Sea turtles spend their lives in the water, but they depend on land to reproduce. In the Maldives, green and hawksbill turtles are the main nesters. Nesting happens at night, and the timing varies. Watching requires care and distance.
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Two turtles that nest
Green and hawksbill turtles are the species most often seen nesting on Maldivian beaches. The green turtle is the larger of the two, with a smooth, rounded shell. Hawksbills are smaller, with a patterned shell and a beak-like mouth. Both are long-lived and slow to mature.
The relative numbers of each species vary between islands and years, and no simple figure applies across the country. Some beaches are used more by one species than the other. Nesting is not confined to remote islands; turtles come ashore on inhabited islands too, where beaches remain accessible.
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Coming ashore at night
A female turtle comes ashore at night to lay her eggs. She emerges from the sea, often on a rising tide, and moves slowly up the beach. She chooses a spot above the high-water line, where the sand is dry and the nest will not be flooded.
Using her rear flippers, she digs a pit and then a deeper egg chamber. She lays a clutch of eggs, covers the nest with sand and returns to the sea. The whole visit can take an hour or more. She may nest several times in a season, but not every year.
Nesting is easily disturbed. A turtle that is approached, lit or blocked may abandon the attempt and return to the water. On beaches where nesting is known, visitors should keep well back and avoid using torches or phone lights.
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Hatchlings and the sea
The eggs incubate in the warm sand for several weeks. The timing depends on temperature and species, and varies from beach to beach. When the eggs hatch, the young turtles remain in the nest for a short time before emerging together, usually at night.
Hatchlings head for the sea, drawn towards the brighter horizon over the water. They can be confused by artificial light from buildings, roads or torches. Once in the water, they swim offshore and are rarely seen again until they are larger.
The journey from nest to sea is short but hazardous. Crabs, birds and other predators take some hatchlings. The ones that reach the water face further risks in the open sea. Only a small proportion are thought to survive to adulthood.
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Threats on the beach
Nesting beaches face several pressures. Artificial light from nearby buildings and roads can disorient both nesting females and hatchlings. Disturbance from people, vehicles and dogs can cause females to abandon nests or crush eggs.
Coastal development, including seawalls and beach erosion, can remove or narrow nesting beaches. Predators such as crabs and birds take eggs and hatchlings, and on some islands introduced animals may add to the losses.
These threats are not unique to the Maldives, but they are concentrated on the relatively few beaches where turtles nest. Protecting those beaches, and the dark, quiet conditions turtles need, is central to conservation efforts.
- Light: artificial light can deter nesting females and confuse hatchlings.
- Disturbance: people, vehicles and dogs can cause abandonment or crush eggs.
- Development: seawalls and erosion can remove nesting beaches.
- Predators: crabs, birds and introduced animals take eggs and young.
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Nest monitoring and protection
On some islands, nests are monitored by conservation groups, resorts or local organisations. Monitors may record the location, mark the nest and, in some cases, move eggs to a safer spot. Hatchlings may be guided towards the sea if lights are a problem.
Monitoring is not universal. Where it exists, it is usually run with permission and follows established practices. Visitors should not attempt to handle turtles, eggs or hatchlings themselves. If you find a nest or a hatchling, keep clear and report it to the island office or the resort.
The rules and practices around nesting beaches can change. Check with the resort, guesthouse or local council before visiting a beach at night, and follow any guidance they give.
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Watching without disturbing
If you are on an island where nesting is known, you may be able to watch from a distance. Keep low, stay quiet and avoid using lights. Do not approach a turtle that is coming ashore or digging. If she shows signs of turning back, move away.
For hatchlings, the best approach is to stay well back and let them find their own way to the water. Do not pick them up or block their path. On beaches with artificial lighting, ask the resort or guesthouse whether any arrangements are in place.
Turtles are protected in the Maldives. Touching, riding or harassing them is not allowed, and taking eggs or shells is prohibited. The same care that applies on the reef applies on the beach.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Which turtles nest on Maldivian beaches?+
Green and hawksbill turtles are the main nesters. The green turtle is larger with a smooth shell, while the hawksbill is smaller with a patterned shell. Both come ashore at night to lay eggs. Other species may occasionally nest, but they are less commonly recorded.
When is the nesting season for turtles in the Maldives?+
Nesting occurs at night and the timing varies between islands and years. There is no single season that applies across the country. Some beaches see nesting in several months of the year. Local monitors or the resort can tell you what has been recorded recently.
Can visitors watch turtles nesting?+
Sometimes, but only from a distance and without lights. A female may abandon nesting if disturbed. Follow any guidance from the resort, guesthouse or island council. On some islands, organised watches may be available. Never approach a turtle that is digging or laying.
What should you do if you see hatchlings on the beach?+
Keep well back and let them find their own way to the sea. Do not pick them up or block their path. Avoid using torches or phone lights. If the beach is brightly lit, tell the resort or guesthouse. Hatchlings are small and vulnerable, and disturbance can be harmful.
Why are lights a problem for nesting turtles?+
Artificial light can deter females from coming ashore and can confuse hatchlings, which naturally head for the brighter horizon over the sea. Lights from buildings, roads and torches can draw them inland. On nesting beaches, dark conditions are important. Keep torches off and use shielded lighting where it is needed.
Are turtle nests monitored in the Maldives?+
On some islands, nests are monitored by conservation groups, resorts or local organisations. Monitors may mark nests, record data and protect them from disturbance. Monitoring is not universal. Visitors should not handle nests or hatchlings themselves. Report any nest you find to the island office or resort.
What threats do nesting turtles face in the Maldives?+
Nesting beaches face pressure from artificial light, disturbance by people and dogs, coastal development and predators. These can reduce nesting success. Protecting beaches and keeping them dark and quiet helps. Turtles are also protected by law in the Maldives. Coastal development and erosion can remove nesting beaches, so undisturbed stretches of sand are important.
Can you touch or ride turtles in the Maldives?+
No. Turtles are protected, and touching, riding or harassing them is not allowed. This applies in the water and on the beach. Taking eggs or shells is also prohibited. Keep a respectful distance and let the animals behave naturally. If you see others disturbing turtles, report it to the resort or local authorities.
Do turtles nest on inhabited islands in the Maldives?+
Yes, turtles come ashore on some inhabited islands as well as on resort and uninhabited islands. Where nesting occurs, local councils and guesthouses may have guidance for visitors. Always check before visiting a beach at night, and follow local advice.
