krisek's travel recommendations

In season, running between November and January, the giant marine turtles come to Pointe Denis to lay eggs. It was very easy to organise a nighttime sighting of this wonderful event. As simple as to speak to a local for directions. Guided tours were not necessary. The sightings can easily be done just few minutes stroll from the Maringa Hotel or the Baie des Tortues lodge. The turtles usually come at the high tide and after 10pm, and the viewing can last until 2am, depending on tides. When I passed the giant logs at the tip of the island, right after Maringa, the sea was too high to walk along the water's edge. I had to climb onto the beach. And then, I almost stepped on the giant sea turtle just finishing laying her eggs! She was massive! At least 1m70cm from head to tail. I must have startled her, I'm sure. But I was also a little shaken that I had almost tripped over her. She was just covering her eggs with the sand. She looked exhausted. I could swear I could see tears in her eyes.

Address: Pointe Denis Pointe Denis Gabon Phone: + 001 Price: budget