Turtle Islands Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Turtle Islands. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Turtle Islands, Sierra Leone offers remote beaches, mangroves, fishing villages and seasonal sea-turtle nesting amid the Atlantic coast’s quiet waters.

Island Landscapes and Marine Life

Turtle Islands is a small, remote archipelago off Sierra Leone’s southern coast, where low sandy islands, mangrove-fringed channels and open Atlantic water create a landscape shaped by tides, fishing and seasonal weather. The islands lie beyond the country’s more frequently visited coastal settlements and are reached by boat rather than by road, making the journey itself an important part of the experience. Beaches and shallow coastal waters provide habitat for marine life, while several islands are associated with nesting sea turtles, particularly during the season when females come ashore to lay their eggs. Responsible observation is essential, since artificial light, noise and disturbance can affect nesting turtles and hatchlings.

Communities and Coastal Traditions

The archipelago is not an urban resort and has limited visitor infrastructure. Small fishing communities depend on the surrounding sea, tidal creeks and coastal resources, with daily life closely connected to weather, boat access and the availability of fish. Visitors should expect a quiet, basic environment rather than a choice of conventional attractions, restaurants or nightlife. The character of Turtle Islands lies in its remoteness, its broad beaches, its mangrove and sandbar scenery, and the opportunity to understand a marine landscape through local knowledge.

Exploring the Archipelago

Trips are best planned through an experienced local contact or conservation-oriented organisation, with arrangements for boats, food, accommodation and permission confirmed in advance. Conditions can change quickly, and the islands’ limited communications and services make self-sufficient preparation important. Activities may include boat exploration, beach walks, birdwatching, fishing-related cultural encounters and carefully managed turtle monitoring when such work is authorised. Turtle Islands is most rewarding for travellers seeking a low-key coastal expedition and a closer view of Sierra Leone’s living marine environment rather than a conventional beach holiday.

When is the best time to visit Turtle Islands?

Best: January–March · 32–33°C

Best 32° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 24.5°C, High: 32°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm J

Best 32° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 24.7°C, High: 32.3°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 5.5 mm, High: 15.5 mm F

Best 33° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 24.9°C, High: 32.6°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 6 mm, High: 16 mm M

33° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 25.1°C, High: 32.9°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 6.5 mm, High: 16.5 mm A

33° Temperature Range for MayLow: 25.3°C, High: 33.2°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 7 mm, High: 17 mm M

34° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 25.5°C, High: 33.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 7.5 mm, High: 17.5 mm J

34° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 25.7°C, High: 33.8°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 8 mm, High: 18 mm J

34° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 25.9°C, High: 34.1°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 8.5 mm, High: 18.5 mm A

34° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 26.1°C, High: 34.4°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 9 mm, High: 19 mm S

35° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 26.3°C, High: 34.7°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 9.5 mm, High: 19.5 mm O

35° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 26.5°C, High: 35°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 10 mm, High: 20 mm N

35° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 26.7°C, High: 35.3°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 10.5 mm, High: 20.5 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	32	10
February (best)	32	11
March (best)	33	11
April	33	12
May	33	12
June	34	13
July	34	13
August	34	14
September	34	14
October	35	15
November	35	15
December	35	16

Getting to and around Turtle Islands

How to get there

Turtle Islands have no road, railway station or airport, and access is by boat from coastal settlements on mainland Sierra Leone or from nearby island and estuarine communities. The practical route depends on the precise island, sea conditions and the local boat arrangements available at the time of travel. Visitors commonly organise the journey through a Sierra Leone-based guide, conservation contact or experienced local boat operator, rather than arriving independently. Overland travel from Freetown or another mainland base may be needed before the water crossing, and travel time can vary substantially with tides, weather, boat type and the landing point.

Transportation

Movement within Turtle Islands is primarily by small boat, canoe or on foot along beaches and village paths. There is no conventional public transport network linking the islands, and channels, sandbanks and tidal conditions can make routes changeable. Boat travel should be arranged with people familiar with local waters, with suitable flotation equipment and a clear plan for returning before conditions deteriorate. Walking is practical for short explorations but may involve soft sand, mud, heat and uneven surfaces. Visitors should not assume that every island, beach or channel can be reached safely at all states of the tide.

Best attractions in Turtle Islands

The principal attractions of Turtle Islands are its low, sandy shorelines, quiet Atlantic beaches, tidal channels and mangrove-fringed coastal scenery rather than built visitor facilities. Boat journeys between islands reveal shifting sandbanks, mudflats and open-water horizons, while walks through settlements offer a respectful glimpse of fishing life and fish-processing traditions. During the nesting season, selected beaches may provide opportunities to observe sea turtles or hatchlings through authorised conservation activities, although sightings are never guaranteed and access can be carefully controlled. The surrounding shallows and creeks are also of interest to birdwatchers and visitors attentive to coastal wildlife, but the islands should be approached as a living environment rather than an open-air attraction complex. Their remoteness, limited infrastructure and reliance on local guidance are part of the experience, with weather, tides and conservation requirements determining which beaches and channels can be visited on a particular day.

Island

Moot

Explore the hidden beauty of Moot Island, a serene escape in Sierra Leone with pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

Show more attractions

Explore Turtle Islands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best shops in Turtle Islands

Shopping on Turtle Islands is extremely limited and is centred on everyday village needs rather than a formal retail offer. Visitors may encounter locally caught or processed fish, small household provisions and occasional handmade items, but availability, quality and payment arrangements vary between communities. The most meaningful purchases are likely to be modest products connected with coastal life, provided they are acquired with permission and without buying protected wildlife, eggs, shells or other natural materials. There are no established shopping streets, craft quarters or dependable permanent markets across the archipelago. Visitors should buy specialist supplies, toiletries, batteries, snacks and other essentials before the boat journey, while broader shopping is best handled in mainland towns or larger settlements used as gateways to the islands.

Island

Moot

Explore the serene beauty of Moot Island in Sierra Leone, a tranquil paradise perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Turtle Islands, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Turtle Islands essentials

Currency and Payment

Sierra Leone’s currency is the new leone, abbreviated SLE. Turtle Islands have very limited commercial infrastructure, and card payments, cash machines and reliable banking facilities should not be expected. Obtain sufficient local currency before travelling from the mainland, while keeping money protected from water and humidity during boat journeys. Some pre-arranged accommodation, boat or guiding costs may be settled through a mainland contact, but payment arrangements should be confirmed in advance. Small notes can be useful for local purchases, although visitors should not assume that every settlement can provide change.

Safety

The main practical concerns are remoteness, changing Atlantic weather, boat travel, tides, heat, insects and limited access to medical assistance. Use a reputable, locally knowledgeable boat arrangement, wear appropriate flotation equipment and avoid travelling in poor conditions or after dark unless a responsible local operator has assessed the journey. Remain away from unstable banks, deep channels and unfamiliar water, and take care on hot, soft or uneven beaches. Mobile coverage may be intermittent, so share an itinerary before departure and carry essential medicines, drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent.

Emergency Situations

Sierra Leone’s national emergency arrangements can be reached through 999, while police assistance is commonly associated with 019; visitors should confirm current numbers with their accommodation or mainland contact before travelling. On Turtle Islands, response times may be extended because medical facilities, roads and rescue infrastructure are not close at hand. For any incident, provide the island or village name, a visible landing point, the boat route and the direction of travel, then contact the mainland organiser or local community representative immediately. Serious medical or maritime emergencies may require evacuation by boat, subject to weather and availability.

Do's and Don'ts

Respect village life, ask before photographing people and follow local guidance about beaches, landing places, fishing activity and culturally important areas. Do not touch nesting turtles, handle hatchlings, use bright lights near the shore at night or leave litter on beaches and in mangroves. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never remove shells, eggs, plants or other natural material. Avoid entering boats, homes or working areas without permission, and dress modestly in settlements. Treat conservation rules as binding where they are posted or explained, even when enforcement arrangements are informal.

