Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
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Do you love turtle hunting?
There are various of bodies of water where you can find freshwater turtles in the Costa Blanca and further afield.
I have personally been turtle hunting in these locations:
In the Valencia region, there are four main species of freshwater turtle that you can see when turtle hunting:
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You can read more about them here.
For example, how to identify them, how they behave, and where exactly you can find them.
Are you ready to go Turtle Hunting in the Valencian Region?
Check out these 10 tips…
Native turtles are sensitive to noise and the presence of humans, and they will disappear into the water if they hear you approaching. They are good at jumping!
So, avoid talking In fact, it is better to go turtle hunting alone.
If the turtles are sleeping, and you don´t wake them up, then you can get a good look at them (and maybe a cool photo!)
Stay away. Use binoculars, or a camera with a good zoom function for turtle hunting, so that you can observe them from a distance, and avoid disturbing
Wake up early. Turtles are more active in the morning when they are hunting for food. Just after sunrise is a good time to start turtle hunting.
They will also be less disturbed by other people at this time.
Avoid fast-running water. Turtles like to spend time in stagnant, still, or slow-moving water. A strong current might send them spinning!
Basking time. Turtles come out of the water and rest in the sun during the warmest hours of the day, because it is beneficial to their health in various ways.
You are more likely to see them basking between 10am-3pm, during late spring, summer, and early autumn. This is prime time turtle hunting season!
Turtles love to bask on logs, rocks and branches that are protruding from the water.
I think they enjoy relaxing on their own private island.
When basking, turtles like to stack up on top of each other, if it is a good place to sunbathe.
So, what may appear to be a pile of rocks could actually be a stack of turtles!
The native freshwater turtles have colouring that is very similar the surroundings.
In particular, a European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) can easily blend in with a dark brown tree trunk!
So, if you see a suspicious (oval) shape, go and take a close look. Be curious during your turtle hunting adventures.
The non-native species have bright coloured patches behind their eyes.
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This can make them easier to see in a green/brown flowerless environment.
The native species of freshwater turtles prefer to relax in more discreet places when out of water
When you are turtle hunting, make sure to look: along the water´s edge, on hidden ledges, under hanging vegetation, between reeds or waterside plants.
Why not treat me to a coffee, and keep the adventures coming your way!
If you like paddling, then check out these 10 tips for turtle hunting while out on the water.
Planning a holiday to Tenerife?
You can swim, snorkel, kayak, travel by underwater scooter, or travel by boat to see turtles, rays, dolphins and whales…
Looking to add some thrill to your Alicante visit? An “Adventure Hunt” is the perfect activity!
Or you browse the hidden gems of the Costa Blanca on an interactive map…
Wild Child Costa Blanca
