So it was Day 3 of my time on Nosy Komba. I am on the beach on my own. I step in to that beautiful warm water of the Indian Ocean, strap on my snorkel and swim – finless- to a position about 30 metres from the shore, and there he was.

My first Green Turtle and a large one, approx 1.5metres long feeding on the seabed in about 6 metres of sand filled water.

I was so surprised to see him and just about to swim over his position so I decided to swim off to the side, circle around and come back. Only to see his flippers disappear off in to the sandy haze.

I was elated. So elated. No photographic evidence this time. Pic here thanks to roberto- lopez- unsplash, but I recognise the friendly face.

Although, from land I have seen many turtles coming up for air, to date this is the only turtle I have seen in the water. A situation I still hope to change as I work my way up the northern tip of the mainland.

My bigger disappointment ; not doing the daily trips to the nest sites, nor the night patrols. Before coming here I had geared up with a red night torch and waterproof gear for nights sleeping on the beach. The sad reality is that the Turtle beach on Nosy Komba is no longer viable as a nesting beach. Affected by light and noise pollution coming from increased human activity. Maybe even we – the people here to protect them – are contributing to this impact.

In my limited exposure to conservation, I learn how things were in the past, and how they could be. If the gap between these two things closes I feel radiant and energised. If this gap widens, I feel sad and disappointed. If I feel I am contributing, in any way, to this widening gap, I feel sick to my stomach and I can’t function.

I have not functioned so well for the last 10 days.

But…..up at 5.30am this morning, to the crescendo of bird song, to catch the first morning boat service back to Nosy Be. A little earlier than planned I want to start new adventures, but first just a couple of days of solitude and to recharge the batteries!

View from my beach towel. Belle- Vue, Nosy Be.