Moso Island Turtle Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to raising and releasing young turtles, offering a chance to support marine conservation and witness a vital part of the ecosyst...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less hectic, more relaxed
Moso Island Turtle Sanctuary
Best Time
Less hectic, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to raising and releasing young turtles, offering a chance to support marine conservation and witness a vital part of the ecosystem.
"You guys are doing an amazing job let’s all give them some support. "
🐢 Support the Sanctuary
Your visit and donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operations and turtle conservation efforts.
🚤 Boat Ride to Paradise
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Port Havannah to reach the sanctuary.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.3 · 8 reviews
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Release Experience
Moso Island
Participate in releasing a young turtle into the wild, giving it a better chance at survival. A truly heartwarming and impactful activity.
Meet Young Turtles
Sanctuary pools
Observe and learn about young turtles being raised from hatchlings to release age. Witness their health and activity firsthand.
Knowledgeable Guides
Sanctuary grounds
Gain insights from long-standing staff members who share the history and operations of the sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxed Visit
Support a Worthy Cause
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Support the Sanctuary
Your visit and donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operations and turtle conservation efforts.
🚤 Boat Ride to Paradise
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Port Havannah to reach the sanctuary.
🤔 Manage Expectations
Facilities may be basic due to funding. Focus on the conservation mission.
📚 Learn from Guides
Engage with knowledgeable staff for a deeper understanding of turtle conservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Support the Sanctuary
Your visit and donations are crucial for the sanctuary's operations and turtle conservation efforts.
🚤 Boat Ride to Paradise
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Port Havannah to reach the sanctuary.
🤔 Manage Expectations
Facilities may be basic due to funding. Focus on the conservation mission.
📚 Learn from Guides
Engage with knowledgeable staff for a deeper understanding of turtle conservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the dedicated conservation efforts and the heartwarming experience of releasing turtles, often highlighting the knowledgeable guides. However, some reviews note that the sanctuary's facilities are basic and can be overcrowded due to limited funding, suggesting a need to manage expectations.
"We had a great experience at Owen’s turtle sanctuary on Moso Island.
Although tight for funds and using basic facilities the tanks were clean and the young turtles seemed healthy and active. Our guide Steve was a longstanding staff member of 20 years.
The turtles have been raised from hatchlings to a release age of 10 years old. My wife and I had the honour of releasing a young female we named “Hope” (for 5000vatu $66A) into the wild with a much better chance of making it to adulthood and to ensure the ongoing survival of the hawks bill turtle. You guys are doing an amazing job let’s all give them some support."
Long Engineering
"Wonderful boat ride across Port Havannah to the turtle sanctuary. Really friendly, knowledgeable guide who explained the history and operation of the sanctuary."
Mike Bryan
"Well, I hesitated giving a bad review, because this place is clearly underfinanced and this explain the poor quality of the installations. So, I have mixed feelings. One on hand, the turtles' pools were dirty and overcrowded, but on the other hand, if nobody spend money there it will only get worse.
Nevertheless, keep your expectation lows, go to the Reef Zoological which is better or give them money to improve if you can."
Kevin B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Moso Island Turtle Sanctuary is typically via a boat ride across Port Havannah. This scenic journey is part of the overall experience.
Public transport options directly to Moso Island for the sanctuary are limited. Boat transfers are the primary mode of access, often arranged as part of the visit.
The boat ride to the sanctuary is described as wonderful and scenic, offering beautiful views as you cross Port Havannah.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices aren't detailed, it's mentioned that adopting a turtle is 'not cheap.' Visitors are encouraged to support the sanctuary financially due to limited funds.
Yes, turtle adoption is an option at the sanctuary. However, be aware that communication regarding adopted turtles after release has been inconsistent for some visitors.
The sanctuary is open on weekdays, and weekday openings will start slowing down as schools begin. Visiting during these times is recommended for a less hectic experience.
Advance booking information is not readily available, but it's advisable to inquire about arrangements, especially for boat transfers, given the sanctuary's operational style.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see young turtles being raised from hatchlings to release age. The sanctuary aims to help them reach adulthood and ensure the survival of species like the hawksbill turtle.
Reviews are mixed, with some noting that the turtle pools were dirty and overcrowded, while others mentioned they were clean. The sanctuary is noted as being underfinanced.
The sanctuary is described as a 'nice place for the little turtles to grow up.' While not explicitly detailed for human children, the focus on young turtles suggests potential interest.
The primary mission is to raise young turtles from hatchlings to a release age of approximately 10 years, giving them a better chance of survival and contributing to the ongoing survival of species like the hawksbill turtle.
Direct financial support through visits, donations, or turtle adoptions is encouraged to help improve facilities and continue their conservation work.
📸 📸 Photography
Photo opportunities include observing the young turtles in their pools, the scenic boat ride to the island, and potentially the turtle release ceremony if timed correctly.
Photography of the turtles is generally permitted, allowing visitors to capture the conservation efforts and the young inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit