Oman's turtle reserve readies for nesting time rush

Muscat: It is always thrilling to watch a sea turtle crawl into the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary at night and dig a large hole in the sand to lay eggs.
Photos: Nesting time at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
With the annual nesting season for sea turtles just getting under way (April to August), authorities are taking steps to protect the sandy beaches of the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary. While this is the peak season for turtle nesting, the weather in this area is just perfect, it is not so hot.
The authorities have asked people not to get too close, shine lights on, or take flash photos of the nesting sea turtles. “However, visitors can take photos when they go for turtle watching during the Dawn Tours after sunrise, confirmed Vijay Handa, cluster general manager, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which is part of the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary.
From April through the end of October, around 15,000 sea turtles will land in the Ras Al Hadd sanctuary to lay eggs.
With the sanctuary hosting one of the largest nesting aggregations in the world, this becomes an opportunity for residents and visitors to play an important role in conserving these long-living reptiles. “Take care when you’re on a beach at night and do not disturb the nesting sea turtles,” said the head of the Guiding Department at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Centre, Nasser Zadjali.
He also said: “People can help save threatened and endangered sea turtles by giving them enough space and privacy to safely and successfully lay their eggs. It’s as simple as keeping the required distance and avoiding bright lights or taking flash photos of the nesting sea turtles.”
Zadjali had previously worked with Bahwan Travels for around 11 years and currently he has been with the Nature’s Reserve for over eight years. “He has been selected as the head eco-guide for the second time. He has the rich experience of leading a team of 22 eco-guides/ assistant guides as he is ready with all the answers regarding turtles,” said Handa.
Watching green turtles nesting on the seafront, with only the roaring waves breaking the eerie silence under the moonlit night sky, is an out-of-world experience at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. “However, it is advised to book in advance as only a limited number of visitors are allowed on a daily basis,” he added.
Despite travelling for more than 250 kilometres from Muscat, many people return without seeing these turtles as they forget to book in advance with the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – which is being managed by the National Omani Hospitality Co. (Dhiaffa), a subsidiary of Omran, and is owned by Ministry of Tourism.
For the convenience of the visitors, the reserve also offers 31 accommodations,19 carapace rooms at the centre and 12 luxury eco-tents, located on a hilltop nearby.