WILLEMSTAD – Guests and team members at Sandals Curaçao witnessed a remarkable natural event on the evening of Wednesday, June 24, when more than 100 baby sea turtles emerged from a nest on the resort's beach and made their journey to the ocean.
To help the hatchlings safely reach the sea, employees and guests quickly formed a pathway through the sand, while Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC) was immediately contacted to assist and inspect the nest for any remaining hatchlings.
Upon examination, STCC counted a total of 129 eggs in the nest. Ten eggs had not yet hatched, while three additional hatchlings were safely recovered. This means that 119 baby turtles successfully reached the ocean — an excellent hatching rate, particularly for a relatively shallow nest. STCC also identified the species as the loggerhead sea turtle.
According to STCC, this is the first sea turtle hatching recorded in Curaçao this year and, as far as is known, the first-ever documented hatching on the beach at Sandals Curaçao. A second nest on the beach is expected to hatch within the coming two weeks, as female loggerhead turtles commonly return about two weeks after laying their first nest to lay another clutch.
Sandals Curaçao has been a longstanding supporter of Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao through the Sandals Foundation. Most recently, in 2026, the Foundation supported the continued development of the STCC Centre in Boka Sami, helping expand conservation efforts and educational opportunities for both residents and visitors. The resort also aims to offer guests the opportunity to visit the centre to learn more about sea turtles, marine conservation, and responsible interaction with marine life.
"It was an incredible surprise to experience this special moment on our own beach," said the Sandals Royal Curaçao team. "Sharing this rare event with our guests and working alongside Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao made it an unforgettable evening for everyone involved."