Local Ocean Conservation (Turtle Rescue)

Kenya's only sea turtle rehabilitation centre, and one of the most emotionally powerful experiences you can have in Watamu. Since 1997, Local Ocean Conservation has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles — working hand-in-hand with local fishermen who are paid to release turtles accidentally caught in their nets instead of keeping them. It's conservation that actually works, and you can see it up close.

What You'll Experience

A guided tour (approximately 1 hour) through the rehabilitation facility. You'll see hawksbill and green sea turtles in various stages of recovery — some with injuries from fishing nets, others recovering from boat strikes or plastic ingestion. The guides explain each turtle's story, the rehabilitation process, and the broader challenges of marine conservation. There's also a mangrove nursery on-site where seedlings are grown for replanting along the coast.

The Turtle Release

If your timing is right, you may be able to participate in releasing a fully recovered turtle back into the Indian Ocean. Reviewers describe this as one of the most moving experiences of their trip. Releases happen when turtles are medically cleared — they can't be scheduled, which makes witnessing one all the more special. Follow their social media for release announcements.

The Beautiful Irony

If you visit and the rehabilitation tanks are empty, that's actually the best possible sign — it means every turtle has been successfully treated and released. An empty tank is a conservation victory. The staff will happily explain this, and the education centre and mangrove nursery are worth visiting regardless.

Practical Info

Open Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM. Closed Sundays. Suggested donation: KES 1,000 ($7.76). Located on Turtle Bay Road. Excellent for families — children are fascinated by the turtles, and the educational component is outstanding. Phone: +254 703 705342. Website: localocean.co.