The Magical North Cyprus Turtles Project

With all that peaceful Mediterranean beauty North Cyprus may come across shy, but in actuality it has a lot of fun, fascinating and unique activities to try. One of the most unique in fact is The Turtle Project that focuses on North Cyprus turtles..

Alagadi Turtle Beach, where you might spot turtles laying their eggs!

Due to marine turtles being endangered species conservation is extremely important in North Cyprus, where many turtles choose to nest. In 1992 the Society for the Protection of Turtles in Northern Cyprus (SPOT) sent a team of volunteers with the same initiative of monitoring, researching and protecting the marine turtles to conduct surveys on the nesting beaches in the area. Since then three conservation groups (including MTCP and MTRG) continue these practices on nesting beaches, successfully managing to protect the turtle population, as well as make an impact on the global understanding of marine turtle biology and the threats to their existence.

Turtle hatching

North Cyprus Turtles

Turtle watching can provide an experience that is rare and unique to North Cyprus. It is something that will allow you to get right to the heart of the islands wildlife, and to appreciate the work that goes into maintaining such a peaceful and undisturbed environment for these creatures. Schedules for excursions include the following:

Turtle Project in North Cyprus – North Cyprus turtles

Night Watch

Small groups (10 people per evening) accompany students to the beach at night to watch the adult female turtles covering up their nests. This is usually available from June 1st to August 1st. Nights can get cold too so make sure to bring warmer clothes along.

Discover more about Turtle hatching

Green Turtle Swimming – North Cyprus turtles

Excavations

View North Cyprus Holidays

Releases

These usually take place between August 15th and late September, and allow a small number of visitors to handle and release a hatchling. They are released at night under red light at around 9pm usually. Releases are normally over within half an hour. Sensible footwear should be worn.

Have you been fortunate enough to see these magical creatures? Share your experience below.