Local Tips

Use a mainland gateway with dependable local contacts and allow flexibility for tide and weather delays rather than planning a tightly timed excursion. Ask in advance whether an authorised turtle-monitoring opportunity is taking place, since nesting activity is seasonal and access may be restricted. Pack all essentials, including reusable water containers, waterproof bags, power banks and a head torch with a red or low-intensity setting. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally more comfortable for beach and village walks, while local fishers can provide the most useful advice about channels, currents and landing conditions.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Sannu	[sa-nu]
Goodbye	Deh wahala	[deh wa-ha-la]
Yes	Eh	[eh]
No	Aa	[aa]
Please/You're welcome	Abeg	[a-beg]
Thank you	Tenki	[ten-ki]
Excuse me/Sorry	Sori	[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 understand	Ah nor sabi	[ah nor sa-bi]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Ah go lek see di menu, abeg	[ah go lek see di me-nu, a-beg]
I don't eat meat	Ah nor dey eat meat	[ah nor dey eat meat]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[cheers]
I would like to pay, please	Ah go lek pay, abeg	[ah go lek pay, a-beg]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
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 lost	Ah loss	[ah loss]
I'm ill	Ah sick	[ah sick]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ah go lek buy...	[ah go lek buy]
I'm just looking	Ah jus di luk	[ah jus di luk]
How much is it?	How moch e cost?	[how moch e cost]
That's too expensive	E too cost	[e too cost]
Can you lower the price?	Yu fit redi di cost?	[yu fit re-di di cost]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Na wich time?	[na wich time]
It's one o'clock	Na one o'clock	[na one o'clock]
Half past (10)	Half past (10)	[half past (10)]
Morning	Morning	[morning]
Afternoon	Afternoon	[afternoon]
Evening	Evening	[evening]
Yesterday	Yestade	[yes-ta-de]
Today	Today	[today]
Tomorrow	Tomoro	[to-mo-ro]
1	1	[1]
2	2	[2]
3	3	[3]
4	4	[4]
5	5	[5]
6	6	[6]
7	7	[7]
8	8	[8]
9	9	[9]
10	10	[10]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
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

A Coast Shaped by Sea and Sediment

Turtle Islands are part of Sierra Leone’s low-lying Atlantic coastal environment, where waves, tides and river-borne sediment have formed sandy shores, mudflats, tidal channels and mangrove habitats. Unlike a mountain or inland archaeological landscape, the archipelago’s physical character is continually influenced by erosion, deposition and seasonal marine conditions. These processes have shaped both the islands’ settlement patterns and their importance to wildlife, particularly species that require quiet sandy beaches for nesting.

Maritime Communities and Fishing Life

Human history in the archipelago has been connected to Sierra Leone’s wider coastal world, where communities have long used canoes, tidal waterways and offshore fishing grounds to move between settlements and obtain food. The islands’ small communities developed around fishing, fish processing and related shore-based activities rather than large-scale agriculture or urban commerce. Local knowledge of currents, landing places, seasons and marine resources remains central to daily life, while the distance from major roads has helped preserve a distinctly maritime character.

Colonial Coast and Changing Connections

During the colonial period, Sierra Leone’s coastline was incorporated into wider systems of administration, commerce and maritime movement centred on ports and river estuaries. The remote islands did not become major colonial towns, but their waters formed part of the coastal environment used by fishing communities and small boats. In the modern era, improvements to mainland roads and communications have not removed the archipelago’s dependence on water transport, and access remains governed more by tides, boats and weather than by formal transport infrastructure.

Conservation and Turtle Protection

The islands’ modern significance increasingly rests on the relationship between coastal livelihoods and the protection of nesting sea turtles and other marine wildlife. Conservation groups and local partners have worked in Sierra Leone to improve awareness of turtle nesting, reduce disturbance and encourage community participation in protecting beaches. Such work is especially important in a landscape where fishing, settlement, beach use and wildlife habitat overlap. Conservation arrangements can vary between islands and seasons, so visitors should follow local guidance rather than treating every beach as freely accessible at night.

Turtle Islands in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Turtle Islands, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Moyamba District

Explore Moyamba District in Sierra Leone for Mende heritage, rural landscapes, Njala, market towns and the fishing coast around Shenge.

Explore Moyamba District

More of the country

Explore more of Sierra Leone

Discover Sierra Leone, a West African treasure with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, rich history, and vibrant cultures, offering unforgettable adventures and warm hospitality.

Explore Sierra Leone