The Sea Turtles of Saint-Barthelemy
Meet the millennial guardians of the oceans: green turtles, hawksbills and leatherbacks in the crystal-clear waters of Saint-Barth
Protected Species in a Caribbean Sanctuary
Saint-Barthelemy is a prime location for observing sea turtles in the Caribbean. Three species regularly frequent the island waters: the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and more rarely the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). These marine reptiles, present on Earth for over 100 million years, are now seriously threatened and benefit from strict protection.
The Saint-Barthelemy Nature Reserve plays a crucial role in preserving these species by protecting their feeding, resting and potential nesting areas. Observing a sea turtle gliding gracefully through the turquoise waters of Saint-Barth remains one of the most magical moments of a stay on the island.
The Three Species of Sea Turtles
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Characteristics
- •Olive brown-green shell with marbled patterns
- •Adult herbivore feeding on algae and seagrass
- •Can hold its breath up to 5 hours at rest
- •Migrates thousands of kilometers to lay eggs
Where to observe them
Colombier, Marigot, Grand Cul-de-Sac
Best period
Year-round, peak April-October
Did You Know?
Green turtles return to lay eggs on the exact beach where they were born, sometimes 30 years later, thanks to the Earth's magnetic field they memorize.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Characteristics
- •Pointed hawk-like beak
- •Beautiful overlapping shell scales (hence its name)
- •Feeds mainly on sea sponges
- •Plays a crucial ecological role in coral reefs
Where to observe them
Pain de Sucre, Petite Anse, Colombier
Best period
March to November (nesting)
Did You Know?
Hawksbill turtles are the only animals capable of digesting highly toxic glass sponges, playing a vital role in reef balance.
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Characteristics
- •Largest sea turtle in the world
- •Soft shell without scales (hence 'leatherback')
- •Dives up to 1200 meters deep
- •Feeds exclusively on jellyfish
Where to observe them
Open sea off Saint-Barth
Best period
Rare observations, mainly March-June
Did You Know?
Leatherback turtles can maintain their body temperature 18C above the surrounding water, allowing them to dive into the freezing depths.
Where to Observe Turtles in Saint-Barth
Anse de Colombier
30 min hike or boat
Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle
Early morning (7am-10am)
Protected area, exceptional snorkeling, arrive early
Pain de Sucre
Boat only
Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle
10am-3pm (calm sea)
Nature reserve, crystal-clear waters, respect distances
Petite Anse
Road + 10 min walk
Hawksbill turtle
Morning and late afternoon
Wild beach, seagrass beds, less crowded
Grand Cul-de-Sac
Direct road
Green turtle
All day
Shallow lagoon, ideal for families, seagrass beds
Marigot
Direct road
Green turtle
Morning (8am-11am)
Accessible, good for snorkeling beginners
Gouverneur
Road + 5 min walk
Green turtle
Afternoon
Beautiful beach, sometimes rough sea, watch currents
Observation and Protection Rules
DO
- YesKeep a minimum distance of 3 meters
- YesObserve in silence without sudden movements
- YesSwim parallel, never straight toward the turtle
- YesUse a life jacket to float effortlessly
- YesPhotograph without flash
- YesReport any injured turtle to the Nature Reserve
- YesPick up your trash (bags look like jellyfish)
DON'T
- NoNEVER touch a turtle (fines up to 15,000 euros)
- NoDo not block its path to the surface
- NoDo not chase it if it moves away
- NoDo not feed sea turtles
- NoDo not use chemical sunscreen near turtles
- NoDo not make noise or shout
- NoDo not swim with fins near them (injury risk)
Important
Sea turtles are species protected by French law and international conventions. Any physical contact, harassment or disturbance is punishable by heavy fines (up to 15,000 euros) and prison sentences. The Saint-Barthelemy Nature Reserve conducts regular patrols.
Nature Reserve Contact: +590 590 27 88 18
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Main Threats
Plastic pollution
Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their food. Ingestion can be fatal.
Light pollution
Baby turtles head toward artificial lights instead of the ocean during hatching.
Boat traffic
Collisions with boats, especially jet skis and speedboats.
Poaching
Although illegal, accidental fishing and poaching persist in some areas.
Climate change
Temperature increase alters sex ratio (more females) and destroys nesting beaches.
Conservation Actions
Nature Reserve
Protection of 1200 marine hectares including turtle feeding and resting areas.
Beach monitoring
Monitoring of potential nesting beaches during the season (March-November).
Citizen science program
Divers/snorkelers can report their observations to map populations.
Environmental education
School programs and visitor awareness of best practices.
Boat speed limits
Reduced speed zones in marine protected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to observe turtles in Saint-Barth?
Turtles are present year-round, but chances are better from April to October. For hawksbill nesting, prefer March to November. The best times are early morning (7am-10am) when the water is calm and visibility excellent.
Do I need special equipment?
A mask, snorkel and fins are sufficient. A life jacket is recommended to float effortlessly and observe without disturbing. Underwater cameras like GoPro are perfect (no flash). Use mineral (non-chemical) sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
Are sea turtles dangerous?
No, sea turtles are not aggressive toward humans. However, they can be startled and accidentally hit you with their powerful flippers if you are too close. Respect the 3-meter distance for your safety and their peace.
Can I see baby turtles in Saint-Barth?
Turtle hatchings are rare but possible in Saint-Barth, mainly hawksbills. They usually occur at night (2-3 months after laying). If you witness a hatching, observe from afar without interfering, turn off all lights and immediately contact the Nature Reserve.
How long do sea turtles live?
Sea turtles can live between 50 and 100 years. They reach sexual maturity very late (20-30 years for green turtles, 20-40 years for hawksbills). This longevity combined with late reproduction makes them particularly vulnerable to extinction.
What should I do if I find an injured or stranded turtle?
DO NOT put it back in the water immediately. Urgently contact the Nature Reserve (+590 590 27 88 18) or the fire department (18). Keep the turtle in the shade, cover it with a damp cloth and wait for help. Photograph the injuries for veterinarians.
Can you swim with sea turtles on organized excursions?
Yes, several operators in Saint-Barth offer snorkeling or diving trips with turtle observation, especially to Colombier and Pain de Sucre. Choose eco-responsible operators who respect regulatory distances and raise awareness about protection.
How to tell a green turtle from a hawksbill?
The green turtle has a smooth brown-green shell and a round head, while the hawksbill has colorful overlapping scales and a pointed beak like a hawk. Underwater, green turtles graze on seagrass, while hawksbills explore rocks looking for sponges.