Turtle Watching in Matura

Trinidad has one of the most interesting leather-back sea turtle nesting sights in the world. During peak season some beaches report up to 300 nesting leatherbacks in a single night. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of the world's leather-back sea turtle population is of Trinidadian ancestry.

What is also amazing is when you actually witness the leather-back sea turtle hatchlings, as they scamper down the beach early on a cool Caribbean morning, and slip away into the tumbling surf to make their way seaward into the environment.

There are five main types of sea turtles which have been seen nesting along the northern and eastern coasts of Trinidad and Tobago such as Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Green Turtles, Olive Ridleys and Loggerhead.

The main nesting season for local sea turtles runs from March to September of each year. Three of the main nesting beaches are Matura, Fishing Pond and Grande Rivière.

Applications for Turtle Watching Permits can be obtained at the following Forestry Division offices, between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday (except on public holidays).

Port-of-Spain	Sangre Grande	San Fernando
Long Circular Road St. James Tel: 868-622-7476	400 Eastern Main Road Damarie Hill, Guaico Tel: 868-668-3825	Balisier Ave Pleasantville Tel: 868-657-8391/7257