Turtle Islands

Turtle Islands, Sierra Leone - Complete Travel Guide

The Turtle Islands of Sierra Leone are a pristine archipelago located off the country's Atlantic coast, renowned for their exceptional marine biodiversity and as one of West Africa's most important sea turtle nesting sites. This remote great destination consists of eight small islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems that support an incredible array of marine life including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles that come ashore to nest between May and September. Designated as a marine protected area, the Turtle Islands offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness sea turtle conservation efforts firsthand while enjoying some of the most unspoiled beaches and diving spots in West Africa. The islands remain largely undeveloped, providing an authentic eco-tourism experience where visitors can participate in turtle monitoring programs, explore busy coral reefs, and experience the raw beauty of untouched tropical islands. Access is limited and carefully managed to protect the delicate ecosystem, making this destination perfect for travelers seeking an exclusive and meaningful wildlife encounter.

Top Turtle Islands

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

Witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles coming ashore to nest on pristine beaches during nesting season. These guided nighttime tours offer the rare opportunity to observe green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts. The experience includes participating in data collection and turtle tagging with marine biologists.

Booking Tip: Book through certified conservation organizations 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak nesting season (June-August). Tours cost $150-250 per person and include boat transfers and guide fees. Look for operators that contribute directly to turtle conservation programs.

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

Explore the pristine coral reefs surrounding the Turtle Islands, home to an incredible diversity of tropical fish, rays, and marine life. The clear waters offer excellent visibility for both beginners and experienced divers, with shallow reefs perfect for snorkeling and deeper sites featuring dramatic coral formations. Equipment and professional dive guides are provided.

Booking Tip: Arrange diving packages through Freetown operators for $80-120 per dive including equipment. Best visibility is during dry season (November-April). Ensure operators are PADI certified and inquire about marine park fees ($25 per person).

Island Hopping Expeditions

Explore multiple islands within the archipelago by traditional boat, discovering secluded beaches, mangrove channels, and unique ecosystems on each island. These full-day excursions include stops for swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife observation, with opportunities to spot various seabirds and marine life. Local guides share knowledge about island ecology and traditional fishing practices.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping costs $200-300 per person including lunch and transfers. Book with operators who employ local guides and contribute to community development. Weather-dependent, so maintain flexible dates during rainy season.

Marine Conservation Volunteering

Participate in hands-on marine conservation activities including beach cleanups, coral reef monitoring, and turtle nest protection programs. Volunteers work alongside marine biologists and local conservationists to collect valuable research data while contributing to the protection of this fragile ecosystem. Programs range from day visits to week-long immersive experiences.

Booking Tip: Contact conservation organizations directly for volunteer programs costing $100-200 per day including meals and basic accommodation. Minimum 3-day commitment recommended. Book 6-8 weeks in advance and inquire about required vaccinations and fitness levels.

Sunset Fishing and Cultural Exchange

Join local fishermen for traditional fishing excursions using time-honored techniques while enjoying spectacular Atlantic sunsets. These cultural experiences provide insight into local maritime traditions and sustainable fishing practices while offering chances to catch dinner. The day concludes with a beach barbecue featuring fresh catch and local specialties.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local communities for $75-100 per person including fishing equipment and meal. Best during calm weather conditions (December-March). Tip fishermen directly and purchase any extra catch to support local livelihoods.

Getting There

Reaching the Turtle Islands requires flying into Freetown's Lungi International Airport, followed by a combination of road and boat transfers. From Freetown, visitors must travel approximately 3-4 hours by road to the coastal departure point, typically from the fishing village of Tombo or nearby coastal areas. The final leg involves a 45-60 minute boat journey across sometimes choppy Atlantic waters to reach the islands. Most tour operators arrange complete transportation packages including airport pickup, road transfers, and boat transport, as independent travel to the islands is challenging and requires special permits for the marine protected area.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Turtle Islands is primarily by small boats and on foot, as the islands are relatively small and undeveloped with no roads or vehicles. Local guides use traditional fishing boats and dugout canoes to move between islands and access different beaches and snorkeling sites. Walking trails connect various points of interest on the larger islands, though these are often sandy beach paths rather than formal trails. Most activities are organized as guided tours with transportation included, and visitors should be prepared for basic conditions with no modern transportation infrastructure available on the islands themselves.

Where to Stay

Eco-lodges on main islands

Conservation research stations

Camping on designated beaches

Freetown hotels with day trips

Community guesthouses on nearby mainland

Luxury eco-resorts (limited availability)

Food & Dining

Dining on the Turtle Islands is a rustic experience focused on fresh seafood and simple local preparations, as there are no restaurants or commercial food establishments on the islands. Most meals are provided as part of tour packages and feature freshly caught fish, lobster, and crab prepared by local cooks using traditional methods and cooked over open fires on the beach. Visitors can expect simple but delicious fare including grilled fish with rice, coconut-based stews, fresh tropical fruits, and locally sourced vegetables. Those staying overnight should arrange meal packages in advance, and it's advisable to bring snacks and plenty of water, as food options are limited and dependent on weather conditions affecting supply boats.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Turtle Islands is during the dry season from November to April when seas are calmer, weather is more predictable, and boat transfers are safer and more comfortable. However, the peak turtle nesting season occurs during the rainy season from May to September, with June through August being the most active period for witnessing nesting behavior. Visitors must weigh their priorities: better weather conditions and easier access during dry season versus the incredible wildlife spectacle during nesting season when rough seas and heavy rains can make travel challenging but turtle sightings are virtually guaranteed.

Insider Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable toiletries to protect the marine ecosystem, as regular products can damage coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches

Pack seasickness medication and waterproof bags for all electronics and important documents, as boat rides can be rough and saltwater spray is common

Contribute to conservation by participating in citizen science programs - your turtle sighting data and photographs help researchers track population health and nesting success rates