Cape Verde hosts one of the largest loggerhead turtle nesting populations in the world — on some counts the third largest globally. Between June and October, females haul themselves onto dark, quiet beaches at night to lay their eggs, and licensed conservation projects let visitors witness it without disturbing the animals.
The nesting season
Nesting runs from roughly June to October, peaking in August and September. Hatchlings emerge from around August into November, scrambling down the sand in a rush that is, if anything, even more moving than the nesting itself. Tours run through the season and stop when the beaches quieten.
Best islands for turtles
Maio and Boa Vista are the two most important nesting islands, with Sal also significant. Conservation projects on each run guided night walks. The beaches used are often remote and unlit — which is exactly why the turtles choose them.
How a night tour works
Groups are small and led by trained guides, usually setting out after dark. You walk quietly along the beach while spotters look for tracks. If a female is found, you watch from a distance while she digs and lays — a process that can take an hour, during which she enters a trance-like state. Photography is normally restricted or banned entirely.
The rules — and why they matter
Turtles are extremely sensitive to light and disturbance. A single camera flash can cause a female to abandon her nest, and artificial light disorients hatchlings so badly that they crawl inland instead of out to sea. The rules are simple and non-negotiable:
- Only ever visit nesting beaches with a licensed conservation guide.
- No white light, no flash photography, no torches on the sand.
- Keep quiet, stay behind the guide and never touch a turtle.
- Never buy turtle products — trade is illegal and drives poaching.
Turtle protection is a conservation success story here, built on local guarding of nesting beaches. Choosing an official project directly funds that work.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see turtles in Cape Verde?
Loggerhead turtles nest from around June to October, peaking in August and September, with hatchlings emerging from about August into November.
Which island is best for turtle watching?
Maio and Boa Vista are the most important nesting islands, with Sal also significant. Each has licensed conservation projects running guided night tours.
Can you take photos of nesting turtles?
Generally no. Flash and white light can cause females to abandon nests and disorient hatchlings, so photography is usually restricted or banned.
Is turtle watching ethical?
It is when done with a licensed conservation project, which limits group sizes, controls light and funds nest protection. Avoid any unofficial tour.