Four Seasons Resort Nevis and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Celebrate 20 Years of Sea Turtle Conservation

Four Seasons Resort Nevis and the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the world’s oldest sea turtle research and conservation organization, are proudly celebrating 20 years of collaboration dedicated to protecting the endangered sea turtles that nest along Nevis’ shores.

Since the partnership began in 2006, Four Seasons Resort Nevis has worked hand in hand with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, as well as the Nevis Turtle Group, to support groundbreaking research, satellite tracking, education, and on‑the‑ground conservation efforts focused primarily on the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle, as well as green and leatherback turtles. Together, the organizations have helped advance scientific understanding of sea turtle migration while fostering conservation awareness among guests, residents, and future generations.

This partnership with Four Seasons Resort Nevis stands as a powerful example of what long‑term conservation collaboration can achieve,” says David Godfrey, Executive Director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. “For 20 years, this work has helped unlock critical insights into the lives of hawksbill sea turtles while also inspiring guests, families, and local communities to play an active role in protecting these endangered animals.”

Two Decades of Impactful Research and Protection

Over the past 20 years, the partnership has tracked more than 30 sea turtles nesting on Nevis, using satellite telemetry to follow their post‑nesting migrations across the Caribbean. These efforts have revealed that hawksbill turtles travel far greater distances than once believed — some journeying more than 2,600 kilometres (1,615 miles) from Nevis to the coasts of Central America.

The data collected through this long‑term project has informed regional conservation strategies and helped researchers better understand migratory routes, foraging habitats, and the threats facing hawksbill turtles throughout the Caribbean. One turtle released from Nevis was tracked for six consecutive years, underscoring the value of sustained research partnerships in protecting long‑lived marine species.

Equally important, Four Seasons Resort Nevis has implemented turtle‑friendly lighting, protective nest management protocols, and resort‑wide environmental policies designed to safeguard nesting beaches and hatchlings, demonstrating how luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can thrive together.

“What makes this collaboration truly special is its longevity and depth,” added David Godfrey, Executive Director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. “From satellite tracking that reveals migratory routes across the Caribbean to sustained education and outreach, this partnership demonstrates how science and stewardship can drive meaningful change for a species fighting for survival.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Education has been a defining pillar of the collaboration, as evidenced by the ongoing educational Kids Camps and outreach programs, reaching more than 1,200 local children and resort guests with hands‑on marine biology experiences, conservation lessons, and direct engagement with turtle monitoring efforts.

Through these programs, participants gain a deeper understanding of sea turtle life cycles, the challenges these animals face, and the role communities play in ensuring their survival.

Tour de Turtles and Global Engagement

Nevis has also played a role in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s internationally recognized Tour de Turtles, a migration “marathon” that allows the public to follow sea turtles’ journeys in near real‑time via satellite tracking. Each Nevis turtle in the program helps raise awareness about critical threats such as climate change and the illegal tortoiseshell trade, bringing global attention to conservation challenges that directly affect Caribbean ecosystems.

Guests and turtle enthusiasts around the world can continue to follow tracked turtles online, connecting Nevis’ nesting beaches to a global audience and reinforcing the island’s role in marine conservation.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

With only an estimated 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, the need for sustained conservation remains urgent. As Four Seasons Resort Nevis and the Sea Turtle Conservancy mark this 20‑year milestone, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to protecting sea turtles through research, education, community engagement, and responsible tourism.

What began as a collaborative research initiative has evolved into a model partnership; one that demonstrates how science, hospitality, and community can come together to protect one of the ocean’s most iconic and endangered species.

“At Four Seasons Resort Nevis, caring for our environment is inseparable from caring for our guests. And, for 20 years, our collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy has allowed us to offer guests an opportunity to connect with conservation in a deeply personal way,” said General Manager, Avi Phookan. “This anniversary is not just a reflection on how far we’ve come, but a commitment to what lies ahead. We are proud to support these important efforts to ensure sea turtles will continue returning to Nevis for generations to come.”

Guests interested in joining the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s 20th Anniversary visit to Nevis, taking place July 21–24, 2026, are encouraged to contact the Resort directly for details on accommodations, availability, and participation. Guests may also take advantage of the Island Breakaway offer, which includes complimentary airport transfers along with special savings on dining, spa and wellness experiences, golf, tennis, and pickleball throughout their stay. To book or learn more, visit the Four Seasons Resort Nevis website, email reservations.nev@fourseasons.com, or call 869 469 6238.