Turtle Islands: Sierra Leone's Hidden Paradise

Discover the Turtle Islands in Sierra Leone: A secluded paradise with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rich marine life. Perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

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Turtle Islands

The Turtle Islands, located off the coast of Sierra Leone, are a group of eight idyllic islands known for their untouched beauty and serene environment. These islands are perfect for travelers seeking a secluded getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery offer a picturesque landscape that is both relaxing and rejuvenating. Visitors to the Turtle Islands can enjoy a range of activities, from snorkeling and fishing to exploring the local culture. The waters surrounding the islands are teeming with marine life, making it a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. Fishing is also a popular activity, with local fishermen often willing to share their traditional techniques with visitors. For those interested in cultural experiences, the islands are home to small fishing communities that welcome visitors with warm hospitality. One of the most unique aspects of the Turtle Islands is their commitment to eco-tourism. The local communities work hard to preserve their natural environment and promote sustainable tourism practices. This dedication ensures that the islands remain a pristine paradise for future generations to enjoy. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, the Turtle Islands offer an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Sierra Leone's natural beauty.

Local tips in Turtle Islands

Bring cash as there are no ATMs or card facilities on the islands.
Pack eco-friendly sunscreen to protect the marine life.
Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the fishing communities.
Arrange transportation in advance, as getting to the islands can be tricky.
Carry basic medical supplies, as healthcare facilities are limited.

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When is the best time to go to Turtle Islands?

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

River No 2 Beach

Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of River No 2 Beach, a hidden gem on Sierra Leone's stunning coastline.

Cotton Tree

Discover Cotton Tree, a historic landmark in Freetown that symbolizes resilience and freedom, deeply rooted in Sierra Leone's rich cultural heritage.

Visit Sierra Leone (VSL Travel)

Discover the beauty and culture of Sierra Leone with personalized tours from VSL Travel, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

Lakka Beach

Discover the enchanting beauty of Lakka Beach, a serene destination in Sierra Leone, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable experience.

Bureh Beach

Discover the pristine beauty of Bureh Beach in Sierra Leone, where golden sands meet azure waters for an unforgettable tropical escape.

Banana Islands

Explore Banana Islands: A serene escape in Sierra Leone with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures waiting for tourists.

Freetown Central Mosque

Discover the tranquil beauty and cultural significance of Freetown Central Mosque, a must-visit landmark for every traveler in Sierra Leone.

Banana Island

Experience the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of Banana Island, a tropical paradise in Sierra Leone perfect for relaxation and adventure.

St. John's Maroon Church

Discover the spiritual and cultural richness of Freetown at St. John's Maroon Church, a historic landmark showcasing the Maroon heritage.

Outamba Kilimi National Park

Discover the breathtaking biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Outamba Kilimi National Park in Sierra Leone, a true nature lover's paradise.

Sherbro Island

Experience the serene beauty and rich culture of Sherbro Island, a hidden paradise in Sierra Leone, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Old Turtle Bay Beach Resort

Experience the breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere of Old Turtle Bay Beach Resort, your perfect getaway on the enchanting Banana Islands.

Town Tower

Discover the historical Town Tower of Bonthe, a stunning landmark showcasing rich architectural heritage and breathtaking coastal views.

Ricketts, Sierra Leone

Discover the pristine beauty and serene landscapes of Ricketts Island in Sierra Leone, a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Monuments and Relics Commission

Explore Sierra Leone's heritage at the Monuments and Relics Commission, where history and culture come to life in the heart of Freetown.

Unmissable attractions to see

Sherbro Island

Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Sherbro Island, a hidden paradise in Sierra Leone perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the natural wonders of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for diverse wildlife and adventure in Sierra Leone.

Nyangei

Explore the serene beauty of Nyangei Island, a tranquil escape in Sierra Leone offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

Gefechtsstützpunkt und Kanonen bei Old Wharf

Explore the rich history and stunning views at Gefechtsstützpunkt und Kanonen, a must-visit monument in the scenic Banana Islands.

