St. Croix boasts a large turtle population, mostly due to our abundance of nesting beaches. ScubaWest is closest to Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge, which is located on the southwest corner of the island. Coincidentally it is only minutes away and near many of our popular dive sites. Frequent encounters include green and hawksbill turtles of all sizes. We have seen as many as 5-6 turtles in one dive! 

Sandy Point is home to the longest running leatherback turtle project in the world. Females come ashore to do the majority of their nesting approximately April through early July. Starting around mid June the hatchlings begin to emerge and will continue until the beginning of September. Ask us about arranging a nocturnal visit to the beach for some leatherback turtle watching, Unfortunately this is one species that you won't see on your dives.

As for the green and hawksbills, their nesting season is approximately September through November. Their are no excursions to the beach to see these species, but don't worry we can almost guarantee a sighting on one of your dives. These species do not migrate after nesting, so expect to see them here all year long!

West Indies Marine Animal Research & Conservation Service, INC. A non-profit organization provides a support system for research and conservation programs that protect and conserve marine animals. WIMARCS is based right here in Frederiksted St. Croix, learn more about WIMARCS on their website www.wimarcs.org

 
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