Guardians of the Cycle
Te mana o te moana, the power of the ocean
For more than 20 years, the Te Mana o Te Moana association has patrolled these beaches night after night during nesting season, monitoring each nest, identifying each female, and protecting this sacred cycle.
Founded by Dr. Cécile Gaspar in 2004, the organization has made Tetiaroa one of the most studied turtle nesting sites in the Pacific. Its teams conduct four patrols each night, recording more than 400 nesting events per season and monitoring the emergence of more than 350,000 hatchlings in 18 years of study.
Their work goes beyond data collection. They rescue trapped hatchlings, track genetic lineages, and study migration patterns using satellite tags.
An observation is a contribution
At The Brando, the beaches remain wild and unspoiled. During nesting season, green turtles lay their eggs just steps away from the villas, undisturbed by the presence of the resort.
Guests can join Te Mana o Te Moana marine biologists on night patrols, moving silently in the darkness in search of females laying eggs or emerging hatchlings. There are no guarantees (nature decides), but it is possible to witness an event that is truly life changing.
Those who experience it speak of transformation. Of standing in silence and holding their breath while a 300 pound turtle digs its nest. Of seeing dozens of baby turtles emerge from the sand and rush toward their destiny. Of feeling connected to something vast, ancient, and sacred.
Your presence directly supports conservation. Every stay at The Brando funds research, protection, and education efforts that ensure Tetiaroa will continue to welcome these ancient navigators home tomorrow.