Every scuba diver has always dreamed of gliding through the water with sea turtles. These majestic creatures are the poster child for many vacation getaways, and have been inseparably linked to the idea of scuba diving. However, snorkeling with sea turtles comes with the heavy weight of responsibility!
Learning habits that will make snorkeling with sea turtles safe and respectful will allow you to maximize your fun while you’re on vacation! So here’s a quick guide on how to handle sea turtles with respect, and where you can find them.
Best spots to scuba dive with turtles!
Apo Island, Philippines
Just a quick swim a few meters offshore will greet you with green and hawksbill turtles drifting in the crystal clear waters. You usually see these natives munching on seagrass and governing above the fresh corals!
The water here is warm and the currents are manageable, making it a perfect spot for beginners who still want an epic experience. You’ll also likely be accompanied by rainbow-colored parrotfish and clownfish who seem genuinely curious about your odd human fins.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos are not subtle. They’re wild and wonderful — which includes their sea turtles. The Galápagos green turtle is unique, and the surrounding marine life is also thriving!
This destination is special because the animals aren’t overly cautious around humans. This means that you’re often treated as part of the scenery, and they’ll approach you without much reluctance! Make sure you respect them, and also respect that privilege.
Glover’s Reef & Half Moon Caye, Belize
Belize’s outer atolls are what postcards dream of being. Glover’s Reef and Half Moon Caye lie far enough from the mainland to keep the crowds at bay, but close enough for those with a spirit of adventure.
What makes this spot special is the solitude. You’re often the only one in the water. It’s just you, the reef, and the slow, sacred rhythm of life beneath the surface.
Zakynthos, Greece
In the Ionian Sea, you’ll find this gem of an island that doubles as a loggerhead sea turtle nursery. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is Europe’s answer to turtle tourism, blending tourism and conservation beautifully. Cameo Island is a known hotspot where turtles often glide through warm, shallow waters.
This is perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles, or just enjoying the pristine waters instead!
Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya
Most people probably don’t have Kenya in their radar when they think of a snorkeling getaway, but it should be. The Watamu Marine National Park is lovingly protected by the Local Ocean Trust, making it a secure and well-preserved destination.
The reefs of Kenya are thriving, with the locals caring deeply about every part of its protection. The anti-poaching patrols keep the green turtles that nest on their white sand beaches safe and sound!
How to snorkel with sea turtles respectfully
Let’s be honest — snorkeling with sea turtles isn’t just about spotting one and snapping a selfie. It’s about showing up as a guest in their home, and behaving like one. So here’s how to do it right, with care and intention — and a bit of old-school etiquette.
Give turtles space
Always keep a distance of at least 15 feet (about 5 meters). If you find yourself accidentally closer, back away gently — no splashing, no drama. The rule when around any type of marine animal is to let it approach you and let luck be your guide!
If a turtle decides to approach you, stay still and let it do its thing. You’re the visitor.
Keep the group small
Large groups hovering over a turtle like a curious cloud of flippers can be overwhelming for the animal. If possible, snorkel in small groups and communicate quietly (hand signals work great). Loud noises or sudden movements can spook marine life.
Never touch, feed, or ride
Yes, this should be obvious — but sadly, it still happens. Never, ever touch a turtle, even gently. Their shells are sensitive, and human contact can remove protective coatings, spread bacteria, or trigger a stress response. Feeding turtles changes their natural behavior, makes them reliant on humans, and can lead to malnutrition.
And as for riding one? Just… don’t. It’s not funny, it’s not cute, and it’s illegal in many places.
Ditch the plastic and the bad sunscreen
Your snorkel adventure doesn’t begin in the water — it begins with what you bring. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free) to protect corals and sea life. And ditch single-use plastics altogether. A floating water bottle or plastic bag might not ruin your day, but it could ruin a turtle’s life.
Read the room — or rather, the reef
Pay attention to the turtle’s body language. A calm, curious turtle will swim slowly, occasionally glance your way, and surface normally. If you see a turtle swimming erratically, give it some space and don’t force an interaction to occur.
If they’re napping under a ledge? Let ‘em snooze. Everyone deserves a good nap.
Conservation matters more than the selfie
The truth is, sea turtles are endangered in many parts of the world. Habitat loss, plastic pollution, boat strikes, climate change — you name it, they’re dealing with it. So every time you go snorkeling with sea turtles, you can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.
Swim slow, breathe deep, be grateful
Snorkeling with sea turtles is the kind of experience that stays with you — long after the salt has washed from your hair and your tan has faded. There’s something ancient and soulful about sharing space with these gentle marine nomads. It’s like shaking hands with the ocean’s memory.
So yes, chase the dream. Swim in warm waters, marvel at their movements, take a picture if the moment feels right. But above all else — honor the turtle. Be the kind of snorkeler that future turtles will thank you for.
