The short answer
Bali Sea Turtle Society: what visitors should know first
Visit if you are in Kuta from about May to October and children or grandparents would enjoy a release. Expect queues and no guaranteed schedule, so treat it as a bonus rather than a fixed plan.
History and context
The story behind Bali Sea Turtle Society
The society was established in 2001 by I Wayan Wiradnyana to protect nesting turtles and campaign against illegal trade in eggs, meat and shells, according to Now Bali. It is based on Jalan Pantai Kuta and works on Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and neighbouring beaches.
Useful facts
Bali Sea Turtle Society facts at a glance
- Location
- Jalan Pantai Kuta, on Kuta Beach
- Species
- Olive ridley turtle
- Founded
- 2001, by I Wayan Wiradnyana
- Nesting patrols
- About March to September
- Hatchling releases
- About May to October
- Visitor rule
- Join organised releases; do not handle hatchlings
Why it matters
Why Bali Sea Turtle Society is worth your time
The society was founded in 2001 by I Wayan Wiradnyana, a local man who campaigned against the illegal trade in turtle eggs, meat and shells. Its work began on Kuta Beach and spread to Legian, Seminyak and beyond. Olive ridley turtles nest on Kuta and Sanur beaches.
For visitors it offers a rare chance to see community conservation up close and to teach children about wildlife and plastic waste. Responsible participation, which means no touching, no flash and a donation if you can, helps keep the programme going.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Hatchling release
Visitors can join organised releases in season.
- 02
Hatchery work
Eggs are relocated to a central hatchery to protect them from predators and people.
- 03
Conservation story
A local campaign against illegal trade turned into a community programme.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Check the society's website or social channels on the day, since release times are announced at short notice and sources give different typical timings. Arrive early, as tourists often queue and take a number for a place in the release.
Follow staff instructions. Hatchlings are placed on the sand and head to the sea themselves; handling them for photos can harm them. The society's own aim is to protect turtles from the effects of tourism, so listen to the briefing and ask questions about nesting.
Between March and September the society patrols for nesting mothers and relocates eggs to a hatchery; from May to October eggs hatch, and from November to February staff monitor and rescue turtles stranded with rubbish during the west wind season.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check the society's channels for release times
- Arrive early and bring water and a hat
- Do not touch or pick up hatchlings
- Donate if you can
- Avoid flash and loud noise
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Jalan Pantai Kuta, on Kuta Beach
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours including waiting
- Best time
- Hatching and releases run from about May to October; check for current releases
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The beach is flat but soft sand and queues can be tiring; bring a hat and water and take a seat while waiting.
- Tickets and access
- Releases are described as free volunteer events with donations welcomed, but sources vary and times change; confirm on the society's own channels. Never touch or grab hatchlings.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Bali Sea Turtle Society
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The beach is flat but soft sand and queues can be tiring; bring a hat and water and take a seat while waiting.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When can I see a turtle release in Kuta?
Hatchlings are typically released from about May to October, but times vary; check current announcements.
Is there a fee?
Sources describe releases as free with donations welcome, but confirm locally.
Can I hold a hatchling?
No; the society asks visitors not to handle them.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
