Shell Beach: When to Go

Go between about March and August. Outside those months there are no turtles, the camp may be unstaffed and there is little reason to make the journey. The season overlaps with the long rains, so expect showers.

Season by season

March and April: season opens

The first leatherbacks and green turtles arrive. Weather is at its driest, seas are often calmer, and nesting builds through April.

May to July: peak nesting

The greatest number of turtles and the first hatchlings — but also the long rains, with wet nights, more insects and occasional rough crossings.

August: season ends

Nesting tails off while hatchlings continue to emerge. Rain eases.

September to February: off season

No nesting. Birdlife remains good, especially migrant shorebirds, but organised trips are rare.

Month by month

Temperatures are rounded approximations for the area and the rain and rating columns describe a typical year; the rains regularly arrive early or late, so treat this as a guide only.

Festivals & events

• March–August
  Turtle nesting season
  Wardens patrol nightly; visits are organised around the tides.
• June–August
  Hatchling releases
  Young turtles from protected nests are released at dusk.
• September
  Amerindian Heritage Month
  Celebrations in Santa Rosa and Mabaruma.

Visitor numbers & booking ahead

There are no crowds; whole weeks pass with no visitors at all. The limits are logistical. Trips are assembled to order, so contact an operator at least a month ahead, be flexible about dates to fit the tides, and try to join or form a small group.