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Maptlantis

Sea turtle encounters

Where to see sea turtles: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 88Countries 13Published prices 66Encounter formats 8
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see sea turtles around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sea turtle as a target species, 88 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Ishigaki & Yaeyama, Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Inhambane, La Paz, Baja California Sur and Bridgetown & West Coast Barbados. Encounters are split into snorkeling, boat-based watching, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Two "sea turtle tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 66 of the 88 operators (75%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Jun–Oct and Jul–Oct among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

88 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

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Sea turtle season

How to meet sea turtles

Sea turtles by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see sea turtles?

88 operators name the sea turtle as a target species. Main regions: Ishigaki & Yaeyama, Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Inhambane, La Paz, Baja California Sur and Bridgetown & West Coast Barbados.

Do you have to get in the water to see sea turtles?

Formats on record: snorkeling, boat-based watching, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is sea turtle season?

Operators list different seasons, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Jun–Oct and Jul–Oct among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Sea turtles are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do sea turtle tours cost?

66 of the 88 operators (75%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.