National Trust of Guyana

Shell Beach

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Location: Barima-Waini, Essequibo

Classification: Natural Site

Period/ Year Built: Not Applicable

Historical Background / Description:

Shell Beach is located on Guyana’s Atlantic Coast, from the Venezuelan border to the south-east undisturbed for approximately 144.8 kilometres (90 miles) in Region’s one North West-District. The name of the beach is derived from the accumulation of tiny shells that gracefully cover its brown sand. This Wonder of Guyana is home to, and is famous for, its population of Leatherback Sea turtles. Visitors flock the beach to watch with thrill these amazing creatures. Shell beach serves as a nesting site for many of these turtles. It is also home to the Turtle Conservation Project which has been in existence for over 25 years. Shell Beach, a protected site, is managed by the Protected Areas Commission.