Turtle Walk Chennai
Turtle walks are one of the most unique experiences where you get to witness nature in its raw form, especially considering that this happens in one of the metro cities of India.
I have been to beaches many times, but during these walks, I have been lucky enough to notice a few minute details.
The beaches are much calmer at night. The waves, when receding, look much sharper, something that is only noticeable if you walk along the shore and observe the reflections. The thump sound of the local fishermen boats pushing against the waves towards the sea can be clearly heard at 3:30 a.m. The artificial lights glare more than the natural moonlight. I often wonder how irritating this must be for the turtles when they come to the shores for nesting. It feels as if we are bullying the moon, yet we switch off all the lights when his brother, the sun, arrives in the morning.
Sudden patches of seashells appear along the shore. The most important is that only at this time can I walk barefoot along the shoreline, with waves hitting me now and then, without worrying about getting sunburnt. It is also a good time to have conversations with friends if you came in a group, where adult life have cornered everyone to spend less time with your friends. The sea can feel cold and warm at the same time.
These are the small nuances I felt during the night walk.
Overview of the Walk
The walk usually starts at midnight with a Q and A session, where we sit on the beach sand at Neelankarai Beach. The volunteers answer questions related to turtles, the walk, conservation efforts, and more.
If you have an inquisitive mind and lots of questions, feel free to ask. This helps make the entire experience more engaging for everyone.
After about an hour of interesting conversations, the actual walk begins. The route is from Neelankarai Beach to the Adyar Estuary, covering roughly 8 km.
The usual pattern of the walk.
Two volunteers walk ahead to look for turtle tracks. The rest of the group follows with a gap of about 500 meters or a few minutes.
This gap ensures the volunteers ahead have enough time to identify turtle tracks and locate nests. Two more volunteers usually walk along with the group, answering questions as we proceed.
When a Nest Is Found 🥚
If a nest is discovered, the volunteers show the tracks left by the mother turtle and begin digging for the eggs.
Only volunteers are allowed to handle the eggs.
On average, there are more than 100 eggs, which are carefully relocated to a hatchery. The hatchlings are usually released into the sea about 45 days after the nesting day, which you can later visit and witness the little ones send off too. ( You can also volunteer at the hatchery )
How to Be Part of the Public Walk
The Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) is a voluntary group mainly comprising students and young adults. They have been working along the beaches of Chennai since 1987, focusing on conservation and awareness of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle.
You can visit their website for more information. https://sstcn.org/
To register for a walk, send an email to sstcnchennai@gmail.com asking when the slots are available.
The Walk happens during the Weekends Friday and Saturday Night.
Make sure to read the full FAQ section. https://sstcn.org/faqs/
The Do’s
Be punctual or arrive a little early, but do not be late.
The night can be chilly, so wear warm clothes if you are sensitive to the cold. Sweaters and caps work well.
Carry some light snacks or fruits in case you get hungry.
Try to engage with the group and follow the volunteers instructions.
The Don’ts
During the Q and A session, do not chit chat with your friend's. You will have plenty of time to talk during the walk.
If you bring snacks with plastic wrappers, do not litter the beach.
Maintain a safe distance from the scout volunteers.
Personal Suggestions
It is better to park your car or bike near Besant Nagar Beach and take a cab or auto to Neelankarai Beach. Once the walk ends, you can return to your vehicle and leave comfortably.
If you ever feel exhausted or unable to continue, feel free to leave midway. Walking on beach sand can be tiring, and there is no compulsion to complete the walk till the end. You can always visit the hatchery separately to watch the hatchlings being released into the sea.
Personally, I find walking along the shoreline better than walking on dry sand, as the sand is firmer and more stable. I usually carry my sandals and walk barefoot along the shore. If you are comfortable, you can try this too, though it may not suit everyone. It is definitely more fun.
You might think of this walk as something to tick off a bucket list, but I would also suggest considering volunteering. Dedicating some time to help the community is truly fulfilling.
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