My wife is an amateur herper and we are looking to see some sea turtles--any island preference for this--that is also not too touristy, but still has some nice places to stay and eat?
Also, what is the best season?

I saw far more sea turtles in Hawaii than anywhere in the Caribbean...

I've been fortunate enough to snorkel with sea turtles twice. Both times were in the British Virgin Islands. The first time was when I honeymooned on Guana Island and I saw them on a couple of days right off of the main beach there. That was June 2003

The second time was at the beach of Long Bay East on Beef Island, Tortola. Saharabee, a frequent poster here and other boards, told me to go there to see the turtles and I was not disappointed. We snorkeled with them for about an hour before they swam off. That was July 2005.

I've heard about frequent sightings on the west coast of Barbados, but I wasn't lucky enough to see them when I was there. Grand Cayman has a turtle farm, but I don't know if you're looking to see turtles in the wild.

Jeff- My husband and I have been to St. John four times and every time have seen numerous sea turtles. We always go in February. Our favorite beach for this is Francis where you can literally sit on the beach and watch for them to come up for air and then snorkel out in that direction. It is truly amazing to hover above them!

If I recall correctly, Bequia has a turtle sanctuary.

Other than that, I've seen turtles in the waters around St. John, Virgin Gorda, Anguilla, Providencialles, St. Martin, Anguilla, Nevis & St. Kitts. The difficulty is like anything dealing with mother nature there's no way to predict if you'll find turtles on any particular day or at any particular spot.

I saw quite a few sea turtles in Akumal Mexico this fall. In fact, Akumal means turtle in Mayan. There is a turtle sanctuary there I believe. Go to locogringo.com for more info.

Bequia does have a turtle sanctuary/hatchery.

Bequia is also a beautiful, "not too touristy place with some nice places to stay and eat".

There are a couple of Bequia experts on this forum if you have other questions

Thanks. My wife's Reptile Magazine has an article about their nesting in Trinidad. That was waht I was sort of thinking of.

The Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia is run by one man. Believe it or not he has a turtle that resonds to having her shell scratched by hand. If I had not done this myself would not have believed it. Quite amazing what one person is capable of accomplishing. Many nice places to stay in Bequia. Any season is great.

Just got back from Barbados last night. We swam with turtles 2 days right off the beach at Paynes Bay. You could swim right out and a one time there were 6 all around me and they are gorgeous. I touched them numerous times. Better to go early in morning or late afternoon as the snorkel boats all stop there. I understand they are there pretty much all the time. Really great - also saw an eel right there with them and other fish

I saw sea turtles while snorkeling at Cemetery Reef in Grand Cayman.

I saw them in Hawaii and Grand Cayman when we went on the Stingray City Tour. It was awesome!!

I also hear that you can see them while snorkeling at the reef in front of Coral Garden in T&C. I'll know for sure in May!!!