Turtle Tracks Tour to Bare Sand Island from Darwin

Time your visit to Darwin with the full moon or the new moon so you don't miss this tour!

This is a tour worth every cent. From the time we booked to our docking after our tour, the staff were terrific. Great service at all times. The boat is very comfortable and our 1.5hr ride to Bare Island was great. Kerry is a great skipper. Dinner in the bento box was delicious accompanied by nice drinks - beers, wine and/or soft drinks. The knowledge of Carolyn and Natalie was amazing and we were very grateful to have them accompany us and help us learn more about the flat back turtles. Best of all we saw a mother turtle dig her nest, lay her eggs and return to the sea. WOW! Thank you for the opportunity to have this very special experience.

Unprofessional and not understanding.

Due to serious unforeseen circumstances my friends and I had to cancel. We received no opportunity to rebook or get a refund. The company were unresponsive and non understanding of our situation. One was dealing with a police matter (teacher) and the other was in hospital. We were told we would at least get a refund but were told later on that it wouldn’t be possible. The company displayed no compassion or understanding.

Turtler Tracks with Sea Darwin

This was a wonderful experience caught a fast boat to Bare Sand Island where we saw a turtle come up on the sand and lay her eggs then cover them over and waddle back into the sea. The tour guide was a scientist with a wealth of information about the turtles. After this we proceeded to get back on the boat where we were given some food. We did not get back until very late but the whole trip to us was really great.

good and bad

The tour was advertised as an experience to seee Turles close up, which it certainly did. However when we went on arrival at the island we were told that we would be going to see the Sunset on the beach and then return to the boat around 1930 to 2000, when we would have some food etc and then return to find the Turtles. This was changed once on the island. Although i do have some difficulties walking but hsould have been able to manage. I was unaware at the time of booking that we would be walking a long distance to find the turtles, also we did not bring with us our ordinary glasses rather than sunglasses as we were told we would be returning to the boat, of course this did not happen? Myself and another gentleman where in extreme agony with the distance we had to walk. The other gentleman rsted in the dark and then made his way back to the boat, at not time did anyone bother to check if we were all there. This to me was very badly organised regarding this and could in my opinion been costly in the way of injury or anything. I myself struggle on to see the turtles as my wife wanted to see the turtles, in the dark without glasses. When i asked if i couldnt walk back to the boat what would happen, i was told they would figure something out. To me this is somewhat a Health and Safety consideration as with the gentleman who made his own way back to the boat. Perhaps you should reveiw your policy regarding this . As your staff do not seem to know to do in a medical emergency . the only places to rest were some small dunes which for older people getting up and down . in fact at one point i fell over and shouted out , the only people to come to my assistance was my wife and friends. Perhaps for a grouo of 22 people you may consider havein more staff to supervise everyone. I will say that that the boat trio out and back as well as the food was excellent. And yes my wife did mange to see a turle

Read about this experience with Sea Darwin!

As a tour company Sea Darwin needs to review its practices. We were coming to Darwin and booked and paid for a Turtle Tracks tour with Sea Darwin. The tour cost had a credit card transaction fee added to it and we accepted this as usual practice. However due to covid travel restrictions we were not able to enter the NT and had to cancel our tour with Sea Darwin (along with 22 bookings with other companies). I wrote to Sea Darwin explaining our circumstances and received an automated cancellation with a refund credited to our account. No bother of a personal reply which I got from everyone of the other booking sites. Instead we got our refund minus the $20.00 admin fee and an additional surcharge for the cancellation transaction. It must be noted that the bank/service provider refunds the first surcharge as part of the refund process and doesn't charge a cancellation surcharge. I have checked this procedure with our bank. So .... Sea Darwin pockets both surcharge amounts as a bonus payment to themselves. I consider this practice as deceitful and unethical. I did write to Sea Darwin and requested the name of the bank/service provider that they were using so I could contact it to check this practice that Sea Darwin is using. I got no reply to the request. Sea Darwin has also had the audacity to write this cancellation surcharge practice into their terms and conditions. We have taken this case up with our bank and have been reimbursed the full amount charged (fees charged for no services provided) - this should have been Sea Darwin doing the reimbursement. Everyone is happy to bag the banks - let's get onto Sea Darwin in this instance and get them to stop their terrible practice. No more business from us!!

