Local Ocean Conservation (formerly Watamu Turtle Watch) is a conservation project that has been protecting nesting sea turtles on Watamu's beaches since 1997. Green turtles nest along the beach from October to March, and the project's staff and volunteers monitor the nests, protect them from poaching, and release hatchlings at night.
Visitors can join beach walks during the nesting season to observe the nesting process or watch hatchlings released into the sea. The project also tags turtles and tracks their migration routes across the Indian Ocean. It operates from a small office in Watamu village and welcomes visitors who want to learn more or volunteer.