Loggerhead turtle
From late November to March, the beaches of Cape Vidal become a nursery, and the loggerhead is one of the two ancient species that haul themselves out of the surf on summer nights to lay their eggs above the tideline. Some of these turtles have crossed whole oceans to nest on the very beach where they hatched.
Later in the season, if you are lucky, you may see the reverse: a scramble of hatchlings no bigger than your palm making their frantic dash for the water.
When and where to see them
Nesting happens after dark between November and March, and the only way to witness it is on a guided turtle tour with a licensed guide who knows how to find a nesting female without disturbing her. It is strictly protected, and rightly so: no lights, no flash and no touching.
More marine life
Dolphins
Working the backline at first light
Humpback whale
Winter migrants passing remarkably close inshore
Leatherback turtle
One of the largest reptiles alive, nesting on these beaches