Fodor's Expert Review Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Few people have the chance to see sea turtles belly-up to shore to lay their eggs and bury them in the sand, and even fewer have the opportunity to see the eggs hatch and watch the young creatures struggle down the beach to the awaiting sea. Each evening around 9 (or very early in the morning, around 4 am) visitors are able to see this phenomenon for themselves at the turtle reserve in Ras Al Jinz, about an hour to the south of Sur. There is a small turtle museum on-site, as well as a small hotel, though it is easier and more comfortable to stay in Sur and come just for the guided turtle-watching tour. It is good to note that there is often a checkpoint set up between Sur and Ras Al Jinz. The young, friendly soldiers will check your passport, driver's license, and car insurance and send you on your way, so have these documents at the ready.