The Sacred Life Cycle – Green Sea Turtle of Bay Canh Island, Con Dao

Initiated in the 1980s, Con Dao’s sea turtle conservation efforts are yielding impressive results.

Bay Canh Island, one of the largest islands in the Con Dao Archipelago, is celebrated for its unspoiled beauty, diverse coral reef ecosystems, and the presence of resident sea turtles. Among the protected species in the area, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most prevalent, nesting on the serene beaches of Hon Bay Canh.

 

Con Dao is recognized as a vital site for sea turtle conservation in Vietnam. The nesting activities of sea turtles at Hon Bay Canh represent a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts and contribute to the sustainable development of ecotourism promoted by Con Dao National Park in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. Observing sea turtles laying their eggs in Con Dao, particularly at Hon Bay Canh, offers a remarkable glimpse into one of nature’s most extraordinary reproductive processes.

To partake in this unique experience, visitors must register in advance with the Con Dao National Park Management Board and plan their visit to Hon Bay Canh in the afternoon, as the tour commences at night. To minimize disturbances and protect against predators, mother turtles typically emerge onto the sandy beaches to nest under the cover of darkness. Guides will provide participants with flashlights that emit a soft red light and will outline the necessary guidelines to ensure the preservation of the natural environment in which the turtles nest.

 

As night descends, rangers patrol Bai Cat Lon Beach, alert for any sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Upon spotting one, they promptly notify the guides to escort visitors to the site.

 

The journey to Bai Cat Lon is accompanied by the invigorating sea breeze and the soothing sounds of the waves, both of which feel like a gift from nature. The surroundings are cloaked in darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of our flashlights. The experience truly commences when the rangers point out the first tracks in the sand—markings left by the turtles as they make their way onto the beach.

 

Sea turtles exercise great caution in selecting an appropriate nesting site. They slowly traverse the sand, searching for elevated and secure areas that remain unaffected by the waves. Once the ideal location is identified, the mother turtle meticulously digs a deep hole using her hind legs, demonstrating both care and patience as she constructs a safe nest.

After preparing the nest, the mother turtle begins to lay her eggs. Each clutch typically contains between 80 and 150 eggs, each small and round, comparable in size to a ping-pong ball. This entire process can last from one to two hours, during which the rangers ensure that visitors maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the mother turtle, thereby safeguarding the nesting process.

 

Once the final egg is placed in the nest, the mother turtle pauses momentarily before covering the hole with sand, effectively concealing the nest from various natural predators such as seabirds, rats, crustaceans, and other carnivorous animals. After securing the nest, she embarks on her journey back to the sea. Many observers are touched by the sight of a mother turtle gradually making her way down the sandy beach, ultimately disappearing into the vast ocean. It is truly remarkable to witness the sacred life cycle and the rhythms of nature unfolding on this beach, in a small corner of our planet.

 

 

If fortunate enough to participate in a tour after the eggs have hatched—typically within 45 to 60 days—you may witness yet another extraordinary event: the release of hatchlings into the sea. At the appropriate moment, the tiny turtles, no larger than the palm of your hand, emerge from their eggs and make their way through the sand. The sound of the waves and the vastness of the ocean awaken their instincts, prompting them to scurry toward the water. Here, a dedicated sea turtle conservation team is on hand to assist, ensuring the hatchlings are shielded from predators and natural obstacles during their journey to the sea. Thus begins their exploration and survival in the expansive ocean.

 

Con Dao’s sea turtle egg-laying tours offer more than mere recreational activities; they provide visitors with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the significance of sea turtle conservation and the preservation of their habitats. Participants will learn various ways to contribute to the protection of sea turtles, including minimizing marine pollution and supporting conservation organizations by promoting awareness of environmental preservation.

Con Dao National Park serves as an exemplary model of sustainable ecotourism, making significant contributions to the protection of endangered species. The collaborative efforts of local authorities and wildlife protection organizations have played a crucial role in sustaining the local sea turtle population. For visitors, witnessing the process of sea turtles laying eggs stands out as a poignant highlight of this conservation success story.

 

Private Jet Charter Flight To Con Dao

JetVina is a Vietnam Air Charter Company based in Hanoi with offices in Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh, we organize air charter flights with various aircraft models from turboprop to heavy jet from any Vietnam city to Con Dao Island.

 

Please make reference to our private jet charter flight route connecting with Con Dao as bellow:

• Ha Noi (HAN) – Con Dao (VCS): 1,227.89 mi (1,976.10 km): Flight time by Embraer Legacy 600/650E: 2 Hours 20 Minutes – 3 Hours by King Air 350
• Hai Phong (HPP) – Con Dao (VCS): 835,77 mi (1345,04 km): Flight time by Embraer Legacy 600/650E: 2 Hours 00 Minutes – 3 Hours by King Air 350
• Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (SGN) – Con Dao (VCS): 162.57 mi (261.63 km): Flight time : 50 Minutes to 1 Hour 10 Minutes
• Bali, Indonesia (DPS) – Ho Chi Minh (SGN) – Con Dao (VCS): Flight time by Embraer Legacy 600/650E: 4 Hours 40 Minutes

 

To book private jet charter flight to Con Dao, Vietnam please contact us:

• Telephone or Whatsapp: +84 396 919 611
• Email: flights@jetvina.com