Kélonia, sea turtle observatory

46 Rue du Général de Gaulle, 97436 Saint-Leu
Website – Tel: 02 62 34 81 10.
Full/reduced price: €9/€6. Free for children under 4.
Open daily: 9 am to 6 pm.
Audio-guides available in 6 languages. Rental charge: €2.
Guided tours: Kélonia offers 4 guided tours a day at no extra charge at 10 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm and 4 pm.

Kélonia is an environmental awareness center dedicated to marine turtles, with 1,500m³ of seawater-fed tanks, educational and scientific facilities and 1,500m² of outdoor space.

Kélonia is also a very active scientific observatory, taking part in research programs to protect sea turtles and their habitats on Réunion Island and in the Indian Ocean. It is equipped with a laboratory and an infirmary-nursery where injured or sick turtles (you may be lucky enough to observe baby turtles) are taken to be released back into the sea once they have recovered.

The museography area is particularly interesting for young visitors, thanks to its many interactive animations. An observation tower allows visitors to get up high and contemplate the aquatic ballets of these peerless swimmers.

In addition, Kélonia invites you to discover the many uses for turtle shells, which lasted right up to the 20th century, illustrating the place of the turtle in human society through time and place.

Last but not least, Kélonia has its own boutique, a showcase for local crafts, offering a unique selection of sea turtle-related items and “eco-citizen” products.