Disrespectful

The tour was a little disappointing in the way it treated the turtle. People were given a turtle egg to hold and pass around and they were allowed and almost encouraged to touch the turtle as it made its way back to the ocean. Flash photography was also allowed and because of this the turtle had to be guided back to the ocean with a flash light so that it wouldn't be disoriented and not find its own way back to the sea. This is certainly a practice I have not heard of nor seen anywhere else human interaction is allowed with turtles. It felt like we were harassing the turtle for some photos. In their defence we were not allowed near the turtle until it was almost ready to lay her eggs, leaving it in peace to dig the nest, but once she began to lay the feel was of a commodity there to be exploited for selfies and entertainment. It was as if she was there for our entertainment. It was never a feeling of us invading her environment which is certainly the atmosphere other turtle tours manage to create, and one I think is most important to convey. It did not feel like the priority in this circumstance was the turtles welfare, rather the priority was clients getting a good photo with the turtle. Maybe this meets the minimum standard interaction with a turtle requires, although I have never seen it anywhere else, including developing countries, but it seemed to mis the mark in terms of conservation aims and minimising human influence on these turtles. It left quite an uneasy feeling having participated in such an event.

Bare sand island turtles

Excellent tour conducted by the tour company.fast jet boat to the island.great food,excellent staff and wonderful experience with the turtles

An amazing nature experience

A pristine island and wildlife experience, our Turtle Tracks adventure took us to remote Bare Sand Island for our unique turtle experience. Visiting this turtle rookery and watching the turtles come out to nest on this remote and beautiful island has been one of my favourite moments in time. Whatever the turtle timing is, it is without question one of the most remarkable tours I have experienced.

Absolutely Amazing.

What an amazing experience with the most amazing people to guide us. Team on board the all new high speed boat were all awesome. A very comfortable fast ride out to Bare Sand Island with a stop to have stretch half way. Lots of history provided by the team. Off the boat waiting for everyone, again much information provided about this pristine part of our beautiful country. We moved along in groups to witness a magnificent sunset along with the discovery of a nest with 1 remaining hatchling which was well assisted to hatch and kept close and warm until after sunset. A quick demo of good eggs and bad eggs. So many turtle tacks along the beach our eagle eyed guides discovered a very new track going one way. They managed to find the mumma flatback turtle deciding where to nest. We were then able to quietly witness this amazing part of nature occur. She dug her nest, laid her eggs, buried her nest and made sure they were well hidden to hatch. We were then able to escort her back to the ocean. Then we were all able to witness the hatchling go into the sea. Dinner back on board was delicious and plentiful and a fast trip back to Darwin. Worth every dollar and more, the scientists with us are truly wonderful people helping us to have this magical experience. A must do, over any other tour in Darwin if you are visiting at the right time of year. Can not recommend this tour highly enough.

Most amazing experience ever

This experience is worth every dollar spent on it. A truly unique experience with knowledgeable guides, totally eco friendly the experience was amazing from Start to finish w an amazing sunset, patience and respect for turtles and topped up with a magical full moon... the prawn dinner was the cherry on the cake. All pictures are my own

What a Night

We loved every moment on this tour. This was an amazing insight to the life of a turtle, the research being done to learn more about their movements and the life of a researcher. Turtle tracks took us on a comfortable 1.5hr fast boat ride out of Darwin Harbour to the Island. They provided us with the necessary information on how to approach these animals so as not to disturb them. We were up close and were able to see clearly the effort the females make to lay their eggs. Staff were professional, informative and delightful to deal with. Diner on board, sunset to behold and a magical experience we won’t forget, this is a must do when in Darwin. Highly recommend this tour as an adventure of a life time.

Turtle

Once on the Island we were fortunate to be given a talk by “Dr Turtle” who knows everything about the flat backs. Saw a turtle already laying eggs in her nest. The volunteers were recording details and again the professor gave us such a lot of info. Once the turtle covered her eggs and made her way back to the ocean the crew lead us back and with only one useless head torch between two wasn’t the easiest walk. Was really surprised expected to go back after our meal to see more but no that was it. Back in Darwin harbour at 10.15 If the volunteers and Dr hadn’t been so obliging and informative would have been a real let down. Five stars for the turtle and volunteers three at best for the rest.

So cute and respectful

I liked the fact that the guides do their best that the group disturbs as less as possible the female turtles nesting. We were lucky that scientists were at the same time on the island and we could have babies turtles in our hands and let them walk to the sea. So cute! With a beautiful sunset and the light of the full moon. The food was great too. Thank you for staying a friendly small company :)

Brilliant

Such a fantastic experience! Very unique being able to watch turtles dig their nest and lay their eggs as well as release some hatchlings. The staff were all fantastic and even Mother Nature obliged with a beautiful star lit night for the boat ride home. Unforgettable experience.

5 is not high enough!

We were privileged to go to Bare Sand Island and see turtles laying their eggs. Wow! Jacque Cousteau stuff. The crew on the boat were exceedingly well informed and some of them spend time as turtle observers. There were scientific staff on island who were very generous with their time and knowledge. I would suggest that if you don't plan your holiday around the time the turtles come to shore, you have short changed yourself of an unparalleled experience. The trip out was great, food was great, the crew were great and the experience is something that very few people can claim to have done. If you love nature or adventure and you don't include this on your itinerary you are missing something very special.

