ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (Commonwealth Union)_ The numerous reasons Antigua and Barbuda make a great winter getaway include spectacular beaches, mouth-watering seafood and magnificent resorts. Additionally, it’s a perfect location for anyone who wants to take advantage of the rich turtle life that these two islands have to offer.
Unless you travel to Antigua and Barbuda during the summer, when the turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs in the soft white sand, you’ll probably observe sea turtles swimming in the warm water while snorkelling. If you visit Antigua around the months of June through October, when most turtle species lay their eggs, you may be fortunate enough to see turtle hatchlings.
Green turtles, Hawksbill turtles and Leatherback turtles are a few of the more prevalent marine species that may be found on the islands. Fortunately, the Environmental Awareness Group of Antigua and Barbuda is collaborating with local conservationists to safeguard these turtles as each of these species is categorised as endangered.
Since Antigua and Barbuda is a turtle’s paradise, there are a variety of thrilling excursions you can do while on the islands. Although diving and snorkelling are two of the most well-liked activities for interacting with sea turtles, there are many other possibilities. If you’re at the correct place, you might even accidentally run into some turtles!
Galleon Beach
Not only is this lovely beach a wonderful place to unwind and get some vitamin D, but it’s also the ideal place to go swimming with turtles! Galleon Beach is a tranquil retreat because it is situated on the southernmost point of Antigua and is only reachable by automobile or water taxi. Wait till you’re in the sea swimming next to a family of Hawksbill turtles before you can compare the view of the turquoise waters from the soft beach at Galleon Beach. Joining a snorkelling excursion is one of the finest methods to swim with turtles at Galleon Beach.
All year long, tours are available, and your guide will show you all the best places to see turtles hang out. You’ll get the opportunity to discover one of the best coral reefs in addition to swimming parallel to sea turtles and numerous varieties of tropical fish.
Long Island
Many people visit Long Island because of its picture-perfect beaches, peace, and diverse wildlife. Long Island, which is home to the opulent Jumby Bay, is only a six-minute boat ride from Antigua’s main island. It is best described as a remote paradise. The island serves as a haven for both humans and turtles. The Jumby Bay Hawksbill Turtle Project, one of the world’s most important Hawksbill Sea Turtle preserves, is located on Long Island.
The goal of the initiative is to preserve the survival and recovery of the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle through study. If you choose to go swimming in the clean waters off Long Island, you almost certainly will swim with some sea turtles because this effort has turned Jumby Bay into a refuge for sea turtles.
