Marine life profile
Sea turtle
Recorded at 55 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Sea turtle around the world
Sea turtles (superfamily Chelonioidea), sometimes called marine turtles, are reptiles of the order Testudines and of the suborder Cryptodira. It alternates between relaxed cruising, feeding and resting, surfacing periodically to breathe.
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Look for a streamlined shell, paddle-shaped front flippers and a beaked face built for its preferred food.
How It Behaves
It alternates between relaxed cruising, feeding and resting, surfacing periodically to breathe.
Special Ability
Powerful navigation instincts guide long journeys between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Stay beside or slightly behind it, never above it when it needs to surface. Let the turtle set the pace.
Safety
Do not touch, feed, ride or block a turtle. Maintain distance at cleaning stations and around resting animals.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
The seven existing species of sea turtles are the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley.
Where to Find
Look around seagrass meadows, coral reefs, rocky feeding grounds and protected bays with access to the surface.
Known countries
Sightings map
Sea turtle locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Escambron Marine Park (La poza del Escambron)
Puerto Rico
A shallow dive site with quick and easy access. If staying in the San Juan Area makes for a perfect refresher or beginner location because of the wave breaker which allows for diving all year round.
Area Perlindungan Laut (APL)
Indonesia
This dive site used to be protected area therefore you can find group of transplant coral in 5 meters. The bottom topography is sloppy and coral with some sand patches.
The C-53 is a 184 ft long Mexican Navy Minesweeper that was sunk in June 2000. It lies on a sandy bottom at 80’. Huge hole have been cut into the ships sides and interior to allow divers to enter and exit safely. Inside the ship there are Lobster, Crab, Eels, Schools of Glassy Sweepers and Sardines. Outside there are often Barracudas and Grouper. While diving the C-53 keep a look out for the Atlantis Submarine making a visit.
Carlisle Bay
Barbados
We consider ourselves very lucky to have the most amazing dive site and marine protected area in our backyard. This shallow site hosts more than 7 different shipwrecks ranging from 5m to 15m, most of which you can see on a single dive.
Clement's Reef
Malaysia
Located North to North West of Gaya Island, slopping bottom with diverse hard coral and soft coral
Gabr el Bint
Egypt
Gabr el Bint ranks among one of the most attractive sites of North Sinai. With the access by boat, 4x4 or by camel, it is less frequently dived than the other dive sites in Dahab which has left this site in pristine condition. Gabr el Bint means 'The Grave of the Girl' in Arabic. There are two dives possible here. The ledge is riddled with exquisite coral heads that attract numerous reef species, including swarms of anthias, scorpionfish, parrotfish, crocodilefish, surgeonfish, triggerfish, trumpetfish, stingrays and very often a turtle. At the end of the ledge usually is home to a shoal of black and white snappers and twinspot snappers hang here between 5m and 10m. One of the truly breathtaking dives in Dahab.
Koloa Landing Dive Site
United States of America (USA)
Located on the south side of Kauai, this is our go-to and most popular shore diving site on Kauai. Hanakaape Bay provides great protection for year round diving at this site. Once the main harbor for Kauai, divers and snorkelers may still see anchor chains and remnants of boating activity underwater. This is NOT your typical shore dive site like in California where you will have to walk for a mile before you swim for a mile before you can descend. This is a VERY EASY entry and exit dive site featuring a “U” Shaped reef with sand and rubble in the middle, surrounded by a sloping rock wall formation. There are large schools of reef fish that congregate on the sides of the bay and hidden flounders in the sandy middle. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) rest here during the day and, on occasion, a curious Hawaiian monk seal can be spotted beneath the water or on the ramp. Keep a look out for lagoon trigger fish, box fish, many variety of moray eels (including the dragon moray eel), octopus, frog fish, and trumpet fish among the coral rubble. In the winter months we can even hear the whales singing their songs under water. With more than 20 species of endemic fish, this is a perfect shore dive location in Kauai!
Mermaid's Grotto
Japan
Short little walk through a wooded area and the Beach opens up for an amazing view. Photographers come here for the above water rock formations. Entry can be straight into the ocean. The best place to enter is to use the channel that was cut out as you can see in the map. It deep enough to start putting your fins on and kick out to the deeper spots. Be prepared to exit at another location and return to vehicle by foot. Its located in the Onna area. Dive site is classified as a level 5 (easy 1 to 5 hard). Parking on the road is limited.
