Tiny Footprints, Giant Journey: The January Hatchling Spectacle on Cousine Island
While the festive lanterns of December have dimmed, a different kind of illumination is taking place on the shores of Cousine Island. January marks a profound shift in our ecological rhythm. The nesting mothers we watched with such reverence in late 2025 have returned to the deep ocean, leaving their legacy buried beneath the warm, shifting sands.
As the island enters its lush “emerald season,” the beach is coming alive. As you walk along the shoreline this month, you are stepping onto the stage of one of nature’s greatest scenes.
Welcome to the January turtle hatchling spectacle.
A Race Against the Odds
January is one of the best months to witness the emergence of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings. It is a moment of frenetic energy that stands in stark contrast to the island's usual tranquility.
The process begins deep underground. Triggered by cooling sand temperatures, caused during a tropical rain shower or under the cover of night, the hatchlings work in unison to dig their way to the surface, until dozens of tiny turtles, no larger than the palm of your hand, erupt onto the beach.
What follows is the “dash to the sea.” In the wild, this is a perilous sprint where hatchlings face immediate threats from ghost crabs and seabirds. However, the Seychelles offers a unique advantage: it is one of only three places on Earth where Hawksbill turtles frequently nest and hatch during the day. This rare diurnal activity gives our guests an extraordinary opportunity to witness this miracle in broad daylight, a privilege few travelers ever experience.
Three Decades of Guardianship
For over 30 years, Cousine Island has been more than just a luxury destination; it has been a sanctuary. Our dedicated conservation team has stood watch over these beaches, protecting nesting mothers and ensuring that over 200,000 hatchlings have successfully reached the ocean.
The data we collect—from the initial egg count to the final excavation of the nest—helps us monitor the health of the species and calculate success rates with scientific precision. As a guest, you are not merely a spectator to this process; you are a partner in it. Your presence directly supports the preservation of this fragile habitat.
How to Witness the Miracle
To ensure these delicate creatures have the best start in life, we follow strict protocols that we ask all guests to respect. If a “conservation alert” is sounded during your stay, we invite you to join us on the beach, but always on nature's terms:
Lights Out: During night emergencies, we strictly use red-light torches. White light from phones or flashlights disorients the hatchlings, who rely on the brightness of the horizon to find the sea.
The Sacred Distance: It is a human instinct to want to help them, but they must make the run themselves to imprint the magnetic signature of their natal beach.
Silence is Golden: We watch in reverent silence, allowing the sound of the crashing waves to guide them home. Witnessing a Hawksbill hatchling reach the surf is a memory that transcends the typical holiday experience. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest footprints can initiate the most extraordinary journeys.
Ready to witness the circle of life?
Check our Eco-Calendar to align your travel dates with nature's rhythm, or contact our reservations team to book your conservation-focused stay.
