Sea turtle · Ecuador
Where to see sea turtles in Ecuador
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see sea turtles in Ecuador is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sea turtle as a target species, 3 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Galapagos, Isabela, Galapagos & Puerto Ayora and Galapagos. Encounters are split into 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. 2 of the 3 operators (67%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Most operators list year-round operation, but whether boats go out depends on the sea on the day. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
3 listed operators
Ecuador · Galapagos, Isabela
Galápagos Below Ocean School
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Dec–May
- Price
- USD 299 / person (VAT included)
- Checked
- Official source
Ecuador · Galapagos & Puerto Ayora
Scuba Iguana
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Multiple sources
Ecuador · Galapagos
Isabela Dive Center
Scuba divingMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official website
Sea turtle season
Sea turtles in other countries
Other marine life in Ecuador
Activities in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see sea turtles in Ecuador?
3 operators name the sea turtle as a target species. Main regions: Galapagos, Isabela, Galapagos & Puerto Ayora and Galapagos.
Do you have to get in the water to see sea turtles?
Formats on record: 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?
Most operators list year-round operation, but whether boats go out depends on the sea on the day.
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.