Ervatao Turtle Beach

Ervatão is a long beach on the remote southeastern shore of Boa Vista, and through the summer loggerhead turtles come ashore on it in numbers that put Cape Verde among the most important nesting grounds for the species anywhere; the archipelago as a whole is regularly ranked in the top handful worldwide. Conservation groups run the beach through the season, tagging and protecting nests, and take visitors out on guided night walks.

What you actually see

• The loggerhead nesting - one of the most important sites in the world for the species.
• The night walks - guided visits during the nesting season with the conservation teams.
• The tagging work - the monitoring programme run along the beach.
• The remote shore - a long undeveloped beach on the island's far side.

When to go

June to October is the nesting season, with the peak around August. Visits are only possible with the licensed groups. Outside the season there is nothing to see and access is closed.

Honest expectations

Independent access is restricted and rightly so; only licensed guided trips run. Lights and flash photography are prohibited as they disorient the turtles. The drive out is long and rough and the trips run through the night.

Nearby

Praia de Santa Monica is west, and Sal Rei is northwest.