Graceful and gentle, diving with sea turtles is one of the most magical experiences in the ocean. With their delicate movements, these ancient creatures often captivate divers. If you’re eager to see turtles on your next dive, you’re in luck, because sea turtles can be found in some of the world’s most breathtaking dive destinations.
Top Diving Destinations for Sea Turtle Encounters
1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Nestled on the far eastern end of Indonesia, this tropical paradise is one of the must-visit locations if you’re looking for sea turtles. After all, Raja Ampat is home to four of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, including the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. If you’re planning a visit, consider exploring what you can do on a liveaboard trip in Raja Ampat for a complete diving and snorkelling experience.
The best time to dive in Raja Ampat generally ranges from October to April. However, sea turtles in Raja Ampat typically hatch between July and August, so you might see more of them in the region.
2. Greet Barrier Reef, Australia
Home to the most extensive coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is a habitat for a plethora of marine life. Six out of seven sea turtle species can be found here, such as the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Flatback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres, there are several turtle nesting grounds in the Reef, as well as around Raine Island and Moulter Cay.
If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, the best time to visit would be around May to October. Nesting season typically occurs from late October to February, while hatching season falls from late September to April.
3. Banda Sea
With pristine coral reefs, remote locations, and healthy marine ecosystems, the Banda Sea is a haven for diverse marine life, including the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle. What’s more, this dive destination is more secluded and less renowned than other popular destinations in Indonesia, like Raja Ampat or Bali, so you can enjoy a quiet dive with fewer crowds.
October to November is the ideal period to go diving in the Banda Sea, as the waters are calm and visibilities are great during this period, offering the best conditions for spotting sea turtles. Be sure to check out sites like Hatta Reef, Hatta Island, and Suanggi Island, which are known for its regular turtle sightings.
4. Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Another world-class sea turtle diving spot is Akumal and Playa del Carmen in Mexico. In particular, Akumal is renowned for its green sea turtles that feed on the seagrass beds in the bay. The green sea turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles are often seen here, along with other marine creatures like rays, tropical fish, and, occasionally, dolphins. The region also offers a diverse diving attraction, including shipwrecks, seasonal bull sharks, and underwater limestone caves or cenotes.
The turtles in this tropical paradise can be seen almost any time of the year, but December to April generally offers the calmest waters and best visibility.
5. Tubbataha Reef, the Philippines
Home to a wealth of marine biodiversity, Tubbataha Reef is renowned as one of the top dive sites in the Philippines. As a protected marine park and a UNESCO Heritage Site, the reefs in Tubbataha are pristine and the biodiversity is heavily protected from fishing. You can spot hawksbill and green turtles visiting the beaches to lay their eggs.
The dive season in this area falls from mid-March to mid-June, so if you plan to visit, make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
6. Sipadan, Malaysia
Sipadan, a marine-protected area in Malaysia, offers you a terrific opportunity to dive with sea turtles, as well as marvel at colourful coral gardens. In fact, Sipadan’s biggest charm is its large resident population of green sea turtles and you can find them in various spots. However, since this is a protected area, you’re going to need proper preparation to visit it.
Though turtles are present year-round in Sipadan, you might not want to miss their nesting period which falls between April and September.
7. Palau
As a tropical paradise with breathtaking natural landscapes, you can find sea turtles almost anywhere in Palau. The green and hawksbill sea turtles are the most common species here, with occasional sightings of leatherback turtles. The German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Blue Corner are the best dive spots to visit if you plan to encounter turtles in Palau.
This region is a year-round diving destination, and you can spot plenty of sea turtles throughout the year. However, November and May are highly recommended for the best diving conditions and visibility.
Tips to Dive with Sea Turtles
1. Do Not Touch and Do Not Chase
With their gentle movements, it’s hard not to fawn over sea turtles when you spot them in the wild. You might even feel tempted to touch them. But no matter how tempting it is, always refrain from touching the turtles to avoid harming or stressing them. You should also avoid chasing after them as this can cause severe stress to them.
2. Approach Them Quietly From The Right Direction
When you spot a turtle during your dive, always make sure that you’re approaching them the right way. This means staying quiet when swimming with sea turtles, avoiding splashing or talking as loud noises may startle them and cause them to swim away. Another thing to know is that you should always approach them from the side so that they can have a clear view of you. This way, you won’t be blocking their path ahead if they want to swim away. If a sea turtle approaches you, remember to stay still and avoid sudden movements to avoid startling them.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance
Though seeing the turtles up close may be tempting, you should always maintain a safe distance between you and these creatures. In general, you’re recommended to keep a distance of 1.5 meters for safety, particularly because turtles can deliver a strong bite.
4. Don’t Try to Feed Them
Do not try to feed the turtles, especially from your hands, as you might risk getting bitten. These sea animals can find their own food.
Liveaboard vs. Day Dives: Best Option for Swimming with Sea Turtles
When planning a sea turtle dive trip, deciding between a liveaboard or day dives can shape your experience. Both options have their own advantages depending on the destination and the kind of encounters you’re looking for.
Liveaboards provide extended access to remote dive sites, allowing you to explore pristine locations with minimal diver traffic, which enhances the likelihood of spotting sea turtles along with a variety of other marine life. Liveaboards also offer 3-4 dives per day, maximizing your time in the water. This option is ideal for destinations like Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines and Raja Ampat in Indonesia, where many dive spots are far from shore and best reached by liveaboard.
Day dives, on the other hand, are a convenient option if you’re looking for a shorter or more budget-friendly trip. Staying on land gives you access to local amenities and can be a comfortable option for divers. Sipadan in Malaysia and Playa del Carmen in Mexico are excellent for day dives, as the dive spots are relatively close to shore.
In Palau and the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find that both liveaboard and day dive options are available.
Book Your Liveaboard with Solitude World!
In fact, our Solitude Adventurer is ready to take you on a thrilling 9 day diving adventure in the Banda Sea, while Solitude One offers you the chance to explore Tubbataha Reef’s underwater world in 7 days!
With our liveaboard dive trip, you can explore various diving sites, even remote ones, and enjoy multiple dives a day. Once you’re satisfied with your underwater adventure, hop on back to retreat into your cozy room and recharge your energy with warm, hearty meals. Our PADI-certified dive guides are always ready to give you any assistance you need during your dive!
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!