Photo: Rafio aumi (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Olive ridley and other sea turtles lay their eggs on the island's beaches in winter, right when visitors come. Here's how not to disturb them.
Saint Martin's Island is one of the few places in Bangladesh where sea turtles still come ashore to lay eggs, and the nesting season falls in the tourist months. Here's what to know, from the team at El Marena Eco Resort near Chera Dip.
Which turtles, and when
- Season: roughly November to March, according to UNDP; some researchers say it runs into April (Prothom Alo).
- Turtles: mainly olive ridley, with green and hawksbill turtles also recorded (UNDP).
- Hatching: eggs hatch after about 60 to 70 days (UNDP).
The hatchery
The Department of Environment runs a fenced hatchery with the local community: eggs from risky spots are moved there and reburied, and the hatchlings are released into the sea (UNDP). In 2025 the first release of the season was on 28 February.
What threatens them
Banned fishing nets, stray dogs, more visitors and pollution all threaten the nesting beaches (Prothom Alo, January 2024). Light on the beach at night confuses mother turtles and hatchlings.
How visitors can help
- No lights on the beach at night, including phone torches and flash.
- Keep well back if you see a turtle or tracks; never touch a turtle, egg or hatchling.
- Don't dig in the sand where you see fencing or markers.
- Keep dogs on a lead on the beach.
- Take all rubbish away, especially plastic and fishing line.
- If you find an injured or dead turtle, tell the local Department of Environment staff, or tell us and we'll pass it on.
Our coral and island rules article covers the island's other rules.
