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Encountering Sea Turtles:
What to do...

Whether you encounter a nesting turtle, hatchlings making their way to the sea, or an injured or deceased sea turtle, knowing how to respond can make a big difference. Here is some guidance on what to do in each situation.

Sea turtle graphic.
Key Considerations

Sea turtles are incredibly sensitive creatures, requiring special care to ensure their safety.

Here are a few essential points to keep in mind:

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  • Stay calm, and quiet & keep your distance: Sea turtles frighten easily, so always maintain a calm and quiet presence when near them.

  • Avoid artificial light: Sea turtles are sensitive to light, especially bright white lights. Never use flashlights or flash photography on the beach.

  • Respect the law: Sea turtles are protected under Antigua and Barbuda law. It is illegal to touch, disturb, or harm sea turtles, their nests, eggs, or hatchlings.

Hatchling release with hotel guests making a path for the turtles.
Encountering a Nesting Sea Turtle.

  • Remain quiet and calm

  • Do not approach and avoid touching 

  • Steer clear and keep distance, maintain a distance of at least 10ft (3 meters) between you and the sea turtle

  • Stay behind the turtle or where she cannot see you

  • Turn off your lights; do not use flashlights or flash photography

  • Do not interrupt the turtle's nesting

  • Call our hotline and let us know about any turtle activity.

Hotel guests pose for picture with nesting leatherback sea turtle.
Ab Sea Turtle Awareness volunteer watching a green sea turtle nest.

CALL OUR HOTLINE FOR ANY TURTLE ACTIVITY

7-TURTLE

268-788-7853

Hawksbill hatchlings emerging from their nest.
Hawksbill hatchlings crawling to the ocean.
Encountering Hatchlings.

  • Call our hotline immediately.

  • Are the hatchlings moving toward the ocean?  If so leave them be.

  • Are they scattered? If yes, collect the hatchlings and place them in a bin or bucket with a small amount of damp sand, cover with a towel, and keep in a cool area.

  • NEVER place hatchlings in water or directly in the ocean.

  • Do not use lanterns, flashlights or flash photography

  • Wait for ABSTA to arrive

CALL OUR HOTLINE FOR ANY TURTLE ACTIVITY

7-TURTLE

268-788-7853

Encountering a sea turtle in distress.

Sea turtles are vulnerable to many threats and are often found injured, entangled, sick or dead.  If you come across a dead or injured sea turtle it is important to know what to do and what information we need. 

 

Antigua and Barbuda has a network of sea turtle and marine animal conservationists who know how to help.

  • Call our hotline immediately.

  • What is the exact location?

  • Is the turtle alive or dead?

  • What is the situation?

  • What is the approximate size of the turtle?

  • Do you know the species of the turtle.

  • What is the location of the closest access point to the turtle?

  • You may be asked to stay with the animal until help arrives

Hawksbill turtle trapped on a porch.
Hawksbill turtle trapped in a swimming pool.
Dead green sea turtle washed up on the beach.
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