Leather Back Turtle Lookout

Was there ever a creature more captivating than the leatherback turtle? Here at the Leather Back Turtle Lookout, we have front-row seats to one of nature’s grandest spectacles. The Leather Back Turtle Lookout isn’t just a place to admire the view. It’s a portal to a world where ancient mariners, some weighing up to 2,000 pounds and stretching 10 feet long, emerge from the depths. These leatherbacks, one of the oldest animals on Earth, grace the shores of Tobago. They journey from far-flung corners of the ocean, some even from Africa, Canada, and the UK, to return to the very beaches where they were born. Imagine the scene. Under the cloak of night, a massive leatherback turtle hauls herself out of the ocean. She slowly climbs the beach, her powerful flippers propelling her forward. She carefully selects a nesting site above the high tide line. Then, with those same powerful flippers, she digs a “body pit,” a shallow depression in the sand. Next, she uses her hind flippers to excavate a deeper egg chamber. This process can take up to two hours. She lays between 80 and 100 eggs, precious cargo carrying the hopes of future generations. After carefully camouflaging the nest with sand, she begins her arduous journey back to the sea. She might return up to nine times during a single breeding season, each time repeating this incredible ritual. Tobago, and particularly the beaches around the Leather Back Turtle Lookout, play a crucial role in the survival of these gentle giants. Turtle Beach, also known as Courland Bay, is particularly renowned for its leatherback visitors. This area, along with Stonehaven Beach and Grafton Beach, is under strict protection. The deep waters here allow the turtles to approach the shore easily before climbing up the beach to nest. The Leather Back Turtle Lookout offers a unique vantage point to witness this spectacle. But remember, these creatures are endangered and sensitive to disturbance. Bright lights, especially flash photography, can disorient them. Noise and excessive movement can deter them from nesting. Even seemingly harmless actions, like leaving litter on the beach, can pose a threat to hatchlings. So, as we enjoy this incredible experience, let’s tread lightly. Let’s respect these ancient mariners and do our part to ensure their survival. The Leather Back Turtle Lookout is more than just a lookout. It is a testament to the enduring power of nature and a reminder of our responsibility to protect it.