St Barts is home to three species of sea turtles: green turtles, hawksbills, and occasionally leatherbacks. These gentle creatures can be spotted year-round, but knowing where and when to look dramatically increases your chances of an encounter.
Wildlife tip
The best time to spot turtles is early morning when the water is calmest and they're actively grazing on seagrass.
Best Spots for Turtle Watching
Green turtles frequent shallow seagrass beds where they graze. Here are the top locations:
Nesting Season
From April to October, female turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs. The most common nesting beaches are Saline, Gouverneur, and Colombier.
If you witness nesting or hatching
Maintain distance, stay quiet, and never use flash photography. This is a rare privilege—enjoy it responsibly!
Responsible Turtle Watching
Sea turtles are endangered species protected by French law. Follow these guidelines:
- Maintain at least 3 meters distance — Let them come to you
- Never touch or chase turtles — This causes stress and can harm them
- Don't block their path to the surface — They need to breathe
- Use reef-safe sunscreen — Chemical sunscreens damage marine life
Conservation Efforts
The St Barts Environmental Agency monitors nesting sites and protects eggs from predators. You can support their work by reporting turtle sightings and nesting activity.
Discover more St Barts wildlife
From sea turtles to whales, explore the incredible marine life around the island.
