Grande Riviere

This small, rural village along Trinidad’s northern coast is home to one of the world’s most important leatherback sea turtle nesting beaches.  Less than a mile long, this beach hosts more than 5,000 turtles per season and during peak season can have more than 500 nests in a single night.   This beach is considered by some to be the most densely nested leatherback beach in the world.

Grande Riviere is also one of the most visited turtle beaches in the world with as many as 15,000 people coming each year, most of whom are from Trinidad. Ecotourism is key to the town's economy and conservation efforts which are led by the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide Association.   With two hotels right on the beach (who both take steps to prevent light pollution), this may be the easiest beach in the world to spot these giant creatures.

Check out our Trinidad slideshow.