Cuthbert Bay Beach, Andaman.
- Turtle Nesting Sanctuary in Middle Andaman

About Cuthbert Bay Beach of the Andaman Islands

Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary covers the beach and the surrounding coastal forest and grassland, all of which serve as nesting and foraging habitat for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The beach itself is several kilometres long, with a mix of open sand and areas shaded by the treeline at its back.

The Forest Department runs an active turtle protection programme here. During the nesting season, rangers patrol the beach at night, eggs are monitored, and hatchlings are released in the early morning under supervision. Visitors who time their trip correctly may witness a hatchling release, which remains one of the more memorable wildlife experiences available anywhere in the Andamans.

Outside of the nesting season, Cuthbert Bay is a peaceful, undeveloped beach with good birdwatching along the coastal forest edge and long, open walks along the waterline. The sanctuary status means commercial activity is absent, which keeps the whole area in noticeably better shape than many beaches further south.

The History of Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Why It Was Protected

Cuthbert Bay was designated a wildlife sanctuary specifically to protect its role as a major sea turtle nesting ground. The Olive Ridley, which nests here in significant numbers, is listed as a vulnerable species, and the beaches of Middle Andaman represent some of its last undisturbed nesting habitat in the Indian Ocean region.

The sanctuary designation brought Forest Department monitoring, restrictions on construction and commercial activity, and an organised hatchery programme that has helped protect nests from natural predation and human disturbance over the years.

The grassland and coastal forest within the sanctuary boundary also support a wide range of bird species, including several that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Andamans. This has made Cuthbert Bay increasingly popular with birdwatchers alongside the turtle-focused visitors.

Today, Cuthbert Bay remains one of the quieter and better-preserved stretches of coastline in Middle Andaman, a direct result of the protection it has received over the decades.

Turtle Nesting at Cuthbert Bay
- What Visitors Should Know

Cuthbert Bay is one of the Andaman Islands' most active Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites, with females coming ashore to lay eggs typically between November and February each year. The Forest Department stations rangers on the beach during this period to monitor nests, deter predators, and manage visitor access.

Hatchling releases, where Forest Department staff guide newly emerged turtles to the sea, occasionally take place in the early morning and are sometimes open to a small number of visitors. Timings vary from year to year, so it is worth checking at the Forest Department office in Rangat before planning a visit specifically around nesting activity.

Visitors should follow all instructions given by Forest Department staff on the beach. Torches and flash photography near nesting turtles or hatchlings should be avoided entirely, and a respectful distance should be maintained at all times. The sanctuary rules exist to protect the turtles, not to restrict the experience, and most visitors find that following them makes the encounter more rewarding, not less.

Tips for Visiting Cuthbert Bay Beach

• Check with the Forest Department office in Rangat before heading out, especially during nesting season. They can advise on current activity and whether hatchling releases are expected in the coming days.
• Arrive early in the morning during nesting season. Both nesting activity and hatchling releases typically happen at night or just before dawn, and the beach is at its most active in the early hours.
• Carry all supplies from Rangat town — water, food, insect repellent, and sun protection. There are no shops or food stalls within or near the sanctuary.
• Do not use torches or flash photography near turtles or hatchlings. Bright light disorients the turtles and can cause hatchlings to move away from the sea rather than toward it.
• Our team at AndamanVacation.com can include Cuthbert Bay in your Rangat day plan alongside Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway and Amkunj Beach, so you see the best of Middle Andaman without unnecessary detours.

Include Cuthbert Bay in Your Andaman Itinerary

Cuthbert Bay Beach is the most ecologically significant stop in the Rangat area and one that tends to leave a lasting impression on visitors who time it right. Whether you are here for the turtle nesting season or simply looking for a protected, undeveloped beach with genuine wildlife interest, it is a stop worth building into your Middle Andaman schedule.

Our team at Andaman Vacations India has been planning Middle Andaman itineraries for over 25 years. Tell us your travel dates and group size and we will put together a Rangat plan that includes Cuthbert Bay alongside the other main sights in the area, without wasting a day on unnecessary road time.