One of our values is respect – for our team, our guests, and our planet. Since Half Moon’s inception in 1954, we have pioneered ecological programs, which led to our resort becoming the first hotel to be inducted into the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference Green Hotel Hall of Fame.

Our environmental and social commitment practices are verified by Green Globe; we are truly proud to be stewards of our environment, our country, and our region and our planet. Environmental consciousness is a part of who we are. Our Beaches are home to marine life, including the sea turtle - in particular, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Through our sea turtle program, we continue to invest in our environment through sustainable practices and education.

The 2022-23 nesting season ended in April with 54 nests, 7,245 eggs, and 6,023 viable hatchlings who successfully made it to sea. The total number of hatchlings over the past two years is just over 11,000. The 2023-24 season commences on April 18, 2023, and to date we have so far observed and cared for 8 nesting of Hawksbill turtles.

COMMON NAME: 
Hawksbill sea turtles

SCIENTIFIC NAME: 
Eretmochelys imbricata

TYPE: 
Reptiles

DIET: 
Carnivore

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 
30 to 50 years

SIZE: 
24 to 45 inches

WEIGHT:
150 pounds

Hawksbill sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtle population in the world. Female Hawksbill turtles return to the same nesting grounds they were born to lay their eggs. Nesting begins when the turtles leave the sea to lay their eggs. They migrate long distances to nest, which are normally on tropical beaches. They lay anywhere from 130 to 160 eggs and cover their nest before returning to the sea. Typically, eggs will hatch in about 60 days. The most dangerous time of their lives is when hatchlings make the journey to sea, while they’re prey to crabs and birds. 

This is where Half Moon plays an important role in the sea turtles’ safety. By being present at the time of hatching, guests and staff increase the chance of survival for these tiny beings, allowing us to contribute to the protection of the most endangered sea turtle population in the world.

Through our partnership with Oracabessa Marine Trust, Half Moon offers staff training in the sustainability of our environment to preserve marine life. Staff who are trained are also licensed as wardens through the National Environment Planning Agency (NEPA), allowing us to enforce regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act, to create habitats for new life.

The above-estimated dates are calculated at 55 - 65 days. Actual release dates will be provided 2 days prior to the potential dates provided.