Diani is incredibly well known for its large quantity of Turtles, making it the ultimate hotspot. These beautiful, majestic creatures are known to be endangered and therefore, monitored on a daily basis.
Diani Turtle Watch have estimated that over 100 nests are laid every year on our beaches, with the majority being Green Turtles. Each nest consists of roughly 100 eggs which incubate between 50-80 days, and only 1 in 1000 hatchlings make into adulthood.
Diani Turtle watch are responsible for the relocation of nests and protection of the hatchings.
The Olive Ridley Project on the other hand, is responsible for the identification of sea turtles in the ocean. Each day, a highly trained marine biologist photographs and monitor the behaviour, size and location of these turtles. All findings are later uploaded to a database.
Here in Kenya we can spot five of the seven turtle species. The most common being the Green and the Hawksbill turtle, specifically found here in Diani.
Juvenile turtles are known to consume jellyfish. Eventually they grow bigger, migrate towards the reefs and become more omnivorous. Once they reach the sub-adult stage, they become fully vegetarian and mainly consume seagrass and algae. Turtles are reptiles-meaning they breathe air, lay eggs and live in Tropical waters as they cannot control their body temperatures.
Situated close to our dive base is a Marine Educational Centre – responsible for any further research programs, educational programs for the community and schools, as well as monitoring of any data which comes through. It is open for all visitors wanting to learn more about our oceans. Indulge in their exciting exhibit and participate in their fun-filled educational games.
