Les Hattes beach, part of the Amerindian commune of Awala-Yalimapo in northwestern French Guiana, is one of the world's most important nesting sites for the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest living reptile on Earth. The beach lies within the Réserve Naturelle de l'Amana, a protected coastal zone managed jointly by French national conservation authorities and the Kali'na Amerindian community, which has maintained a custodial relationship with the nesting turtles across generations. From Cayenne, the beach is approximately 300 kilometres west — first along the N1 coastal highway to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (3.5 hours), then north on the coast road to Awala-Yalimapo (50 kilometres, 45 minutes). Car rental is essential as no public transport covers the final approach. The considerable distance makes this a minimum two-day overnight excursion rather than a day trip from Cayenne; most travellers overnight in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and drive to Awala-Yalimapo the following morning. Leatherback turtles nest at Les Hattes from approximately April through August, with females emerging at night to excavate nests and lay clutches of up to 100 eggs. Peak nesting density typically occurs in June and July, when hundreds of females may emerge on a single favourable night. Hatchlings emerge from buried nests and make their way to the sea from July through September. All visits to the active nesting beach must be conducted under the supervision of Kali'na community guides, who manage access through the Awala-Yalimapo community tourist service. Night walks begin after 21:00; sightings are probable during peak season but cannot be guaranteed on any single night. Strict protocols protect the animals: white lights and flash photography are prohibited on the nesting beach, and visitors must follow the guide's instructions throughout. Only red-filtered torches are permitted. The Awala-Yalimapo village has a small museum on turtle biology and Kali'na cultural heritage, basic guesthouses, and limited food options. Dawn hours during July to September sometimes bring the spectacular sight of hatchlings emerging from nests and instinctively orientating toward the sea.
How to get there
- Car rental (€30/day) — drive N1 through Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Awala-Yalimapo
Location
Awala-Yalimapo, 97319 French Guiana
5.7651, -53.9315 View on map
Highlights
- Leatherback sea turtle nesting on one of the world's most significant nesting beaches for this endangered species
- Guided nocturnal beach walks led by Kali'na Amerindian community guides
- Hatchling emergence in dawn hours during July to September — turtles instinctively making their way to the sea
- The Réserve Naturelle de l'Amana: protected Atlantic coastal habitat and mangrove ecosystems
- Cultural encounter with the Kali'na community of Awala-Yalimapo and their village museum
Tips for visiting
- Plan an overnight stay in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to avoid the 300-kilometre drive on the same day as the nocturnal beach walk
- Visit during the June to July peak nesting period for the highest probability of turtle sightings on any given night
- Flash photography and white lights are strictly prohibited on the nesting beach — bring a head torch with a red-light setting only
- Book guided walks through the Awala-Yalimapo community tourist office in advance, especially during the June to August peak season
- Bring insect repellent for the nocturnal beach walk; mosquitoes and biting insects are intense near the coastal mangroves
When to visit
April through August for nesting female turtles; July through September for hatchling emergence. June and July represent the absolute peak of nesting activity. Night visits are obligatory — there is no turtle nesting activity during daylight hours.
Accessibility
The Les Hattes beach walk involves moving on soft sand at night, which is physically demanding for visitors with mobility limitations. The terrain is uneven and tiring even for fully mobile visitors. The Awala-Yalimapo village and community museum are more accessible, but the nocturnal beach walk is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide compulsory for visiting the turtle nesting beach?
Yes. All visits to the active nesting zone are conducted under the supervision of Kali'na community guides. Independent access to the beach during nesting season is not permitted. Tours are arranged through the Awala-Yalimapo community tourism service.
When is the best time of year to see turtles nesting?
The peak nesting season for leatherbacks at Les Hattes runs from April through July. June and July see the highest density of nesting females. Hatchlings emerge from nests and head to sea from July through September.
Can visitors photograph the turtles?
Photography is permitted in ambient light without flash. White lights of any kind are prohibited on the nesting beach as they disorient both nesting females and emerging hatchlings. Only red-filtered torches are allowed.
How is this trip best structured from Cayenne?
The recommended structure is: Day 1 — drive Cayenne to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (3.5 hours), visit the Camp de la Transportation, overnight in Saint-Laurent. Day 2 — drive north to Awala-Yalimapo (50 km, 45 min), visit the village museum, join the nocturnal beach walk after 21:00.
What should visitors bring for the nocturnal beach walk?
Essential items include a head torch with a red-light setting, effective insect repellent, long trousers and long sleeves for the coastal insects, comfortable closed-toe shoes for sand walking, and water. The walk can last one to three hours depending on turtle activity.