Rare Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Sighting in the BVI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rare Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Sighting at Rogues Bay, Tortola, BVI

Tortola, British Virgin Islands – May 29, 2024 – In a thrilling turn of events, Island Roots is excited to announce the rare sighting of a Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting at Rogues Bay, Tortola, BVI.

This remarkable discovery was made during one of our full-day private charter boat trips, offering our guests an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience with marine wildlife.

On May 22, 2024, Captain Ryan was leading a private charter boat tour that navigated north of St. Thomas and over to the secluded Rogues Bay, Tortola. This pristine and usually deserted beach area was the backdrop for an extraordinary find.

As Captain Ryan approached the shore, he noticed two men observing a dark mass approximately 4.5 feet long. Initially confused about what it was, Captain Ryan quickly realized that the large dark mass he was seeing was, in fact, a majestic Leatherback Sea Turtle covering its freshly laid nest of eggs.

At 4.5 feet long, this turtle was still only half the size of a fully-grown adult, which can reach up to 8-9 feet in length and weigh over 2,000 pounds. This type of rare sighting was confirmed by Willow Melamet, Sea Turtle Program Coordinator at Friends of Virgin Islands National Park by a recent email in which she noted the rarity of the event, referencing that St. John had only two leatherback nests laid in April/May of 2022.

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, with only an estimated 34,000 nesting females remaining globally as of 2024. This figure is alarmingly low, less than the population of St. Thomas, USVI. Due to their endangered status, it is illegal for tourists to touch or interfere with these turtles in any way in the Virgin Islands and beyond.

Island Roots is proud to provide unique and unforgettable experiences, allowing guests to witness such rare marine life in their natural habitat. Our private charter boat trips are designed to offer both adventure and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s wonders.

For those interested in seeing the Leatherback Sea Turtle sighting, check out the videos now available on YouTube: