With most species of sea turtle now classified as endangered, we've selected some of the best conservation areas around the world where these marine reptiles still arrive in their masses...
There's something quite captivating about the sea turtle. Inhabiting the world's warmest waters and quietest islands, perhaps it's their gentle nature and ancient roots that fascinate us. Or it could be how they migrate thousands of miles every year, helping to maintain the health of our oceans with their grazing habits.
Sadly, sea turtle populations around the world have fallen at alarming rates in recent decades, with six out of the seven species considered vulnerable or endangered – some critically. Thankfully, many places still see healthy numbers of the marine reptile grace their shores, and have set up conservation schemes to guard and monitor them.
Seeing turtles in the wild is on any ocean-lovers bucket list, so we've picked out some of the best destinations to spot them for yourself, from a sensible distance.
Green sea turtle making her way back into the ocean (Shutterstock)
Many are surprised to learn thousands of turtles migrate to the Sultanate for nesting season between July and October. An estimated 20,000 sea turtles crawl onto the Arabian Peninsula sands, dig their nests, and lay from 50,000 to 60,000 every year.
Green turtles are likely to be seen on most Omani beaches, with Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve being the top spots to visit. The latter is the largest reserve in the Indian Ocean with strict rules in place to manage and protect the endangered marine reptile. Other species can be found on Masirah Island, Oman’s largest island, while leatherback turtles may also be spotted in Omani waters, but do not come to shore.
Hatchlings taking their first steps in Costa Rica (Shutterstock)
There's certainly a reason Costa Rica is popular for turtle spotting. One of the best places to head is Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, which literally means 'Land of turtles'. There are three species found here, with a huge amount of green turtles along its 35km beach. The turtles nest from July to early October, with August being peak season, and hatchlings appear 65 days later. Take a guided tour after dark to find them.
Costa Rica is also home to the rare event called arribada – when a great number of endangered olive ridley turtles arrive onto beaches to nest. This only happens in nine locations around the world, and two of them are in Costa Rica. The beach at Ostional Wildlife Refuge on the Nicolya Peninsula is one location, while Nancite Beach in Santa Rosa National Park is the other.
Snorkelling with turtles in Ningaloo Reef (Shutterstock)
The Great Barrier Reef may have six out of the seven species of sea turtles, but there's already many tourists flocking here. Why not try another part of Australia for a close encounter with sea turtles? We suggest heading to Australia’s Coral Coast to places such Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, both World Heritage areas, where green, leatherback, hawksbill and flatback turtles can we witnessed swimming, mating, nesting and hatching. In fact, Australia is the only place in the world to see flatback turtles in the wild.
Travellers can spectate the turtles egg-laying in Australian summertime between November and March. For the best chance of observing in a non-intrusive manner, we suggest joining an educational turtle tour from Jurabi Turtle Centre.
Turtle in a coral reef, Borneo (Shutterstock)
Off the east coast of Borneo, in Malaysian territory, three little islands sit in the Sulu Sea. Palau Selingan, otherwise known as Turtle Island National Park, is made up from Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands, all of which are havens for green and leatherback sea turtles during nesting season. Throughout the year, turtles will emerge from the sea at dusk to lay their eggs, before lurching back into the ocean waters. Come between July and October for the calmest seas, but make sure to book in with Sabah Park before arrival, as the conservation area has a limit on people visiting.
Elsewhere in Borneo, scuba divers and snorkellers usually head to Sipadan Island for the opportunity to swim alongside turtles. We advise keeping at a good distance, especially in August during mating season, when turtles can become aggressive.
Hawksbill turtle in Jamaica (Shutterstock)
Four different species of turtle are found in the waters around Jamaica. Most significant are the critically endangered hawksbill turtles that nest on and just above the island’s beaches. These are considered the most beautiful turtles of all, and were the ones used for ‘tortoiseshell’ products. Several hotels and resorts such as Half Moon and Jamaica Inn work to protect the turtles and give guests the chance to see them.
Large numbers of the hawksbills also nest along Treasure Beach on the unspoilt south coast. Here, you’ll find the Treasure Beach Turtle Group and a small museum dedicated to them. Turtles nest from April to August and hatch between August and October. To join a tour in season see treasurebeachturtlegroup.com
You can see turtles floating in the water around Dry Tortugas National Park (Shutterstock)
The Florida Keys is home to five out seven species of sea turtle, and has one of the largest populations of loggerhead turtles in the world. They can often be seen swimming around wrecks, reefs and underwater structures, foraging for food.
The Key’s most active nesting area can be found 70 miles west from Key West on a scattering of protected sandy islands. Dry Tortugas National Park might be best known to visitors for its Fort Jefferson attraction, but from May to September an abundance of loggerheads come here to nest, with an estimated 15,000 turtles hatching. One of its islands has even been named ‘Loggerhead Key’.
The city of Marathon is also home to the only dedicated turtle hospital in the world, treating injured and suffering turtles for a variety of problems. Around 100,000 people visit every year for a tour of the site and to learn about the incredible work of the staff.
Hatchlings getting close to the sea (Shutterstock)
Another important nesting ground for turtles is the Atlantic Ocean's Cape Verde. Between July and August, sea turtles come to the islands of Boavista, Maio and Sal – all now protected areas for these important marine animals. Similar to the Florida Keys, it is one of the largest loggerhead breeding areas. Visitors can join a ranger on a night time walk in search for ancient animals: the best way to get a close look without causing disturbance to the nesting areas, and a chance to understand the importance of conservation across the islands.
Turtle swimming near the shores in the Maldives (Shutterstock)
Throughout this paradisiacal archipelago, travellers can don a snorkel mask or diving suit and see turtles swimming in the Indian Ocean's warm waters. Five out of seven species of sea turtle can be found here, but Kuredu island in Lhaviyani Atoll hosts one of the largest population of green turtles in the Maldives, where they can be seen munching on luscious seagrass beds.
Although turtles lay eggs throughout the year in the Maldives, June to August is the prime time to watch turtles nesting, and spot hatchlings make their first journey into the ocean.
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