Is it true that five of the world’s seven sea turtle species are found in Oman’s waters? That’s right. Welcome to Turtle Bay. This bay is a haven for these incredible creatures. Oman’s coastline is a crucial nesting ground. Thousands of turtles migrate here annually. They come from the Arabian Gulf and beyond. They lay their eggs on Oman’s shores.
Turtle Bay at Daymaniyat Island is the place to be. You can swim with the turtles here. It is a truly magical sight. Imagine swimming in crystal-clear water. Feel the warmth as you watch turtles swim. See them eat and play together.
Among the seven different types of sea turtles, five call Omani waters home. Each year, many turtles migrate to the Arabian Peninsula. They dig holes and lay their eggs. Around 20,000 turtles visit Oman’s beaches during these months. They all live in the Omani Ocean. They love Daymaniyat Island.
Turtle Bay is the best spot to snorkel if you want to see turtles. Sometimes, you can spot more than eight turtles at once. There are many more all around. The Jackson family lives here. This family is a group of five turtles.
The best time to witness nesting is from May to August. Turtles prefer the cover of darkness for laying eggs. Hatchlings emerge around seven weeks later. August or September offers the best chance to see both nesting and hatching.
Five species grace Omani waters. There are green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, olive ridley turtles and leatherback turtles. Green turtles are the most common. Sadly, all of Oman’s marine turtles are endangered.
Ras al-Jinz is the most important nesting site for green turtles. It is in the Indian Ocean. Thousands return annually to lay eggs. Masirah Island attracts loggerhead turtles in great numbers. Offshore from Muscat, hawksbill turtles inhabit the Daymaniyat Islands.
Female turtles drag themselves onto the beach at night. They use their hind flippers to dig circular holes. These holes are about 40 to 50 centimetres deep. They lay 50 to 200 soft-shelled eggs. Laying takes 15 to 30 minutes. The turtles then refill the nest. They return to the ocean. The eggs are left unattended. The entire process takes about an hour.
Incredibly, a hatchling’s gender depends on the sand temperature. Lighter sands mean higher temperatures. This decreases incubation time. It results in more female hatchlings. Incubation takes about two months. Hatchlings emerge at night. They instinctively scurry towards the sea.
Remember never shine a light on mother or baby turtles. Unless it’s red light because that doesn’t affect them. Never touch the turtles. Only intervene to save it. For instance, if it’s the middle of the day and the turtle is exposed to sun. Give the turtles space. Especially mothers returning to the sea since it’s exhausting. Watch your feet around the babies. People accidentally trample them. Never go onto nesting beaches after sunset or before 5am. This allows the turtles to nest peacefully.
So next time you’re looking for magic, remember Turtle Bay. Come to Turtle Bay. It is where the wonders of the ocean meet the shores of Oman. Here, the ancient rituals of sea turtles unfold before your eyes.