While snorkelling the calm inner lagoon of Ningaloo Reef, you might just find yourself swimming alongside a graceful green turtle, a loggerhead, a flatback, or even a hawksbill turtle! Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of nesting or hatching.

From November to March, the magic begins to unfold. Female turtles haul themselves onto the beaches and lay their eggs in a process called nesting. Approximately six weeks later, the miracle of life emerges with the hatchlings popping out of their sandy cradles for their dash of survival.​

Witnessing a turtle hatchling is a sight to behold! These tiny creatures embark on a perilous journey, dashing towards the ocean while evading predators like birds, foxes, and snakes. Other things that can disturb this process is human involvement and when including animal interference, hatching rates can drop down below 25%.

The best way for you to ethically and responsibly witness this cycle of life is with a responsible tour that prioritise turtle conservation and offer valuable information. The Jurabi Turtle Centre, located south of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, offers expert guided tours from December to March.

Where Else Can You See Hatchlings? While Exmouth is our recommended place, you can really come across turtles all along this coastline with the most prominent areas being Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay, Maud's Landing in Coral Bay, or the Quobba coastline near Carnarvon for a chance to witness nesting and hatching in these areas.

With limited phone service, you can book your tour from the Milyering Discovery Centre in person or use the reliable phone service from there.