Yakushima Island is one of the most important egg-laying sites of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the world. Early in summer, a total of more than 500 loggerhead turtles and some green turtles (Chelonia mydas) come ashore at the Inakahama Beach, Nagata and other beaches to lay their eggs. It is said that loggerheads born in Yakushima Island migrate around the Pacific Ocean, and when they have grown to one meter in length, they come back to the island to leave their offspring.
Over a period of 2 or 3 weeks sea turtles come ashore several times a night to lay their eggs in clutches of over 100.
Babies hatch out 45 to 70 days later. Sea turtle's babies-hatching eco tours are available starting the 24th of July until the end of August.
Please contact Naoko at Nityanaoko@aol.com and you will receive an e-mail about all the details of the tour.
