Green sea Turtle Nesting Season

Between November and January, this is a privileged moment for guests to witness one of nature’s most intimate rituals in partnership with ocean conservation NGO Te Mana o te Moana. The female green sea turtle emerges from the lagoon under cover of darkness, her shell glistening in the moonlight, moving slowly towards the beach.

At the high tide line just beyond the reach of the waves, she begins to dig. Using her powerful hind flippers, she lays her eggs: about 80 to 120 spherical eggs. She covers them then flips sand around in the vicinity to confuse predators before finally returning to the sea.The whole process takes about two hours. It is exhausting, vulnerable, and fascinating to watch.

Out of every 1,000 eggs laid, one hatchling will survive to reproductive age. That’s why every egg counts and this moment is so precious. If nature permits, guests will be invited before dawn to watch this fascinating and age-old slice of life on the shores of Tetiaroa.