Itsamia Turtle Beach
Itsamia
A community-protected beach at the island's southeastern tip, where green turtles come ashore almost every night. Follow village guides for night turtle watching and see hatchlings heading to sea at dawn.
Itsamia is a remote fishing village at the southeastern tip of Mohéli. In 1991, villagers founded the ADSEI association to protect sea turtles. Today it is one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in the western Indian Ocean, and hawksbill turtles also come ashore. Turtles can be seen year-round, with peak season from April to August, especially May to July, when dozens may come ashore in a single night. Night visits must be led by association guides, at about 2,500 Comorian francs per person. White torches and flash photography are prohibited, so keep quiet and maintain a respectful distance from the turtles. In the morning, you may sometimes see hatchlings crawling toward the sea. Beside the beach is a small Turtle House exhibit. The association-run beachside cottages offer lodging and meals, and the association can also arrange snorkeling trips to Mzachaka islet and hikes to Lake Boudouni. A turtle festival is held every year on May 28. The journey from Fomboni takes about 1.5 hours by car.
Opening hours
Night viewing requires a guide (after sunset)
Nearby sights
- Lake Dziani Boudouni
- Mohéli Highland Forest (Mlédjélé)
- Mohéli Marine Park (Mohéli National Park)
- Fomboni
- Nioumachoua Islets
- Ouallah Beaches