Olive ridley turtles at Morjim
Olive ridleys are among the smallest sea turtles, and a few Goa beaches, Morjim, Agonda and Galgibaga above all, are among their nesting sites on the west coast. Females come ashore at night between about November and March to dig nests above the tide line. The Goa forest department, with local volunteers, protects the nests by fencing them off or moving eggs to a guarded hatchery on the beach.
After about 45 to 60 days, the hatchlings emerge, usually at night or near dawn, and are guided toward the sea. Releases are not scheduled, and the staff decide whether visitors can watch from a distance. Your naturalist explains the turtles' life cycle, the threats they face from lights, nets and plastic, and the work done to protect them.
We visit early in the morning, when it is cool and releases are most likely. Even when there is no release, seeing the hatchery and hearing from the people who guard it is worthwhile. Torches, flash and touching the turtles are not allowed.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is turtle nesting season in Goa?
Olive ridleys nest on Morjim, Agonda and Galgibaga from about November to March. Hatchlings emerge 45 to 60 days later, usually from January to April. Numbers vary greatly from year to year, so check current status before you travel.
Can visitors watch turtle hatchlings being released?
Sometimes, at a distance and at the forest department's discretion. Releases are not scheduled and depend on when the eggs hatch. Never use torches or flash near the nests or the sea, and follow the staff's instructions.
Why is part of Morjim beach fenced?
Morjim is a protected nesting site for olive ridley turtles. Fencing and guarded hatcheries keep nests safe from dogs, people and vehicles, and rules restrict lights, music and construction near the nesting zone in season.
Also in Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem
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