Itsamania: turtles come out of the waters of the Indian Ocean to lay their eggs in the sand
At the eastern end of the island of Mohéli, in the Comoros, we discover Itsamia beach, where it is possible to witness turtles nesting almost every day of the year.
The Comoros archipelago is located between Madagascar and the east coast of Africa. On the island of Mohéli, a marine park is home to rich biodiversity with sea turtles, humpback whales and dugongs. Itsamia hosts thousands of green turtles for nesting, supporting ecotourism and alternative income.
Mohéli stands out as a nature reserve where turtles take up residence to nest in a preserved environment. These creatures return instinctively, 30 years after hatching, to the same place to lay eggs once they reach adulthood. Their remarkable sense of direction guides them with impressive precision, directing them nearly two meters close to their destination! Each female lays approximately 100 eggs in the sand, repeatedly over a period of 2 to 3 days, every two years. About 60 days later, the young turtles break through the surface of the sand and head toward the ocean attracted by the glow of the moonlit sea.
This unique experience offers an exceptional opportunity to observe turtles, as there is no specific period for nesting.
