the Harbour Village Reef Foundation in transplanting coral on electrified metal structures to encourage growth.

Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados

Aptly named Turtle Beach Resort, located in Barbados, safeguards its 1,500-foot stretch of beach for nesting turtles and hatchlings through its ‘Turtle Pioneers’ – team members who educate guests about sea turtles and assist in releasing hatchlings.

Turtle Beach Resort collaborates with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project to monitor nest numbers, and guests can accompany naturalists at night to search for nesting mothers or help guide hatchlings to the sea. Participation in beach cleanups to remove debris is also encouraged to ensure a safe environment for the turtles.

Amanyara Resort, Turks & Caicos

Situated on an 18,000-acre nature preserve near North West Point Marine National Park, Amanyara Resort in the Turks and Caicos is dedicated to celebrating and protecting its wildlife above and below the waves.

Guests can assist biologists in tagging turtles and collecting vital data through the Amanyara Sea Turtle Initiative. They will tag turtle flippers and attach satellite trackers to shells to better understand population dynamics. Visitors can also explore Amanyara’s Nature Discovery Centre to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the Turks and Caicos.