Those who’ve had the pleasure of spending time in the company of sea turtles will agree they are rather captivating. Perhaps it’s the way they glide so effortlessly through warm waters, or maybe it’s their kind temperaments and ancient roots, but whatever it is, they seem to have cast a magical marine spell over us. You’d think that since these majestic creatures migrate thousands of miles each year, it would be fairly easy to catch a glimpse of them, but due to their falling numbers, sadly it’s a little trickier. Six out of the seven species are now considered to be vulnerable or endangered, some critically so. With healthy habitats and many conservation efforts around the world, there are certain places that are perfect for spotting these underwater greats. So, grab your ocean-tick list and dive into our selection of the best places to see sea turtles…
Costa Rica
With a stretch of its coast quite literally known as ‘Land of Turtles’, it’s unsurprising that Costa Rica is on many turtle spotting bucket lists. Where lush rainforests meet pristine coastlines, the ancient ritual of sea turtle nesting and hatching takes place on the Caribbean coast’s sandy shores. Keep your eyes peeled for a number of species, from Olive Ridley and green to leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, all of which return to the Costa Rican beaches year after year to lay their eggs. Just picture yourselves sitting in the hush of anticipation on a beach in Tortuguero National Park or Ostional Wildlife Refuge under the dark night sky, as a symphony of life emerges from beneath the surface. Tiny turtle heads poking through the sand, each scurrying across the moonlit beach, eager to begin their journeys to the crashing waves beyond.
Mexico
Akumal, located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for its sea turtle population. Meaning ‘place of turtles’ in Mayan, it certainly lives up to its name as a sanctuary for these gentle giants. Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Akumal Bay, you'll have the chance to encounter green turtles and, if you're lucky, Hawksbill turtles gracefully gliding through the coral reefs. Join a guided tour or simply rent snorkelling gear and explore the bay's calm waters at your own pace, while marvelling at the vibrant marine life and the occasional appearance of these beautiful creatures. The peninsula is dedicated to sea turtle conservation, evident through the protected areas and various initiatives that aim to raise awareness and educate visitors, making it one of the best places to see sea turtles.
Australia
While the Great Barrier Reef is home to six out of the seven species of sea turtles, it is also somewhat of a tourist mecca, meaning it can get overcrowded. We recommend heading to Australia’s Coral Coast for an up close and personal encounter with these shelled beings. From Ningaloo Reef to Shark Bay (both UNESCO recognised sites), you’ll be able to come nose to nose with green, leatherback, hawksbill and flatback turtles as they swim, mate, nest and even hatch. If you are in the land down under between November and March, you may even get the chance to observe (from afar) the turtles laying their precious eggs.
Maldives
The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the best places to see sea turtles, thanks to its tropical temperament, pristine sandy beaches and bustling marine biodiversity. Home to green, hawksbill, Olive Ridley and loggerhead turtles (to name but a few), the archipelago's warm waters, abundant seagrass meadows and vibrant coral reefs provide an ideal environment for these turtles to thrive. Don your snorkel mask or even head out on a diving adventure, exploring kaleidoscopic coral reefs and all the while keeping an eye out for the gentle movement and distinctive shapes of turtles gliding gracefully through the underwater wonderland.
Indonesia
Snorkelling in the Gili Islands – a group of three small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia – is a breathtaking adventure. With crystalline turquoise waters, untouched coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, this little archipelago is one of the best places to see sea turtles in the world. Gili Trawangan, the largest and most developed island, beckons with an array of snorkelling sites suitable for everyone, whereas Gili Meno – the serene middle island – captivates with its tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled beaches. The third and final island, Gili Air, is the closest island to Lombok and is brimming with underwater treasures to discover beneath the waves. When underwater, keep your eyes peeled for green and hawksbill turtles as they go about their daily lives in this fragile habitat.
Written by Immy Kelly