Wildlife Photography - Hawksbill Turtle Hatchlings in Jamaica

There is a special feeling when you get to witness wildlife unfold in front of your eyes.

It wasn't the first time for me but it was for the majority of persons that got to encourage these Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings off to the water at Sandals Whitehouse in the Southwest of Jamaica. 

Located within a 500 acre natural reserve, guests at this resort get to witness many hatchlings throughout the year. Last season (April - Dec 2014), 19 Hawskbill Turtle nests were found in their beach and over 1000 turtle hatchlings were released.

These little turtles in my photographs were released into the sea at sunset, a great opportunity for me to document their journey from land to sea. The first and the last ones to make it to the water got the biggest cheers from the group of guests and staff that were there to witness this amazing experience.

Thanks to Sandals Foundation the area is now officially a Wildlife Sanctuary that helps to preserve the life of many endangered species in Jamaica including the Hawksbill Turtle. Once a nest has been identified, it is protected and monitored by the Environmental Team at the resort. The female adult returns to the same beach were it was born to lay eggs, so 16 years later the story repeats itself given the conditions remain favorable. 

First little turtle to make it to the water!

and there they go!

You can see the little black dots on the surface as the sun sets in the horizon.

Bon voyage little turtles!