Moot

Explore Moot Island: A hidden gem in Sierra Leone with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and endless adventure awaits every traveler.

Essential places to dine

Mamba Point Hotel Restaurant Lagoonda

Discover exquisite dining with breathtaking ocean views at Mamba Point Hotel Restaurant Lagoonda in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Gigibontà Ice Cream and Pizzeria

Discover delightful Italian ice cream and authentic pizzas at Gigibontà near Lumley Beach in Freetown - a must-visit for every traveler.

Crown Bakery

Discover authentic Sierra Leonean flavors at Crown Bakery, where fresh ingredients meet traditional recipes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Crown Xpress

Discover the culinary delights at Crown Xpress in Freetown, where local flavors meet international cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

Bliss Restaurant

Discover culinary delights at Bliss Restaurant in Freetown – where local flavors meet international cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.

Olba Restaurant

Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Olba Restaurant in Freetown - where culinary excellence meets breathtaking ocean views.

LOR Resturant

Experience the best of local and international cuisine at LOR Restaurant in Freetown - a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Swan restaurant & Grill

Discover exquisite flavors at Swan Restaurant & Grill in Aberdeen - where local cuisine meets international flair amidst Freetown's vibrant atmosphere.

Ruri's Restaurant

Discover Ruri's Restaurant in Bo - where local flavors meet international cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Bafa Resort

Discover Bafa Resort: A beautiful retreat on Banana Island offering stunning views, fresh seafood dining, and thrilling fishing adventures.

Leo Restaurant & Cafe

Experience fine dining with breathtaking ocean views at Leo Restaurant & Cafe in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

D's Bazaar

Discover authentic Sierra Leonean cuisine at D's Bazaar in Freetown - where vibrant flavors meet local culture.

Old Turtle Bay Beach Resort

Experience paradise at Old Turtle Bay Beach Resort - where relaxation meets adventure on Banana Islands.

Fataya On The Go

Discover authentic fast food flavors at Fataya On The Go in Freetown - where every bite takes you on a culinary adventure.

Menyeleh's Beach Bar and Restaurant

Discover tropical flavors at Menyeleh's Beach Bar and Restaurant on Bureh Beach - where culinary delight meets stunning ocean views.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Freetown Mall

Discover local flavors and everyday essentials at Freetown Mall, a vibrant supermarket experience in the heart of Sierra Leone.

SaloneBuy

Explore SaloneBuy, Freetown's innovative e-commerce destination for unique products, advertising solutions, and dynamic business opportunities.

vip Fashion store

Explore Freetown's VIP Fashion Store for unique styles and local craftsmanship, where fashion meets culture in an exquisite boutique experience.

Bonthe Fresh Market

Explore the Bonthe Fresh Market – a vibrant showcase of Sierra Leone's local produce, culture, and community spirit.

Hawawa Boutique Freetown SL

Discover unique fashion and local craftsmanship at Hawawa Boutique, a must-visit destination in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for unforgettable souvenirs.

Banana Divers Sierra Leone

Dive into adventure at Banana Divers in Sierra Leone, where stunning marine life and unforgettable experiences await every diver.

Rickma Fishing Company Limited

Discover the ideal fishing gear and local expertise at Rickma Fishing Company Limited, your gateway to unforgettable fishing adventures on Mama Beach.

MINITITI LUMLEY

Explore the vibrant world of fashion accessories at MINITITI LUMLEY, Freetown's hidden gem for unique and stylish finds.

Wesley Enterprises Restaurant

Experience the delightful flavors of local baking at Wesley Enterprises Restaurant, a cozy bakery in Mo-Konkodu with fresh pastries and a warm atmosphere.

Misspreneur SL Ltd

Explore Misspreneur SL Ltd in Freetown for the best in home improvement, furniture, and interior design, showcasing local craftsmanship and unique styles.

The Family Enterprise

Discover The Family Enterprise in Yo - your local pharmacy for health essentials and community connection.

Kinsmen Enterprise

Discover Kinsmen Enterprise in Bonthe, your reliable local pharmacy for health essentials and personalized service.

