Ocean Spirits Leatherback Sea Turtle Volunteer Project, Grenada

Useful Information about Grenada – the Spice Isle

Grenada is one of the most unspoilt gems of the Caribbean.  It is not only comprised of stretching white sand beaches and glistening oceans, it also supports beautiful lush tropical forest in its interior.  There are many local secret spots that are worth looking out for.

The island plays host to one of the major leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the Caribbean with hundreds of nests laid each year.  In fact, between 700 and 1000 nests are laid at Levera Beach – Grenada’s main nesting site – where the majority of our research takes place. The beach is only 700m in length which makes it an ideal research site, with high-density nesting (10+ activities per night during peak season).

Background of the Programme – Ocean Spirits

Despite important progress, marine turtles continue to face severe threats. Working together with local communities, government departments and, international and regional organisations, Ocean Spirits aims to protect the place of sea turtles in Grenada’s uniquely vibrant biodiversity.

It is a registered, non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Grenada and is a member and Country Co-ordinator of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST).  From its inception in 1999, Ocean Spirits have focused primarily on the conservation of marine turtles found in and along Grenada’s coastal waters and beaches.

As a result of the tagging programme, we have documented the interchange of tagged turtles from neighbouring islands (and one from Panama, more than 1,200 miles away!) and vice versa.  This information is vital when we consider the varying legislation and international boundaries this species cross during their lifetime.

Life as a Volunteer in Grenada!

This video features our Project Manager telling us about the work of the Research Assistant volunteers on Levera Beach where the leatherback sea turtles come to nest every year.