The warm waters of Barbados are home to three main types of sea turtles, all of which are considered endangered species. We encourage you to learn more about these beautiful animals and how you can help play your part to protect them for generations to come.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Nest: May to October

Diet: Sea Sponges

Role: Keep coral reef healthy by feeding on sea sponges which would choke the reefs if not kept in check

Features: They have a beak that resembles a hawk used for breaking off pieces of reef – mainly sea sponge to eat.

Size: 75-100 cm, 150-220 lbs

Green Turtle

Nest: May to October

Diet: Sea Grass and Algae

Role: Stimulates new nutrient rich sea grass growth helping other grazing species like fish.

Features: There bodies are green in colour – they are the main sea turtles seen on sea turtle tours around the waters of Barbados

Size: 80-125 cm, 145-500 lbs

Leatherback Turtle

Nest: February and July

Diet: Jellyfish

Role: Protects fish larvae by controlling the abundance of jellyfish

Features: Their body is covered with a tough, dark, rubbery skin that resembles leather, they are the largest of the sea turtles and can resemble a car!

Size: 130-183 cm, 550-2000 lbs

12 Turtle Facts that you should know:

• Only 1 in every 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood.
• Adult turtles are turtles who reach reproductive age, usually at 25-30 years.
• Adult turtles return to the beach that they were born to make their own nests.
• Nesting turtles emerge from the water every 2-5 years and make 4-6 nests / season.
• The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the sand, cool temperatures (closer to the ocean) produce males while warmer temperatures produce females.
• All hatchlings in a nest are the same sex.
• On average there are 100 hatchlings in one nest
• Hawksbill hatchling season is from July to October, hatchlings usually emerge between 6pm and 6am.
• Hatchlings follow the light of the moon reflecting on the water to find their way to the ocean.
• There is a ban on hunting turtles in Barbados with serious fines if you harm a turtle.
• Hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles are Critically Endangered, while green turtles are Endangered. 
• There is a 24 hour Sea Turtle Hotline that you can call if you see sea turtles nesting or hatching – 246-230-0142

How you can help.

1. Volunteer at the Barbados Sea Turtle nightly nesting patrols along Hastings Beach.
2. Choose ‘Turtle Friendly’ accommodation like The Condominiums at Palm Beach.
3. Respect the sands – do not drive on the beach or poke umbrellas poles into the sand.
4. Do not use flash photography or lights when you see nesting turtles as it can cause disorientation. 
5. Call the Sea Turtle hotline (246-230-0142)  if you see nesting or hatching turtles, or a sea turtle in distress.
6. Make a donation to the Barbados Sea Turtle Project.

Turtle Friendly Accommodation

The Condominiums at Palm Beach are located on the main hawksbill nesting beach in Barbados, Hastings beach. Many guests of Palm Beach have witnessed the miracle of nesting or hatching turtles during their stay. Palm Beach was built with the sea turtles in mind, here are three ways that Palm Beach aims to help protect sea turtles:

• No Bright Lights – Lights may cause hatchlings to walk away from the ocean and towards danger. Palm Beach uses red lights where needed as sea turtles cannot see red light so it will not cause confusion. 
• Solid Guard Walls – The Palm Beach property is protected by a solid guard wall so that turtles will not wonder into the property. Chain link fences or slotted fences may trap or harm sea turtles. 
• Beach Space – Palm Beach is set back from the high-water mark allowing plenty of space for sea turtles to nest. Palm Beach has attempted to protect the beach by planting trees which help hold the sand in place making it suitable for nesting.

Interested in booking a stay at The Condominiums at Palm Beach? Contact our team at info@realtorslimited.com and they would be happy to share two and three bedroom options that suit your travel dates.