It’s easy to love turtles. We’re not too proud to admit we’ve spent way too much time on YouTube watching funny videos of turtles munching watermelon or harassing other pets via skateboard.
On World Turtle Day, (Friday May 23, 2025) it is comforting to learn that one of our favourite Caribbean destinations is also firmly in the corner of our snapping, napping friends. Antigua and Barbuda takes turtle conservation seriously: through initiatives like the Antigua Sea Turtle Project (ASTP), the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), and AB Sea Turtles, tourism stakeholders and community members present a united front in protecting nests, patrolling beaches, and limiting the impact of tourism on habitats.
It isn’t just sea turtles that need protecting, though. Right off the coast of Antigua, Laviscount Island is home to the largest Aldabra Giant Tortoise Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Accessible by private tour, visitors (under the watchful eye of local experts) can interact with over 50 of these majestic, prehistoric creatures. It’s a charming, sustainable way to make a direct contribution to the continued protection of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
These gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 5 feet and tip the scales at over 600 pounds. Don’t be intimidated by their size: as long as you respect their space, their mellow demeanour makes them completely safe and adorable to observe. What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? You’ll have to ask your knowledgeable guide and report back to us.
These slow-moving herbivores can teach you a lot about the relaxed island life of Antigua. While you’ll have a lot of time to plan your expedition to see them (they live for up to 200 years!), there’s no time like the present. Many local tours offer either standalone or bundle packages that will take you to Laviscount, including Adventure Antigua.
Visit https://adventureantigua.com/ to learn more about Laviscount Island and start planning your visit with the Aldabra tortoises.
