Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary Bequia
A sanctuary dedicated to raising and releasing endangered hawksbill turtles, offering a unique glimpse into marine conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary Bequia
Best Time
Support conservation efforts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to raising and releasing endangered hawksbill turtles, offering a unique glimpse into marine conservation efforts.
"Great little place, $6 entry fee which goes towards the upkeep of the place. Go visit and support :)"
Support the Sanctuary
A small entry fee ($6) goes directly to turtle upkeep. Your visit makes a difference! :dollar:
Scenic Taxi Journey
Take an open-air taxi to the sanctuary for a beautiful island drive. :taxi:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Encounters
Hatching Basins
Witness dozens of tiny, freshly hatched turtles, a truly heartwarming sight. See them before they're released into the wild.
Meet the Resident Turtles
Main Sanctuary Tanks
Observe turtles of various ages, from hatchlings to older juveniles, in their dedicated enclosures. Learn about their life cycles.
Scenic Taxi Ride
Island Roads
Enjoy a picturesque journey to the sanctuary, often via an open-air taxi, offering beautiful views of Bequia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
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Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support the Sanctuary
A small entry fee ($6) goes directly to turtle upkeep. Your visit makes a difference! :dollar:
Scenic Taxi Journey
Take an open-air taxi to the sanctuary for a beautiful island drive. :taxi:
Learn About Turtles
Staff offer talks about different turtle species and their habitats. :books:
Observe Animal Welfare
Note the conditions and consider the sanctuary's conservation mission. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
Support the Sanctuary
A small entry fee ($6) goes directly to turtle upkeep. Your visit makes a difference! :dollar:
Scenic Taxi Journey
Take an open-air taxi to the sanctuary for a beautiful island drive. :taxi:
Learn About Turtles
Staff offer talks about different turtle species and their habitats. :books:
Observe Animal Welfare
Note the conditions and consider the sanctuary's conservation mission. :eyes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary an interesting place to see many turtles, especially the babies, and appreciate the staff's passion for conservation. However, some express concerns about the facility's upkeep and animal welfare conditions, suggesting it may lean more towards a tourist attraction than a traditional sanctuary.
"I went to this place with some friends and the owner told us he randomly collects freshly hatched turtles from the beach and puts them into the basin. The turtles then stay there until they’re 6 or 7 years old. The owner claims he then releases them. Animal wellfare guidelines state that turtles in captivity should be released at the age of 1 year. The tanks are really small and dirty, people were touching the turtles and there were some animals in isolation (see photos). There were some dead animals in the tanks. All in all this really hasn’t earned the name “sanctuary”, it’s more like a tourist trap. The owner doesn’t care about turtle well-being at all, it seems he just wants to make money. No recommendation at all"
Maximilian Ernst
"This was an extremely interesting place to visit.
I have never seen so many turtles in one place. It was great to see the baby ones. The man who runs the Sanctuary clearly has a genuine passion for what he does.
It is a good idea to get an open air taxi to see the Sanctuary as it is an extremely scenic drive."
Alex Kennedy
"Great little place, $6 entry fee which goes towards the upkeep of the place. It is a little run down, no doubt because of the lack of tourists going. I hope it can stay open and keep helping the turtles! Go visit and support :)"
Chelle Riley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located on northeastern Bequia. Many visitors opt for an open-air taxi, which also provides a scenic drive around the island. :taxi: It's recommended to arrange transportation in advance or upon arrival.
While not in the main town, it's accessible by taxi. Ask your driver to take you to the 'Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary' or 'Bequia Turtle Sanctuary'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entry fee, typically around $6 USD, which directly supports the upkeep and conservation efforts of the sanctuary. :dollar:
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the entry fee is generally considered affordable. It's always worth inquiring upon arrival.
The sanctuary is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most current hours, as they can vary.
🎫 🐢 Onsite Experience
You can see many turtles, including freshly hatched ones and older juveniles. The sanctuary aims to raise and release endangered hawksbill turtles. :turtle:
While some visitors have reported touching turtles, it's generally best to observe them without direct contact to ensure their well-being and minimize stress. :eyes:
Some reviews mention the facilities are a bit run-down, possibly due to fewer tourists. However, the staff have a genuine passion for conservation. :heart:
Yes, the staff often provide turtle talks, explaining the different species, their habitats, and the conservation work being done. :books:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Be mindful of the turtles and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them. :camera:
The baby turtles in their basins and the various stages of turtle growth offer great photo opportunities. The scenic drive to the sanctuary is also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the facilities might be basic, the sheer number of turtles is usually a big hit. Consider it an opportunity to teach children about the importance of protecting endangered animals. The scenic taxi ride to get there can also be an adventure in itself for the family. :turtle: :family_ww:
Conservation Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a more rustic experience. While the intention is conservation, some visitors have raised concerns about animal welfare standards. It's an opportunity to observe, learn, and perhaps even offer constructive feedback or support to bolster their conservation mission. Your visit and any contributions directly aid their ongoing efforts. :seedling: :pray:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Mission and Reality
However, visitor experiences and observations can vary. Some reviews highlight concerns about the size and cleanliness of the tanks, as well as the age at which turtles are released, noting that animal welfare guidelines often suggest earlier release. There have also been mentions of animals in isolation and even deceased animals in tanks, leading some to question the 'sanctuary' aspect and suggest it may operate more like a tourist attraction. It's important for visitors to be aware of these differing perspectives and consider the sanctuary's overall mission and impact.
The Visitor Experience
The journey to the sanctuary is often highlighted as a positive aspect, with many recommending an open-air taxi ride for its scenic beauty.
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