Turtle/Galgibaga beach- best turtle nesting time

Turtle beach / Galgibaga beach in Goa

turtle beach in goa

Sea turtle, mostly set up their nesting areas near the beach and, Goa is one of the famous places where a large number of sea turtles come every year for nesting. Among all of the famous beaches in Goa, there are some beaches which are very ideal for the sea turtle nesting. Like the Agonda, Morjim, Galgibaga and a few more.

 And the one which we are going   to share about is the Galgibaga beach which neighbours the Agonda beach in the south and the Morjim beach to the north. Due to a huge number of sea turtle nesting, the Galgibaga beach got the name of the turtle beach.So now the Galgibaga beach is known as the turtle beach in Goa.

Usually the site where the turtles lay their eggs is very much away from crowded places and people. But people do go to visit the nesting sites but there are a few restrictions which are adopted by the state government for the security of the nesting sites and the turtles.

The sea turtle that lay their eggs on the Goan beaches are of Olive Ridley turtle species. This type of species are generally very unique because they have variable and asymmetrical lateral Scute of about 6-8 counts ranging from 5-9 plates on each sides. Each side of the carapace has 2-4 marginal Scutes. In recent years the Olive Ridley turtle species are notes as an endangered species.

Perhaps many strict measures are being taken by the state government for their protection. Yet a large number of turtle nests have been increased in the recent years on the beaches and the locals as well as NGO members volunteer on keeping a watch on the eggs during the night. Development has been restricted in some areas of the beach and also beach fire has been stopped, ban in night parties near or surrounding the nest site along with loud music has also been banned.

The Olive Ridley turtle generally takes 2-3 months period for the eggs to hatch. After hatching they return back to the sea. Occasionally the nest period in Goa was usually during the months of September-October. But in recent years there was major shift in the nesting period, which shifted from September to January and ended in March- April.

These must have been occurred due to the climatic changes.

The changes in the nesting period has also become a large attraction for the tourists as during the period from January to April a large number of people visit Goa. But there is a danger of swimming around or near the nesting sites.

Each one of us can contribute to the safety of these turtles by simple ways when visiting these types of nesting sites of turtles near the beaches.

• By enjoying yourself with the experience without taking any photographs. As female turtle lay eggs on the beaches at night, flash photography is needed to capture it on camera. The bright or flashing light causes much disorientation to the turtle, so photos must be avoided.

• Don’t attempt to touch the turtle or the eggs, even after the turtle has gone.

• Make sure that there is enough space for the turtle, don’t crowd her or make quick or sudden movements.