Turtle Watching - Trinidad

I had a terrific weekend exploring the North Eastern section of Trinidad. One of the things I did was turtle watching.

The leather back turtles were amazing to see and feel! They were soo huge! The longest one I saw was about 4feet 5inches! It was wonderful to watch the turtle come ashore and choose it's spot. The guides say that the temperature of the location where the eggs are laid determine the sex of the turtles. Places nearer to the water, the cooler spot, produces males and the warmer section produces females.

I watched as a turtle carefully selected a spot and then started digging with its fins in a methodical way. She dug a bulb shaped hole and then deposited her eggs. Some eggs were yolk-less eggs, which they say help to cushion and provide breathing space for the baby turtles, who will have to find it's way up from beneath the sand in about 66 days.

The turtle was careful about the manner in which it laid and covered its eggs. So patient and calm. I truly admired the process. I know I'd be upset ( to put it mildly) to have to dig a hole before giving birth ( not to mention to over 20 babies) and then turn around and cover it up!

Turtle watching is famous here in Trinidad and the season is May - August. The owner of the place said that there were approximately 300 persons that night. Normally they to accept people up to 11pm. However last Saturday night as I left just after midnight, I saw several vehicles pulling in. People were showing up with igloos as if they were going on a picnic.

The area isn't the most sophisticated. Don't expect to find a 5 star hotel. However, you can stay at Nature Seekers, where the rooms were clean and fairly comfortable for overnight accommodation. ( see the pictures) . Or if you are blessed as I was, you will meet a wonderful Trinidadian like Miss Gloria, who welcomes you into her home! That's a much better experience!