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Leatherback sea mothers return to lay eggs where they once were hatched. Why? The sand? The scent? The safety? Noone knows. Perhaps you can help solve the ages-old mystery. If you go to the sacred sands of Matura, you have a chance, and so do they. Matura is a microcosm of humanity and its struggle to balance its own needs with that of nature's. An entrenched history of poaching to now a world-leader in conservation. Historic transformation. You don't do this without a strong leader, and so Susan was given purpose here. Susan runs the villa and the entire conservatory operation. Step by step. From poaching to teaching the world how we can, and must help undo the harm previous generations have wrought on these gentle dinosaurs. Susan, was there to greet our midnight arrival. Surprising? The first of many. Soon, the 6 of us were entrusted to tag, measure, and mark the egg-location of giant night beach visitors- 11 in all, over two moon-lit nights. A pristine beach with no buildings, just you and near 1,000 pound turtles digging, laying, burying, and sand-sweeping (get out of the way) so that the next generation of life will find a way. Yes, it was a bumpy ride to get there, but made easier by an air conditioned bus provided by Nature Seekers. The guides are experts, and are with you throughout. Three local meals prepared each day by locals who care about you and the vision. The community embraces you there, they have grown, so fitting in a place called "Matura." If you go, you may develop your own theory on exactly why the thousands of Leatherback mothers return to the sands each season.…
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Date of experience: May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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It was a long drive to get to Nature Seekers, and we were not sure what to expect, but in the end it was worth it. After we arrived at the headquarters, we had to follow our tour guide in the car through the woods to get to the parking lot by the beach. There was a restroom here which was convenient. Then we walked along the treeline on the beach to get to a particular spot. Be prepared to walk at a good pace- bring snacks, water, and insect spray and wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. It took some time to find a turtle, but our tour guide was very knowledgeable and talked to us while we waited. Later we did see a huge leather back turtle laying her eggs. It was amazing and we were so glad we came! We were not able to see more, as we were there at low tide, but we were quite glad to look at the amazing night sky while we waited and the atmosphere was very tranquil. However, I do not recommend this tour for very young kids because you will be walking for a while and it will be late by the time you finish.…
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Date of experience: July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Did not expect a hike through the forested area. We had a 1yr old and a 3 yr old with us, but if I knew of the hike then those kids would not have been included on this night hike adventure. That is an uphill downhill, some holes along the path and mud. We eventually made it out to the beach front where we had another long walk. We saw baby turtles. We were even allowed to hold them before they were released to the sea. That was the highlight of my visit. Thereafter was the viewing of the 800lb turtle coming up to lay her eggs in the sand. Years ago was a 5 minute walk out on the beach and there they were, digging their nest in the sand, laying their eggs, all peacefully returning to the sea. That visit on Saturday night was a totally different experience. Next time I'll be prepared: Sneakers, flashlight, drinking water.…
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Date of experience: July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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After a highly anticipated 2 hour long drive, our group which included small children, set out to find the leatherbacks. However, we would soon realize that there was a hike through the unlit vegetation to get there. Our two tour guides, Dexter and Sarah both walked so far ahead leaving group members stranded behind in the darkness. We were not advised to bring along flashlights. It was assumed that the guides would lead us. The terrain is a bit challenging, with tree roots, many drops, humps and some steep steps carved out of the hill. In the dark, it can be a bit terrifying. Bring a flashlight!…
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Date of experience: June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Really great experience. Educational, exciting, up close and personal opportunity to witness and phenomenon
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Date of experience: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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