Manowa Drugstore

Discover essential health and wellness products at Manowa Drugstore in Bonthe, a reliable pharmacy for travelers and locals alike.

Abass And Sons Drgu Store

Discover Abass And Sons Drug Store in Bompetok for all your pharmaceutical needs—where health meets community care.

Bonthe District Fisheries

Explore Bonthe District Fisheries, where local fishing culture meets sustainable practices in a vibrant community setting.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Mamba Point Hotel Restaurant Lagoonda

Experience the rich flavors of Sierra Leone at Mamba Point Hotel Restaurant Lagoonda, where exquisite dining meets stunning ocean views.

Gigibontà Ice Cream and Pizzeria

Experience the best of Italian cuisine and artisanal ice cream at Gigibontà, a vibrant eatery by Lumley Beach in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Roy Hotel & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant flavors of Freetown at Roy Hotel & Restaurant, where delicious cuisine meets stunning beach views for an unforgettable dining experience.

Olba Restaurant

Experience the essence of Mediterranean dining at Olba Restaurant in Freetown, where every meal is a delicious escape.

Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant

Discover the perfect blend of breathtaking views and exquisite dining at Roof Garden Bar & Restaurant in Freetown.

LOR Resturant

Experience the vibrant taste of Sierra Leone at LOR Restaurant, where local flavors meet international cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Leone sky bar

Experience breathtaking views and vibrant nightlife at Leone Sky Bar, the ultimate rooftop destination in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

KOLOLI Bar & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant culinary scene at KOLOLI Bar & Restaurant, where Sierra Leonean flavors meet a lively atmosphere in Freetown.

Remedy Hangout Bar

Discover the lively nightlife of Freetown at Remedy Hangout Bar, where vibrant music, delicious drinks, and unforgettable memories await.

Mamz Beach Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views at Mamz Beach Bar, the perfect coastal retreat in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Leo Restaurant & Cafe

Discover exquisite dining at Leo Restaurant & Cafe, where local flavors meet international cuisine along the stunning Lumley Beach in Freetown.

DeVillage Beach Bar & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant flavors and breathtaking views at DeVillage Beach Bar & Restaurant, a beachfront gem in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Menyeleh's Beach Bar and Restaurant

Experience the perfect blend of local flavors and breathtaking ocean views at Menyeleh's Beach Bar and Restaurant on Bureh Beach.

Vanity

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Vanity Lounge in Freetown, where relaxation meets entertainment in a stylish setting.

Whatsapp Bar and Night Club

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Whatsapp Bar and Night Club in Freetown, where music, drinks, and dance create unforgettable experiences.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Turtle Islands

Discover Turtle Islands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases about Turtle Islands

- HelloSannu
  [sa-nu]
- GoodbyeDeh wahala
  [deh wa-ha-la]
- YesEh
  [eh]
- NoAa
  [aa]
- Please/You're welcomeAbeg
  [a-beg]
- Thank youTenki
  [ten-ki]
- Excuse me/SorrySori
  [so-ri]
- How are you?How di bodi?
  [how di bo-di]
- Fine. And you?I dey kam
  [i dey kam]
- Do you speak English?Yu sabi tok English?
  [yu sa-bi tok in-glish]
- I don't understandAh nor sabi
  [ah nor sa-bi]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh go lek see di menu, abeg
  [ah go lek see di me-nu, a-beg]
- I don't eat meatAh nor dey eat meat
  [ah nor dey eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
- I would like to pay, pleaseAh go lek pay, abeg
  [ah go lek pay, a-beg]
- Help!Ehlp!
  [ehlp]
- Go away!Nor kam ya!
  [nor kam ya]
- Call the Police!Kol polis!
  [kol po-lis]
- Call a doctor!Kol doktor!
  [kol dok-tor]
- I'm lostAh loss
  [ah loss]
- I'm illAh sick
  [ah sick]
- I'd like to buy...Ah go lek buy...
  [ah go lek buy]
- I'm just lookingAh jus di luk
  [ah jus di luk]
- How much is it?How moch e cost?
  [how moch e cost]
- That's too expensiveE too cost
  [e too cost]
- Can you lower the price?Yu fit redi di cost?
  [yu fit re-di di cost]
- What time is it?Na wich time?
  [na wich time]
- It's one o'clockNa one o'clock
  [na one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [half past (10)]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYestade
  [yes-ta-de]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomoro
  [to-mo-ro]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Wey...dey?
  [wey...dey]
- What's the address?Wetin be di address?
  [we-tin be di ad-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Yu fit show mi (pan di map)?
  [yu fit show mi (pan di map)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wen di nex wan dey kam?
  [wen di nex wan dey kam]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

