Fast Boat Adventure to Ngulbitjik
Travel in speed and comfort across the Timor Sea on a purpose-built vessel to remote Ngulbitjik (Bare Sand Island).
A Darwin Wildlife Journey Turtle Tracks
Turtle Tracks is a sunset odyssey for those with a spirit of adventure, and for those who want to visit the Ngulbitjik turtles, in their world and on their terms.
Eco Tourism Australia Certified
Advanced Ecotourism
Turtle Tracks Tour Highlights
Guided Turtle Nesting Encounter
Witness the incredible sight of a nesting Flatback turtle with our qualified, permitted guides ensuring a respectful and unforgettable experience.
Dinner Under The Stars
Enjoy a delicious meal and a complimentary drink aboard as you reflect on the unforgettable turtle nesting experience
Supporting Conservation with Every Ticket
Your ticket includes the Ngulbitjik permit fee and a contribution to Austurtle, supporting vital sea turtle research and conservation efforts
Ready to go? Book now
$ 369 per participant
Group Charter Prices available
Operation Dates
Turtle Tracks tours operate seasonally in line with the lunar cycle. Check out booking page for the next available tour date.
Please note: This adventure is not suited to children under the age of 8. A medium level of fitness is required to participate in this tour. The MV Olive Ridley and the MV Flatback are fast open boats exposed to the elements. This tour is not advised for people who are pregnant, or who have existing neck or back injury, or any mobility issues. Sea Darwin reserves the right to cancel or vary trips subject to weather or sea conditions.
Tour Times
Tours depart at 4pm. Tour length is dependent on turtle activity. For evening tours return times are between 10:30pm and midnight.
Tours depart and conclude at:
Dock 2
Stokes Hill Wharf
Darwin 0800
"I'm a reptile fan and this was the experience of a lifetime: watching turtles dig their nests and lay their eggs, then following them back to the water. We were particularly lucky on this trip that three females were already busy digging when we arrived an hour or so before sunset, so we were able to watch in daylight. Our skipper Captain Jim and our guides Ella, Sam and Louise were knowledgeable and friendly, and the turtles were treated with the proper respect. It's a long boat ride (though comfortable) and it's expensive, but worth it a hundred times over. "
Margaret, from the UK
About the tour Experience the turtles
Step into a world where the rhythm of nature sets the pace. Turtle Tracks is a journey to Ngulbitjik (Bare Sand Island), where the ancient cycle of nesting sea turtles unfolds under the stars. With every step on the island’s sands, you’ll witness a story millions of years in the making—one of resilience, instinct, and survival. As a proud supporter of Austurtle, 5% of your ticket price contributes to vital research, ensuring the future of NT’s Flatback turtles for generations to come.
The Journey
Your adventure begins at 4:00 pm as we depart from Stokes Hill Wharf aboard one of our fast boats, heading across the tropical waters of the Timor Sea. The warm breeze, the salt air, and the open horizon set the scene as Darwin’s skyline fades behind you. Eyes peeled for marine life, we journey past the historic Charles Point Lighthouse into Bynoe Harbour, arriving at the remote shores of Ngulbitjik just in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Ngulbitjik
With permission from the Kenbi Traditional Owners, you’ll step ashore onto this unspoiled island, where time seems to stand still. Guided by our expert "Team Turtle"—marine scientists and passionate conservationists—you’ll gain firsthand insight into the lives of Flatback and Olive Ridley turtles that return here to nest. From the sand beneath your feet to the stars above, every element of this island holds significance, woven into stories of nature, culture, and history.
Day Turns to Night
As dusk settles, the island reveals its layered past. Learn about its role in World War II, the cultural significance it holds for the Kenbi people, and its place in the turtles' migratory journey. With the sunset painting the sky, we wait in quiet anticipation, scanning the shoreline for the telltale sign of a turtle emerging from the sea to nest. It is a moment of pure wonder—one where nature leads, and we simply bear witness.
Turtle Watching
The timing of nature is unpredictable, and no two nights on Ngulbitjik are ever the same. Some evenings, a turtle may already be on the beach when we arrive, while on others, we wait as the moon rises for one to appear. Hatchlings, too, may make a rare and magical appearance, scrambling towards the water under the cover of night. While encounters can’t be guaranteed, in 2024, 96% of our guests experienced the unforgettable sight of a nesting turtle.
Leave it up to Nature
The timing of your turtle watching, dinner, and return to Darwin is dictated entirely by the turtles! Some nights, you may be fortunate enough to witness hatchlings emerge and begin their remarkable journey to the sea. Other times, the wait for a nesting mother to arrive may add to the anticipation and wonder of the experience. Whatever unfolds, nature leads the way—and we guarantee that this journey will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
A Guided, Respectful Experience
Every moment on this tour is guided by expertise and respect. Our trained guides operate under Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife’s Marine Turtle Watching Policy, ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles while maximizing your experience. A moderate level of fitness is required, as walking up to 1km on sand may be involved. But for those who make the journey, the reward is immeasurable—an encounter with one of the ocean’s most ancient mariners, a connection to country, and memories that will last a lifetime.
More than just a tour, this is a journey with purpose—one that supports conservation, honours cultural heritage, and leaves you with a deeper appreciation of the fragile beauty of the natural world.