Would you like to see Turtles in North Cyprus? Find out when and where to see them

North Cyprus is a turtle paradise! The beaches are home to two species of nest-building sea creatures: The Loggerhead Turtle and the Green Sea Turtle. Along with other islands in this area as well as Turkey’s coastlines, there exist several protected turtle conservation sites that monitor these populations during their annual cycles.

The Loggerhead Turtle and Green turtles both nest in the soft sandy beaches of Alagadi Beach near Esentepe, as well elsewhere on Cyprus’s coast. They can be found nesting along this stretchy golden beach with its blue flag waters – Akamas Peninsula included!

The reproduction process

The female turtle lays her eggs in a nest, the amount of eggs can vary  between 70 and 150. Once she has successfully incubated them to hatching point (50 – 60 days), there are various conservation efforts that protect this precious cargo, including cages so dogs or people don’t accidentally dig them up and interfere with their process.

Imagine the terror that comes with being a tiny creature in a world of giants. The turtles are born at night, when they make their dangerous way to the sea. They measure around 4 cm and weigh 15 to 20g when they come out of their nest.

While it is true that being born at night provides the baby turtles with some protection from predators, this does not mean they are safe. Even if they manage to make it into saltwater, there are other predators for them like big fish.

North Cyprus is a haven for turtles! The Loggerhead and Green Turtles both nest in the soft sandy beaches of Alagadi Beach near Esentepe. They can be found nesting along any area with its blue flag waters, Akamas Peninsula included!

Loggerhead turtles

Loggerheads turtles are probably one of the oldest species in this world and can weigh up to 450 kg. They typically have a diet that includes jellyfish, squid or flying fish as well as molluscs with their powerful jaws allowing them to crush shells from clams crabs mussels. It appears these sea creatures hold an immunity against Portuguese Man of Wars toxins.

Loggerheads are some of the longest living turtles, with an average life expectancy around 60-65 years. Once they reach maturity, their only real formidable predators are sharks or boats like fishing trawlers that might target them.

Though female turtles can migrate for thousands of miles throughout the oceans, it is inevitable that they will return to lay their eggs on or near land where she was born. 

These turtles are now protected from being killed for their shells, which were once used in the production of combs and fancy boxes.

The Green sea turtle

The Green sea turtle is a herbivorous creature that feeds in lagoons and shallows on various different species of seagrass. It’s named not by the coloration or shape, but from its green fat beneath skin.

The green sea turtles are well-known for their long migrations between feeding grounds and beaches on which they hatched. Once mature, these creatures can live up to 80 years, with an average length of 5 feet or more. They weigh normally around 70 kg – 200 kg.They are beloved creatures that used to be a delicacy and killed for their flesh. The eggs which would get stolen from nests before this was prohibited.

The Green sea turtles are commonly found on beaches across the world, but they face many dangers. Humans and larger varieties of sharks hunt them down for food, while their habitats get destroyed at an alarming rate due to developmental trends.

The Society for the Protection of Turtles

North Cyprus is an important nesting ground for both Loggerheads and Green sea turtles. As such, in 1991 the Society For The Protection Of Turtles (SPOT) was founded on this island to help protect these turtles from extinction.

With its main base on Alagadi beach which is near Esentepe to the East of Kyrenia, students and volunteers monitor turtle eggs throughout summer. The area closes at night for safety reasons as well-you can only view these amazing creatures if you make prior arrangements with the SPOT. June and July are the months to visit if you want a guaranteed turtle encounter, but it is never guaranteed.

Watching the turtles on the beach

The Alagadi Beach is a place where you can experience the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to watch turtles nesting and hatching. The egg laying, releases or baby hatching happen during season at this beach in North Cyprus such as Karşıyaka & Dipkarpaz Beaches too! You’ll be surprised how large these animals are.

The turtles at this beach are very shy, and any noise might disturb them. Children can come see the animals, but they have to be quiet while looking around. Don’t take photos or videos with lights around because it can disorient these animals that go oriented by moonlight.

Pack a beach towel or blanket to lay on, wear warm clothes (as it can get chilly at night) and make sure you pack some comfortable shoes. The walk there will take about 1 km, and you can stay from 8pm till 5:30am if you like.

Conclusion: A unique lifetime event!

The Loggerhead Turtle and Green sea turtles both nest in the soft sandy beaches of Alagadi Beach near Esentepe. Watching these adorable animals take care of their eggs is truly an experience you won’t want to miss out on!

If you are visiting North Cyprus during the summer months, make sure to book yourself a spot at one of these turtle watching events. You won’t regret it!