When is turtle season in Bali?
On our coast in Tanjung Benoa, nesting peaks from April to August. Hatchlings emerge 45 to 60 days later, so the hatching and release period runs roughly from mid-May to October.
Turtle season in Bali, month by month
On our coast in Tanjung Benoa, turtles nest from April to August and hatchlings reach the sea about two months later. Here is how the year unfolds.
The short answer
- Nesting: April to August, at night, on our coast in Tanjung Benoa.
- Hatching and releases: 45 to 60 days after the eggs are laid, so roughly from mid-May to October.
- Joining a release: dates depend on when nests hatch; we confirm them a few days ahead on WhatsApp.
- All year round: the center and the mangrove are open every day, 9 am to 5 pm, with free entry.
The year at a glance
Nesting peak and hatching period on our coast.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nesting peak | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |||||||
| Hatching and releases | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||||||
| Center open | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
The hatching period is estimated from the nesting season and the 45 to 60 days of incubation. Exact dates change every year.
How nesting works
At night, the female crawls up the beach, digs a hole with her back flippers and lays around a hundred eggs before returning to the sea.
The eggs incubate in the warm sand for about 45 to 60 days, and sand temperature decides whether the hatchlings are male or female. During the season, our night patrols relocate nests at risk to our semi-natural hatchery.
Sea turtlesWhen and how releases happen
Hatchlings dig out together, usually at night or at dusk. Most are released a few days after hatching, often together with our partner hotels.
On the beach, they are placed on the sand a few metres from the water and crawl to the sea on their own. Participation is by donation.
On the beach: the right reflexes
Whether you join a release or a night patrol, these rules protect the turtles.
- Hatchlings crawl to the sea on their own: nobody throws or carries them into the water
- No flash and no torches on the beach
- Hands with sunscreen or insect repellent must not touch the turtles
- Everyone stays behind the hatchlings so that nothing blocks their way
Outside the season
You can visit the center all year round: the hatchery, the mangrove boardwalk and its educational panels, and turtles in rehabilitation when we have some in care.
VisitFrequently asked questions
Another question? Write to us on WhatsApp.
What time of day are turtles released?
Hatchlings naturally emerge at night or at dusk. The time of each release depends on when a nest hatches: contact us on WhatsApp to know the next date and time.
Can I see turtles in Bali outside the season?
Yes. At our center you can see turtles in rehabilitation when we have some in care, and learn about their life cycle all year round. Hatchlings are in our pools during the hatching period.
Do I need to book a turtle release?
Yes, please contact us on WhatsApp a few days ahead. Release dates depend on the nests, so we confirm them as they come.
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