Mike's Maze
Sint Maarten
Part of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area. It starts at approximately 40 feet (12 m) and boasts healthy coral formations and numerous maze-like swim throughs, passageways wind around coral heads, through arches and over bridges. This location is where the Nature Foundation conducted one of its coral reef restoration projects. Common critters: Many of the 60 TWA fish species! French Angelfish, schooling Chubs, Spiny Lobster, & Foureye Butterflyfish, Elkhorn Coral formations, Special guests: Spotted Eagle Rays, Squid, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Sexy Shrimp in anemones, staghorn coral formations
Toilet Bowl
Japan
High Risk Dive site for entry and exit. You will climb over Lime Stone rock to get to the water. the Walk/climb in is dangerous due to the Lime Stone rock being very sharp. Highly encourage to dive this site with an experienced Diver who have dived it prior. Site can shift in current pretty fast, so be prepared to exit at another location and walk back to vehicle. Can be done from Boat. Known for having sharks throughout the year.
Twins
Thailand
Twins is located to the south of Koh Nangyuan. A very popular dive site has plenty to offer for everyone. The 3 main pinnacles run from east to west along the coastline of Koh Nangyuan. There are 2 large groups of boulders with plenty of coral growing on them and a collection of deeper rocks further west. Twins is almost the perfect dive site for scuba diver training. The depth ranges from 6m on the eastern side to 18m at the deeper pinnacle on the west side of the dive site. Marine life can thrive at this dive site due to its sheltered location. The island of Koh Nangyuan to the north provides shelter from wind and waves even in monsoon time. Expect to see plenty of tropical reef fish at this dive site. Common sightings include the bright yellow butterflyfish, blue-ringed angelfish and longfin bannerfish. There is a very good chance you can see white eyed moray eels hiding out in between the coral. The top of the boulder corals is often covered with colourful Christmas tree worms.
Wall of wonder
India
At dive site wall of wonder start from 7mtr depth, it help to explore the real marine life and small caven
Zamami Island
Japan
Head South to go deep or run along the shoreline. Bottom is a mix of reef and san bottom. Not abnormal to see a few turtles in the area. Plenty of fish and eel. As well as an occasional reef shark.
Anemone Bommies - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Embark on an extraordinary adventure at Lady Elliot Island’s Anemone Bommie dive site! Delight in a kaleidoscope of colors as you encounter playful clownfish nestled in their anemone homes. Admire the breathtaking array of vibrant corals and witness a diverse array of marine life, from graceful sea turtles to mes
Fish Garden
United States
Fish Garden is a wall dive in the area between Spitting Cave and Sea Cave. In the area the drop off from the sea cliffs is very steep with slopes starting at 60-90ft. Some large boulder fields.
Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Forty-Five dive site at Lady Elliot Island! Marvel at the kaleidoscope of marine flora, from vibrant coral gardens to elegant sea fans. Encounter majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully, schools of tropical fish creating a vibrant spectacle, and the occasional glimpse of gentle
North Point of Klein Curacao
Curacao
North Point of Klein Curaçao - this can be a challenging drift dive even for the most experienced divers - take caution - be aware of current speed and direction. Additionally, ensure you have topside support. Watch for current as you approach the corner.
Raine Island - GBR
Australia
Immerse in pristine waters, surrounded by diverse corals and graceful sea turtles. Witness the vibrant underwater tapestry, where marine life flourishes in a breathtaking display of nature’s wonders. This dive promises an enchanting exploration of one of the reef’s most captivating sites.
Reefy 2nd’s - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Dive into the wonderland of Reefy 2nd’s at Lady Elliot Island! Delight in a profusion of marine life as you navigate through vibrant reefs adorned with swaying sea fans. Encounter friendly sea turtles gliding gracefully and schools of tropical fish creating a colorful spectacle. With each dive, you’ll be mesmerize
Sandy 2nd’s - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sandy 2nd’s at Lady Elliot Island! Explore the sandy seabeds teeming with an array of marine life. Encounter fascinating critters like nudibranchs and seahorses, while graceful sea turtles and rays gracefully glide by. This captivating dive promises an exciting adventure filled wi
Scattered Bommies - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey at Lady Elliot Island’s Scattered Bommies dive site! Explore a captivating seascape adorned with scattered coral formations, home to curious sea turtles, graceful rays, and a dazzling array of tropical fish. An underwater paradise awaits, where every moment is filled with wonder
Simmos - Lady Elliot Island
Australia
Dive into the wonders of Simmos at Lady Elliot Island! Immerse in a kaleidoscope of marine life amid vibrant corals, sea turtles gliding gracefully, and schools of tropical fish creating a vibrant spectacle. Explore the depths where you’ll find curious reef sharks, elegant rays, and playful octopuses. With every d
South Padre Island
United States
The South Padre Island Jetties are accessible through Isla Blanca Park, managed by Cameron County Parks. Parking is available. There is a fee to enter the park. This is shore diving and conditions vary greatly. Always check local tides and weather before diving this site. Average visibility is 5 feet or less.
South Point of Klein Curacao
Curacao
South Point of Klein Curaçao - this can be a challenging drift dive even for the most experienced divers - take caution - be aware of current speed and direction. Additionally, ensure you have topside support. Watch for current as you approach the corner of the island.