Full Moon Turtle Tour

There is something truly magical about watching sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs under the light of a full moon. At Mawil Beach in West Sumbawa, visitors can join a Full Moon Turtle Tour, a special ecotourism activity designed to give people a closer look at one of nature’s most extraordinary rituals while supporting conservation efforts.

The tour begins with a gentle evening ride by local bike taxi, passing through maze-like fields and arriving at the beach just before sunset and the sky begins to glow with moonlight. Under the guidance of local conservation teams, participants are led to quiet stretches of sand where female turtles emerge from the waves. The full moon provides natural illumination, creating the perfect backdrop to observe this ancient nesting ritual without artificial lights that might disturb the turtles.

During the experience, guides explain the remarkable journey of sea turtles—how females return to the same beach where they were born, how they dig deep nests with their flippers, and how they carefully cover their eggs before making their way back to the ocean. Visitors are reminded to remain silent, keep their distance, and avoid using flash photography, ensuring the turtles are not stressed during this critical process.

Beyond simply observing, the Full Moon Turtle Tour is also about education and community. Guests learn how local people are protecting turtle nests from predators, monitoring the population, and preparing safe hatchling releases. By taking part, visitors directly support conservation while creating lifelong memories.

As the night ends, participants often camp or sit on the beach, watching the moonlit waves and reflecting on the privilege of witnessing such a rare and ancient ritual. At Mawil, the Full Moon Turtle Tour is not just a tour—it’s a reminder of the deep connection between people, wildlife, and the rhythms of nature. 

Click here to make a reservation!




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