I went to this place with some friends and the owner told us he randomly collects freshly hatched turtles from the beach and puts them into the basin. The turtles then stay there until they’re 6 or 7 years old. The owner claims he then releases them. Animal wellfare guidelines state that turtles in captivity should be released at the age of 1 year. The tanks are really small and dirty, people were touching the turtles and there were some animals in isolation (see photos). There were some dead animals in the tanks. All in all this really hasn’t earned the name “sanctuary”, it’s more like a tourist trap. The owner doesn’t care about turtle well-being at all, it seems he just wants to make money. No recommendation at all

The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary on northeastern Bequia Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, was founded in 1995 to assist in the conservation of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Hawksbill turtles have been hunted almost to extinction for their meat, eggs, and shells. The turtles are hatched, raised, and eventually released at Old Hegg.

This was an extremely interesting place to visit. I have never seen so many turtles in one place. It was great to see the baby ones. The man who runs the Sanctuary clearly has a genuine passion for what he does. It is a good idea to get an open air taxi to see the Sanctuary as it is an extremely scenic drive.

If you know much about biology, genetics and conservation, you will realize these guys totally miss the mark and are likely damaging the wild population of these endangered turtles. They are very outspoken about getting your money to enter the place and support their derailed cause that misses the mark.

The idea of rescuing injured turtles and helping small ones to grow up is defenetly a good thing! Seeing way too many turtles in a too small and unnatural pool - bitting themself and maiming their back fins - just trying to escape - is not ok. Hopefully it will change soon ....

A place to see for sure when on the island, they are saving hundreds of turtles. They brings them in as eggs, after they hatch they care for them for 7-8 years until they are able to care for themselves and they send back into the ocean. They even had a 22 yo turtle who was mentally challenged and unable to survive on its own that they kept in the sanctuary Don’t forget to donate some money as this is totally personal and not governmental driven

Nice place to learn about turtles and to relax and play with the turtles. Great staff from the local area and they have great know about Bequia and St Vincent. They have turtle talks and explain about the different types of turtle and their habitat.

Great little place, $6 entry fee which goes towards the upkeep of the place. It is a little run down, no doubt because of the lack of tourists going. I hope it can stay open and keep helping the turtles! Go visit and support :)

The sanctuary is basically a horror house for turtles now. A few years ago I visited and the guy who started the sanctuary (Orton King) gave us a full tour and explained everything about what he does in great detail. On this trip I found out Mr King was unwell and the guys running the sanctuary basically knew less about turtles than the visitors. One of them even mentioned to me that the hawks bill turtles are the tastier species. The tanks were dirty as well. Mr King usually kept the sanctuary very clean and was very well informed on his operation. Terrible experience this time around.

We were there for a recent visit. The small turtles clearly had fungus growing on their eyes. The owner wasn’t there but another man took money from me and I told him it was for four he then also took money from my son and didn’t tell him I had paid. This should be discontinued or at least better supervised

A worthy cause, and a delight to see these incredible creatures up close and hear about their plight, and the care that goes in to maintaining the local population.

Not sure if they are helping or hurting the turtles. It's nice seeing the turtles up close new management has the place in disrepair

Very cool experience. The owner is a very nice guy. The turtles are in a very safe environment

An okay place and I got to try and touch one of the grown turtles. Warning: you’re not allowed to touch bathe baby turtles for obvious reasons. But cool and all if you wanna see a place where they safe turtles and keep them until they can swim again. :)

A nice scenic drive along the mountain to get to the sanctuary. Upon arrival we were met by Dwight who looks after the rescued turtles. From babies to adults you can see the turtles at all different stages...A small operation but a necessary one. Keep up the dedication.

This is the only turtle sanctuary in the world!!! A must see!!! Visit costs xcd15 per adult.. (fee goes towards upkeep) see turtles up close and understand what it takes to keep them safe and keep this sanctuary going.. PS: this is located in INDUSTRY BEQUIA

Terrible facility that is doing much more harm than good. I am a professional animal welfare consultant and this place is the opposite of a sanctuary: animals are being unnecessarily taken from the wild and then re-released after years in captivity- something that should be avoided at all costs as animals in this situation rarely survive once released and can introduce disease into wild populations. In addition, these turtles are kept in inhumane conditions - some in solitary confinement - in completely barren, moldy and inadequate concrete enclosures. Most were in need of medical attention, were unmoving or exhibiting stereotypical behaviours. I was told they are kept for six years and then released, being fed dead fish (not an appropriate diet) and will most surely die very quickly if released after experiencing such unnatural and deplorable conditions for so many years. Please do not support this place with a visit and steer clear of exposing your kids to this type of animal cruelty. While the intent may once have been or may even continue to be well intentioned, this is a terrible place for turtles.