A Night at Ras al Jinz Beach

During the summer holiday, my family drove to Ras al Jinz, near Sur, to see the sea turtles. We had booked the evening tour a month before, because only a small number of visitors are allowed each night.

At nine o'clock, a guide took our group to the beach. It was completely dark, and we were not allowed to use our phones or cameras. The guide explained that bright lights can confuse the turtles. We walked slowly and quietly behind her.

After about twenty minutes, she stopped and pointed at the sand. A huge turtle was digging a hole with her back flippers. We watched as she laid her eggs, one by one. Then she covered the hole with sand and slowly went back to the sea.

On the way back, my sister asked the guide how many eggs the turtle had laid. 'About a hundred,' the guide answered, 'but only a few of the babies will grow up.' I felt sad, but I also felt lucky to see something so special.