An Unforgettable Experience

I am always a little wary of tourism involving animals and the potential for creatures to be exploited but my trip to Bare Sand Island with Sea Darwin was a magical moment and a highlight of my trip to the NT. An experience I will treasure forever. The boat left at 4pm and it was a great 1.5 hour trip out to the island with some interesting commentary on the way. I have been known to suffer some sea sickness but with 900hp on the back of the boat it travelled at speed and the journey was extremely pleasant. On arrival we met several of the research volunteers and scientists and were given a comprehensive briefing on the island itself, the turtles and the protocols to be adhered to whilst being on the island. The safety and welfare of the turtles was evident throughout our visit. Visitors were advised where to stand, when to take photos and how to handle the small hatchlings being released in the water. The sunset was incredible and when we saw the first female exit the water and make her way up the beach to commence digging her nest it was magical. These incredible gentle intelligent animals are meticulous in the digging of the hole and backfilling over the eggs, gently patting down each layer of sand. With red lighting we were able to get up very close and see the eggs being laid, it was amazing to see the cycle of life begin. An extra special treat happened whilst our lady was finishing her nest, another nest erupted within a few feet of where we were standing. Some 50 baby turtles emerged and scrambled towards the beach. Those late leaving the nest were gently placed in a bag by the lead researcher and some of us were privileged to release them into the water. That moment will stay with me forever. The return journey was great and included a delicious prawn or chicken salad meal with tropical fruit and a bread roll. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks were supplied. I am glad I took my windproof jacket as it was a little cool on the trip back. Thank you so much to Sea Darwin and the wonderful volunteers on Bare Sand Island for a truly incredible encounter with nature. This is a bucket list adventure.

Sunrise to Turtle Tracks!

It's an early morning, but an awesome morning. It's about 1.5 hours each way on the boat the Bare Island (bring a jacket and hat, it's chilly on the boat). It was amazing to arrive and be able to spend almost 30 minutes watching a large flatback turtle backfill her nest and crawl back out to the sea! We were then able to release a few "runts" who they held on to a few days to help make them stronger. Lastly, we dug up an already exited turtle nest to count the eggs and perform their research. It was an excellent way to spend a morning! Also, there is free parking at the end of the pier.

Magnificent experience in a stunning location

The Turtle Tracks trip with Sea Darwin was an amazing experience! We were fortunate enough to see two females come onto the beach. Watching the turtles make their way to shore, dig their nest and then lay eggs was such a privilege. We also had the opportunity to release a hatchling to begin its long journey to the ocean. Our guides, Dion and Shannon provided a wealth of knowledge about the turtles and the research being done to protect the Flat Back turtles. Finishing up the trip with a dinner on the boat made for an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend the Turtle Tracks trip with Sea Darwin.

Nature at its best

Fantastic trip. Knowledgeable guides, beautiful sunset, turtles the highlight. Thought the boat ride would be too long but the time just flew.

Wonderful trip - beyond our expectations, Thanks Sam and Betty

We booked this hoping for an interesting trip and maybe a sight of a turtle. What we got was a wonderful trip, great people to look after us, turtles, turtles, turtles - a million star night. To start, the team are so friendly and well organised. The boat is wide and comfortable and the trip across to the island so smooth. Loved the short break for some crisps and a cool drink. On the island, we had a safety briefing and a general orientation and history of the island. Then off to see if we could see turtles. While our group sat quietly hoping one would decide tonight was the night to lay her eggs, the energetic and enthusastic Betty roamed off to see if she could find turtle tracks. A call over the 2way to Sam and off we went. Betty had not only found a nest, she was digging down to help the stranded babies who weren't able to get out!!! We eagerly gathered around and one by one, 8 of us were handed little new hatched turtles to hold. They are so sweet, but because some had died in the nest it was rather smelly. No matter!! We compared babies and held them gently in our hands ready for release. Then! A head popped up out of the water and down we all sat again to wait quietly for the new mother to make her way up the beach and lay her eggs. Once we had witnessed this and watched her go back to sea, we released our little babies to the sea. A wonderful and awe inspiring experience. Sam and Betty really know their stuff and were able to help us feel a part of the whole turtle scientific research team. On the ride home, a full moon and glassy sea along with a yummy bento box of chicken and salad with a few wines certainly kept us all quiet, I may have even had a small nap. We would have happily booked and gone again the next night if we weren't flying out.

David Attenburough moment with turtle nesting

Fantasic would describe it well. A bit of a boat trip out to the island. But a comfortable ride. The sunset and setting was perfect, with a meal and drink provided. However the highlight has to be following turtle tracks to a nest and seeing mumma turtle laying her eggs.....magical, and a priiledge. We were able to watch several and learn about them under guidence of a marine biologist. Unfortunately we did not see any hatchlings, but maybe another trip. Some of our trip fees go to turtle research, so a great cause. As we walk some distance on soft sand, and climb sand dunes, people with walking problems may find parts difficult.