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PAY A VISIT TO PARADISE ISLAND’S HIBISCUS LAGOON
Paradise Island’s Hibiscus Lagoon is an incredible underwater world; a meandering home to Green sea turtles Chelonia mydas, Hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata, Triggerfish, and Bermuda chubs Kyphosus sectatrix. It represents a special opportunity for vacationers to explore breathtaking marine habitats and visit these exotic marine animals. Access to all Atlantis marine habitats and Aquaventure Waterpark are FREE for guests staying at the resort. Passes may be purchased by day visitors, but availability is limited – and may be closed – during periods of high resort occupancy.
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MARINE LIFE IN RESIDENCE
Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Queen Triggerfish, Bermuda Chub
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Green Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles gorge on sea grasses and algae. Their strictly vegetarian diet turns their body fat green while their shell is olive brown to black. Like cows, these turtles have specialized bacteria that break down the plant material so it can be digested. Mature female green sea turtles leave their underwater pastures to reproduce every two to four years and migrate thousands of miles back to the beaches where they hatched.
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Basking on the Beach
Unlike most sea turtles that swim near the shallow water’s surface to warm themselves, green sea turtles will catch rays by basking on the beach. Occasionally seen in the company of albatrosses and seals, green sea turtles are one of the few marine turtles that leave the sea other than for nesting.
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Nurturing Nests
Green sea turtles get a head start at Atlantis. About every two years, females will lay 300 to 600 eggs that our Aquarists unearth and place in replica nests in our Fish Hospital. In about 60 days, after the sea turtles hatch, Atlantis Aquarists take the young out to the beach and release them.
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Hatching in Concert
Female green sea turtles crawl up on the beach and dig a pit in the sand where they will lay 100 to 200 eggs and then return to the ocean. Incubation takes about two months, and the young use an egg tooth to break free from the shell. Hatchlings emerge from the nest together and make their way to the sea. Many young are consumed by predators on land, such as birds and crabs, and by sharks and other fish once they enter the water.
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