Turtle Islands Excursions

Out of all the tourist destinations in Sierra Leone, the Turtle Islands stand out as what can justifiably be described as a lifetime experience. The natural beauty of these seven islands—with pristine sandbars dotted with coconut trees against turquoise waters—is utterly surreal. The few people who live in this remote, highly inaccessible region have beautifully preserved their heritage. Their traditional way of life is essential to their survival in this isolated environment, where resources are scarce and access to the outside world is highly complex. Visiting communities that have kept their traditions intact through time requires a deeply responsible approach and discretion from the visitor. Not all islands are open to outsiders, and those reserved exclusively for ancestral traditions must be left off the itinerary.

Banana Island has emerged as the premier base for Turtle Island expeditions for two good reasons. First is its proximity: the travel distance from Banana Island to the Turtle Islands is almost half of what it would be from Freetown. Cutting down on fuel costs and travel time allows for more elaborate touring within the archipelago itself. The funds saved on fuel are put toward the essential logistics of an overnight stay, including tents, cooking equipment, and bottled water. Sightseeing becomes much more comprehensive with a two-night, three-day program, which gives travelers the time needed to truly absorb the serenity of the islands, let alone delve respectfully into the culture of their people.

The second reason Banana Island serves as the main launchpad is the accumulated experience of its operators. As the most frequent operators on this route, the skippers and crew have developed the precise skills required to navigate the treacherous, shifting sandbanks between the islands. More importantly, they have cultivated a deep ethos for interacting with this fragile pocket of cultural preservation—a vital quality for such a unique destination.

For more information on Turtle Islands expeditions, please email  [email protected] or visit the region’s primary Turtle Islands operators