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Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center

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Animal habitat
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Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)

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The Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center on Sal Island is a vital facility for the preservation of Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Central Atlantic. Cape Verde hosts the world's third-largest nesting population of this species, with Sal serving as one of its most critical breeding grounds. The center works tirelessly to protect nests from poachers and light pollution, which can disorient hatchlings as they head toward the sea. During the nesting season from June to October, volunteers and experts patrol the beaches to monitor egg-laying and collect essential scientific data. Visitors have the chance to participate in guided educational tours to learn about the lifecycle of these fascinating reptiles in a non-disruptive manner. The project also encompasses community outreach programs to raise awareness about marine conservation among locals. Through this dedicated work, hatchling survival rates have seen a significant increase in recent years.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222121222223242627262524
Rain mm2323765473450262733

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The primary nesting season runs from June to October, when loggerhead turtles come ashore. Visit during these warmer months for the highest chance of seeing turtles on the beach.
🌅
Best time of day
Nighttime is when turtles emerge to lay eggs. Guided night patrols typically depart after sunset and last several hours.
📜
Etiquette
Never touch or disturb a nesting turtle; use only red light. Keep at least 10 meters away and avoid making sudden movements or noise.
🎒
What to bring
A red-filtered flashlight is essential, along with insect repellent. Wear comfortable, dark clothing and closed-toe shoes for walking on sand.
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Getting there
The conservation center is located near Santa Maria on Sal Island. It is accessible by taxi or rental car from any resort on the island.
🦌
What to expect
Turtle nesting is a slow process; you may wait hours before a turtle appears. Stay quiet and patient, and follow the guide's instructions carefully.

Geography

Coordinates
16.59800, -22.90300

Facts

  • Protects the world's third-largest Loggerhead turtle population
  • Peak nesting season runs from June through October
  • Monitors over 20 kilometers of beach area on Sal Island
  • Prevents nest poaching through systematic night patrols
  • Provides guided educational tours for responsible travelers
  • Works closely with local schools on marine conservation

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Santa MariaSanta Maria<1 km · SWExplore →
MurdeiraMurdeira9 km · EExplore →
Shark Bay Lemon Shark ObservationShark Bay Lemon Shark Observation12 km · EExplore →
SalSal14 km · EExplore →
Monte TortolhoMonte Tortolho14 km · EExplore →
Monte CurralMonte Curral16 km · EExplore →
Pedra de Lume Salt LakePedra de Lume Salt Lake17 km · EExplore →
Port of PalmeiraPort of Palmeira19 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (7)

view point🌿 nature

This coastal viewpoint on Sal has a prime vantage point for spotting sea turtles and taking in the expansive ocean horizon.

Salinas Velhas🏺 historical

Salinas Velhas are the weathered ruins of historical salt evaporation ponds, reflecting the island's once-thriving salt production heritage.

Shell Cemetery📍 landmark

The Shell Cemetery is a unique stretch of coastline carpeted with thousands of sun-bleached shells washed ashore by the ocean currents.

Pachamama Eco Park📍 landmark

The Pachamama Eco Park is a green, sustainable refuge on the arid island, highlighting ecological practices and resilient desert flora.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Costa da Fragata🎡 recreation

Costa da Fragata is a sweeping sandy beach highly favored by kitesurfers worldwide for its consistent and strong trade winds.

Praia António Sousa🎡 recreation

Praia António Sousa is a photogenic beach east of Santa Maria, where soft sands are interspersed with striking dark volcanic rock formations.

Praia de Igrejinha🎡 recreation

Praia de Igrejinha is an idyllic, small sandy beach framed by low cliffs, offering a tranquil seaside escape away from the larger resorts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When can you see turtles?
Nesting season is from June to October; hatching from September to December.
Do you need to book a tour?
Yes, guided tours are mandatory to avoid disturbing the animals.
Is photography allowed?
Only without flash, so as not to disorient the turtles.
Where exactly is the station?
Near Santa Maria on Sal island.
Can you volunteer there?
Yes, the Turtle Foundation features programs for long-term volunteers.
Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center: where is it located?
Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center is located in Cape Verde.
Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center: what is there to see?
Highlights include view point, Salinas Velhas, Shell Cemetery.
Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center: why is it worth visiting?
The Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center on Sal Island is a vital facility for the preservation of Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Central Atlantic.
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Nearby cities

Espargos — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Espargos
Espargos is the administrative center of Sal island, located in the interior.
Palmeira — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Palmeira
Palmeira is the main port town of Sal and a center for trade.
Santa Maria — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the main tourist center of Cape Verde, with miles of sandy beaches.
Murdeira — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Murdeira
Murdeira is a coastal village in a protected bay on the west coast of Sal.

History & landmarks

Amílcar Cabral International Airport — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Amílcar Cabral International Airport
The main airport of Sal Island, playing a central role for tourism in Cape Verde.

Nature

Pedra de Lume Salt Lake — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake
A salt lake inside the crater of an extinct volcano, where you can float like in the Dead Sea.

More places

Sea Salt Experience Center — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Sea Salt Experience Center
An interactive museum for children explaining the history and extraction of sea salt.
Santa Maria Beach — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Santa Maria Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with turquoise water and fine sand.
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation
A shallow coastal area on Sal where young lemon sharks can be observed at close range.
Sal — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Sal
The sunniest island of the archipelago, known for its vast sandy beaches and salt mines.
Monte Tortolho — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Monte Tortolho
A small but striking volcanic hill in the south of Sal, rising out of the otherwise completely flat landscape.
Monte Curral — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Monte Curral
A mountain in the heart of the city of Espargos on Sal, which today serves as a site for communication facilities.
Espargos Children&#39;s Playground — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Espargos Children's Playground
A central meeting point for children in Espargos, equipped with colorful play structures and shaded areas.
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume — Turtle Foundation Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Cape Verde)
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume
Former salt production facilities in a volcanic crater that shaped the economy of Sal island.