It's world turtle day...
... and of course, we celebrate that! There are seven species of sea turtles in the world and all of them are endangered species. Turtles can be found almost everywhere in the world, but some places are particularly impressive. We'll take you on a journey in the footsteps of these reptiles and have compiled the 10 best places to see turtles for you.
Climate change and the resulting warming and acidification of the oceans are destroying the natural habitat of animals. How you can travel sustainably and considerately we tell you in our blog 'How To: Sustainable Travel'.
10. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Young animals often do not make the long journey to the sea without help
Raine Island National Park on the northern Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest nesting site for green sea turtles. In November and March is the breeding season of the turtles here and you can help the small, newly hatched offspring on their way to the sea.
When diving at the Great Barrier Reef, you may be lucky enough to spot an Australian green turtle, and a dive at the world's largest reef is worth it anyway, because of the incredible biodiversity. If you want to learn more about the best diving spots in the world, then we have "The best diving spots in the world for you" here.
9. Sipadan, Malaysia
Sipadan is a small island in the Celebes Sea, which belongs to Borneo and is about 36 km from the Malaysian coast. Sipadan is a famous diving area for sharks, barracuda, and turtles. It is a nature reserve where you can admire the turtles not only during a dive but also on beaches or jetties. For your next Malaysia trip, we also have the perfect travel guide!
You do not want to go alone in search of turtles? Then check out JoinMyTrip now and find like-minded and turtle-loving travelers.
8. Gili Islands, Indonesia
Sea turtles belong to the endangered species
The Gili Islands are a world-famous and popular diving spot and also here you will find, in the warm waters of the Bali Sea, sea turtles. The turtles often come ashore during midday to doze lazily in the sun and are also strictly protected. To this day, turtles are hunted and killed because their shells are said to have healing powers.
If you want to see turtles on the Gili Islands, check out our Bali and Gili Islands travel guide before you go, so you are perfectly prepared!
7. Coral Coast, Western Australia
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Ningaloo Reef |
Shark Bay |
Two hours north of Perth, the Coral Coast stretches over 1100 km. Along the coast are world heritage sites like Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay. During a dive along the reef or in Shark Bay, you can marvel at whale sharks and humpback whales in addition to sea turtles. For travelers who are not so fond of diving, there are boats with glass bottoms, from which you have a beautiful view of the diversity of the reef.
Are you up for a backpacking adventure in Australia? Then join TripLeader Michael on a backpacker road trip through this beautiful and wild country.
6. Laniakea Beach, Hawaii
On the northern shore of Oahu lies the beach Laniakea ("wide sky"). As soon as you step on the beach, you understand the name of this beautiful beach. After taking in the sight of the beach, you will notice the turtles dozing on the beach. The beach is also known as Turtle Beach and in the summer you have the opportunity to marvel at the turtles from 11 am - 1 pm. As with all wild animals, the same rule applies here: do not touch! When turtles feel threatened, they like to bite a little harder.
If you're up for a turtle adventure in Hawaii, get inspired by our Hawaii guide or plan your next trip now with JoinMyTrip. Share your experiences and costs with other like-minded travelers and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
5. Turtle village, Madagascar
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Small land tortoise in Madagascar |
Avenue of baobabs |
Madagascar is an incredible destination, the country's extraordinary biodiversity attracts many tourists to the African island every year. In the Renalia Nature Reserve in the southwest of the island, a very special experience awaits interested travelers: The Turtle Village. So if you want to have a little break from your beach vacation, you should stop by here. The guides in the village explain about the protection of endangered species and you can admire more than 1000 ray and spider tortoises here. The tortoises are also considered a delicacy in Madagascar and their shells are said to have healing properties. The turtle village tries to put a stop to poachers and so-called healers with their work.
On Madagascar, you can not only marvel at turtles but also at nature in the different reserves. A special experience is a visit to Baobab Avenue because the majestic trees are an absolutely unique sight. If you want to learn more about the most beautiful forests in the world, check out this blog post!
4. Hikkaduwa beach, Sri Lanka
On the west coast of Sri Lanka, at Hikkaduwa beach, you can swim with turtles. The reptiles are usually in groups of 2-5 animals. Try to avoid the animals while swimming, as they can bite.
Sri Lanka is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles and for an interesting insight into the protection of the endangered species, you can visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Center. If you are lucky, you can also see baby turtles being raised by volunteers.
3. Masira, Oman
Masira Island on the east coast of Oman is a well-known nesting site for loggerhead and green sea turtles. The island has only been open to tourism for a few years and getting there can be quite arduous. In the meantime, however, there are several hotels and also guided tours to known nesting sites of the turtles. Those who want to spend their vacation here can also explore the history of the island or go kite surfing.
Are you up for a unique adventure? Then join JoinMyTrip now and find your TripMates for the perfect adventure vacation!
2. Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
In Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, you will find untouched rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and black, almost deserted beaches. The name of the park means 'place where the turtles come' and this name is well deserved because every year between March and October many green sea turtles and leatherback turtles come here to dig their eggs into the sand. The park is located in the northeast of Costa Rica, on the Caribbean coast, and is also called the 'Amazon of Costa Rica'. During the breeding season, guides walk along the beach and explain the life of the turtles, taking care to protect the animals.
Costa Rica is an incredible destination and has so much to offer! Check out JoinMyTrip and discover trips to this biodiverse country in the middle of the jungle.
1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos turtle |
Wild nature of the Galapagos Islands |
The Galapagos tortoise is actually the namesake of the archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The name is a designation for a Spanish riding saddle, which resembles the shell of the turtle. The islands are World Heritage Sites and are one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Temperatures range between 22 and 26°C all year round, which means that animals can always be seen. Besides the Galapagos turtle, sea turtles also come here on their migrations and you can experience the animals up close on a dive.
When visiting the Galapagos Islands, you will need a guide to lead you around the island and take care not to disturb the fragile ecosystem. Most of the animals are very trusting, as they have few natural predators. However, you should not touch the turtles or other animal inhabitants of the island. A visit to the Galapagos Islands is a real adventure where you can learn a lot about nature and the environment.
Have we inspired you to create your own turtle adventure? Then join JoinMyTrip and create your own trip! Or join a TripLeader to one of these beautiful destinations and share your experiences with other like-minded travelers.
