Top 5 of the Best Places in the World to Observe Sea Turtles

It’s impossible to tire of an encounter with a sea turtle underwater! These fascinating creatures captivate divers every time: grazing peacefully on a reef, stationary on the sand, or gliding gracefully through the blue. Although they are present in most of the world’s seas, encountering a turtle while diving is often a stroke of luck: these marine reptiles remain discreet and not very numerous, despite their wide distribution.

However, certain locations on the planet offer an unmatched abundance of sightings: nesting beaches, food-rich waters, sanctuaries safe from poaching… Here, encounters become almost guaranteed, sometimes with multiple species during the same dive. Whether turtles are present year-round or visiting to lay eggs on their native beach, opportunities to admire them are plentiful. 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 marine reptile chelonians. Head to Malaysia (Sipadan Island), Egypt (Marsa Alam), the Maldives (Ari Atoll), Hawaii (Maui Island), and Costa Rica (Tortuguero National Park).

1. Observe turtles in the Sipadan Reserve, Malaysia

A protected jewel in the heart of the Celebes Sea

Sipadan is a legendary marine reserve, renowned among 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.

Set 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. Made famous by Commander Cousteau, the island is home to the mysterious « Turtle Tomb » cave – named because many turtles, lost in this underwater labyrinth, have died there. Exploration of this cave is reserved for confirmed cave divers, under the supervision of a certified guide.