Top 5 Best Places in the World to Watch Sea Turtles – 5

Observing Sea Turtles: 5 Dream Destinations for Divers

It’s impossible to get tired of encountering a sea turtle underwater! These fascinating creatures amaze divers every time they appear: peacefully grazing on a reef, lying motionless on the sand, or gracefully gliding in the blue. Although they are present in most of the world’s seas, encountering a turtle during a dive is often a stroke of luck: these marine reptiles remain discreet and few, despite their wide distribution.

However, certain places on the planet offer an abundance of unmatched sightings: nesting beaches, food-rich waters, and sanctuarized areas safe from poaching… Here, encounters become almost certain, sometimes with several species during the same dive. Whether turtles are present year-round or passing through to lay eggs on their original beach, opportunities to admire them abound. But one rule remains: never disturb their peace.

We invite you to discover a selection of 5 exceptional sites around the world – from the Caribbean to the Red Sea, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific – to approach these emblematic chelonians of marine reptiles. Head to Malaysia (Sipadan Island), Egypt (Marsa Alam), the Maldives (Ari Atoll), Hawaii (Maui Island), and Costa Rica (Tortuguero National Park).

1. Observing turtles in Sipadan Reserve, Malaysia

A protected jewel in the heart of the Celebes Sea

Sipadan is a legendary marine reserve, known as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Reef sharks, rays, no less than 3000 species of fish, countless corals – and of course, multiple sea turtles coexist there.

Situated on a majestic coral reef, the Malaysian island of Sipadan benefits from strict management: no accommodation is allowed on the island, and the capacity is limited to 120 divers per day. Popularized by Commander Cousteau, the island is home to the mysterious « Turtle Tomb » cave – so named because many turtles, lost in this underwater maze, have died there. This cave exploration is reserved for experienced cave divers, under the supervision of a certified guide.

Nevertheless, the joy of divers is found everywhere on the reef: observing Sipadan’s turtles – mainly green and hawksbill turtles, coming to lay eggs on its beaches – is part of the experience. On most sites, like Coral Garden (where they swim among the corals with titan triggerfish and butterflyfish), Barracuda Point (where they steal the show from the schools of barracudas and sharks), or Mid Reef (a wall covered with corals), the presence of turtles is almost guaranteed. During a single dive, it’s not uncommon to see more than ten, sometimes large ones, which make Sipadan renowned.