Protecting Sea turtle Nesting Season

Two days ago, after a routine dive at our Swahili Nurseries to clean algae from the coral structures, we spotted the lifeless body of a massive green turtle floating beside our boat.

With care, we towed him, likely around 80 kg in weight, behind the boat and brought him ashore. Rangers from Diani Turtle Watch quickly responded to our call. After their inspection, the cause of death became clear: the turtle had been struck by a jet ski. Distinct propeller wounds on his underside and bleeding from the nose confirmed a high-speed collision — a tragic, but preventable, accident.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated event. Jet skis, while popular with some tourists, pose a real risk to marine life. Their high speed, sharp turns, and underwater noise can disturb and injure turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife that live in or surface near the reef. This is especially concerning now — we are currently in sea turtle nesting season, when females come ashore to lay their eggs, and increased disturbance at sea can interfere with their behavior.

For this reason, we strongly discourage jet skiing in the waters around the Diani-Chale National Marine Reserve, particularly during critical breeding and nesting months. A seasonal restriction on jet ski use could make a real difference in protecting endangered species during these sensitive periods. We encourage visitors to choose eco-friendly marine activities like snorkeling, diving, or paddleboarding, which allow to experience marine life without endangering it.

The death of this majestic turtle is a sad reminder that our choices on the water have real consequences. Let’s keep our reef safe, for its creatures and for future generations. Diani’s reefs are a treasure — not just for their beauty, but for the life they support. As a community and as visitors, we can all help by choosing low-impact ocean activities and encouraging others to do the same. Let’s protect what makes this place so special — together.