History of Turtle Islands

Long before European explorers set foot on the Turtle Islands, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, primarily the Sherbro people. These tribes relied on the rich marine resources and fertile lands for sustenance, practicing fishing, farming, and trading with neighboring communities.
In the 15th century, Portuguese navigators were among the first Europeans to explore the West African coastline, including the Turtle Islands. The Portuguese influence can still be seen in some of the region’s architecture and cultural practices. They named the area 'Ilhas das Tartarugas', meaning Turtle Islands, due to the abundance of sea turtles.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Turtle Islands played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. European traders established temporary forts and trading posts on the islands, where enslaved Africans were held before being shipped to the Americas. The islands' strategic location made them a crucial point in this dark chapter of history.
In the 19th century, Sierra Leone, including the Turtle Islands, came under British colonial rule. The British influence brought changes in governance, education, and infrastructure. The islands served as a base for British anti-slavery patrols, which sought to intercept illegal slave ships.
The Turtle Islands are steeped in local legends and folklore, many of which have been passed down through generations. Stories of mythical sea creatures, ancient spirits, and legendary heroes are an integral part of the islands' cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the rich oral traditions of the Sherbro people.
Today, the Turtle Islands are a serene and relatively untouched destination, known for their pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and traditional Sherbro villages. The islands are a testament to the resilience of their inhabitants, who have preserved their unique culture and way of life despite the many historical changes.

Turtle Islands Essentials

The Turtle Islands are located off the coast of Sierra Leone. The closest major city is Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. From Freetown, you can take a boat or ferry to the Turtle Islands. Regular boat services are available from the Government Wharf in Freetown, and the journey typically takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Private boat charters are also available for a more personalized experience.
Once on the Turtle Islands, transportation options are limited. The islands are small and can be easily navigated on foot. For inter-island travel, local fishermen often provide boat services. It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance through your accommodation or a local guide. There are no cars or public transport systems on the islands, so walking and boating are the primary modes of transportation.
The official currency in Sierra Leone is the Leone (SLL). The Turtle Islands have very limited banking facilities, and credit cards are generally not accepted. It is essential to carry sufficient cash for your entire stay. Currency exchange can be done in Freetown before you depart for the islands. Make sure to carry small denominations, as it can be challenging to get change for large bills.
The Turtle Islands are generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always prudent to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious when swimming, as there are no lifeguards, and currents can be strong. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities on the islands are limited.
In case of an emergency, contact your accommodation provider or a local guide immediately. There are limited medical facilities on the Turtle Islands, so it is crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For serious medical issues, you may need to be transported back to Freetown. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 999, but response times may vary due to the remote location.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in villages. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable due to the tropical climate. Avoid wearing overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. The majority of the inhabitants are Muslim, so be considerate in your behavior and dress. Public Transport: Do be patient and respectful when using local boats. Punctuality is often flexible. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake. It is polite to ask about someone's well-being. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Always wash your hands before eating. Don't waste food, as resources can be limited.
To experience the Turtle Islands like a local, engage with the community and participate in daily activities such as fishing and cooking. Visit the local markets to buy fresh seafood and handmade crafts. Take time to learn about the traditional ways of life and the history of the islands from the elders. Respect the environment by not littering and supporting eco-friendly practices.

Turtle Islands: Sierra Leone's Hidden Paradise

Local tips in Turtle Islands