Where do turtles come from? Where do they go? What do they eat?
All these questions and more will be answered when PhD researcher Natalie Dos Santos (@natsdossantos) visits Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre on Saturday, 31 October at 10am, to share her first-hand experience of sea turtle research as part of Crocworld’s ongoing Conservation Talk programme.
The talk will give guests an insight into the latest research being conducted along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, including fascinating underwater footage showing how researchers catch, tag, and track turtles as part of an ongoing acoustic telemetry study.
“We’re thrilled to continue growing our Conservation Talk programme with topics that connect our visitors with the incredible biodiversity found both around Crocworld and along our coastline,” says Susan Badat, Manager of Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre.
“Natalie’s work offers a fascinating opportunity to learn more about sea turtles and the important research being done right here on our doorstep. It’s exactly the kind of informative and engaging experience we want these talks to provide.”
Going beneath the surface of sea turtle research
Dos Santos is a PhD student at Nelson Mandela University who has spent the past eight years working with sea turtles. Her experience began on the nesting beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern Zululand before shifting towards the comparatively understudied foraging grounds along South Africa’s east coast.
Her PhD research investigates the ecological roles played by sea turtles on reefs, looking at where the animals originate through genetics, population numbers, movements, and feeding behaviour.
“I’ll share some background in the talk but it will be focused on the work we’re doing now to learn about their movements,” says Dos Santos. “Specifically, an acoustic telemetry study of green turtles and hawksbills on Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area on the KZN South Coast”
Turtle Talk Event Details
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 10am
Venue: Fish Eagle Café, Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre, Scottburgh
Cost: R150 per person
Includes: Conservation Talk, breakfast, tea, coffee or juice
Bookings: Essential
RSVP: By 26 October 2026 to crocworld@cbl.co.za
Located on the KZN South Coast, the centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about wildlife through talks, animal encounters and educational experiences, while its expanding trail network, Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, and Fish Eagle Café add further dimensions to the visitor experience.
Call 039 976 1103 | Visit www.crocworld.co.za | Follow Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook and Instagram.
FAQs about Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre Talk
1. What is the Crocworld Talk about?
The October Conservation Talk will focus on sea turtle research, particularly the movements and ecology of green turtles and hawksbills on Aliwal Shoal.
2. When is the Crocworld turtle talk?
The talk takes place on Friday, 30 October 2026, at 10am at Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre. Bookings are essential and must be made by emailing crocworld@cbl.co.za by 26 October 2026.
3. Who is presenting the sea turtle talk?
The talk will be presented by Natalie Dos Santos, a PhD student at Nelson Mandela University who has spent eight years working with sea turtles.
Sunday Dining at Fish Eagle Café
Crocworld’s Fish Eagle Café has a monthly Sunday lunch buffet to enjoy. This delicious lunch is hosted on the last Sunday of the month and is a great excuse for a family outing in a stunning coastal setting. Please note that a booking and deposit are required by Thursday to secure a table.
Date: Last Sunday of the month Times: 11am to 3pm Venue: Fish Eagle Café, Crocworld Conservation Centre Cost: R180 per adult | R100 for children (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 order from the kiddies menu. No takeaways allowed. Booking by Thursday Essential: ndlamini@cbl.co.za | Call 039 815 0169
Saturday Buffets at Fish Eagle Café
Crocworld’s Fish Eagle Café also has Saturday morning breakfast buffets hosted on select Saturdays during the month. This scrumptious meal is a great way to start any weekend!
Dates: 22 August | 5 and 19 September | 3 and 17 October
Times: 9am to 11.30am
Venue: Fish Eagle Café, Crocworld Conservation Centre
Cost: R150 per adult | R75 for children U12
Bookings Essential: ndlamini@cbl.co.za | Call 039 815 0169
Crocworld Adventure & Conservation Centre forms part of the 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct (RCP), which consists of lifestyle developments, Renishaw Hills and the newly launched Restilridge Farm Estate. Further plans for the precinct include a private school, hospital, recreational facilities, shopping centre, hotel, and light industrial zone, with 80% of the land preserved as conservation space. For more information, visit www.renishaw.co.za.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Crocworld.
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