← All Spectacles
Fauna · Ascension Island, AC

Green Turtle Arribada (Aves Island) — Ascension Island

One of the Atlantic's greatest green turtle nesting events unfolds on Ascension Island's remote beaches each year under a blanket of stars.

When
Jan — Dec, peak Jan — Apr
Best viewing
Night walks on remote beaches to observe nesting green turtles; access is tightly managed and the island itself requires advance planning to reach.
Category
Fauna
Status
In season

About this spectacle

Ascension Island hosts one of the most significant green turtle nesting events in the Atlantic Ocean. Female turtles haul themselves up sandy beaches after dark, excavating deep nests in the sand before laying clutches of eggs. Visitors who venture to the beaches at night may witness dozens of turtles moving through the surf, their large silhouettes visible under starlight. The island's extreme remoteness in the South Atlantic means the beaches remain largely undisturbed, and the sheer number of nesting females creates an unforgettable spectacle. After nesting, hatchlings emerge en masse and make their perilous dash to the sea. The warm, dark air carries the sound of waves and the quiet shuffling of ancient reptiles completing a journey unchanged for millions of years.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jan — Apr

Getting there

Nearest airport: ASI.

Booking options

Goyova doesn't process bookings directly. When you tap "Plan this trip" in the app, you'll see options from our partner providers — accommodation, tours, transport — with affiliate links where applicable. See our affiliate disclosure for details.

For Your Phone

Download Goyova.

Available on Android now. iPhone coming soon — we're in App Store review.

Get it on Google Play Coming soon App Store