In the mid-Atlantic, Ascension Island hosts one of the densest green turtle nesting aggregations on Earth, where up to 25,000 females may crawl ashore in a single season on remote beaches like Long Beach and Pan Am Beach. Access is expedition-only via RAF airbridge from the UK or limited scheduled flights, and the island enforces strict conservation protocols with licensed guides for night nesting walks between December and May. This is one of the planet's most remote and scientifically significant turtle rookeries.
In the mid-Atlantic, Ascension Island hosts one of the densest green turtle nesting aggregations on Earth, where up to 25,000 females may crawl ashore in a single season on remote beaches like Long Beach and Pan Am Beach. Access is expedition-only via RAF airbridge from the UK or limited scheduled flights, and the island enforces strict conservation protocols with licensed guides for night nesting walks between December and May. This is one of the planet's most remote and scientifically significant turtle rookeries.
Up to 96% sighting chance in Ascension Island: Long Beach (South Atlantic). Best months: January, February, March.
December through May is the nesting window, with January through March delivering the densest nightly haul-outs and up to 96% sighting probability on licensed night walks.
Access is limited to RAF airbridge seats from Brize Norton, UK, or occasional scheduled flights via St Helena. Visitors must arrange permits and accommodation well in advance.
No. Night beach access requires licensed guides and conservation authority approval. Independent turtle viewing is prohibited on protected nesting beaches.
Permits, accommodation, and guided turtle programmes typically run 2,500 to 5,500 GBP per person for a one-week visit (2026 prices), excluding flights.
Ascension supports one of the world's largest green turtle nesting populations, with females migrating thousands of kilometres from Brazilian feeding grounds to this mid-Atlantic island.
