Our 9 Best Destinations to Snorkel with Turtles

Spend time in the shallow waters of Abu Dabbab Bay and Marsa Mubarak, known for their extensive seagrass meadows. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for snorkelers of all levels, giving you the opportunity to swim with turtles and dugongs, close to the beach. Spend time with graceful green sea turtles and the sleek, brilliant-shelled hawksbill, and marvel at the vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and reef sharks. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the Red Sea, with conservation projects such as Turtlewatch Egypt highlighting the importance of protecting these endangered creatures.

Best Time to Visit: April to November presents a great time to snorkel with turtles in Marsa Alam. Warm temperatures averaging around 77°F and clear visibility enhance conditions.

Discover the thriving population of sea turtles in New South Wales, where Cook Island Aquatic Reserve provides a haven for marine life and a fantastic spot for snorkeling. Keep your eyes open for the green underbelly of the green turtle and the heart-shaped shells of the hawksbill as they glide through the water. A guided tour will open you up to a world of brilliant coral reefs and subtropical fish, including the colorful parrotfish. You may also spot pods of dolphins and a fever of rays. The shallow waters of this protected marine sanctuary measure between nine and 19 feet, providing a perfect playground to explore the sheer underwater beauty.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to experience Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is between November and April, summer and early autumn in Australia. The water is warm and the calm conditions make snorkeling comfortable.

The Kerama Islands are noted for some of the clearest waters in the world and have been referred to as “Kerama Blue”. Easily reachable from Okinawa’s main island, this beautiful destination provides intense clarity and easy-to-spot turtle territory. A healthy ecosystem supports a diverse array of marine species, like beautiful, disc-shaped angelfish and striped butterflyfish, as well as turtles and other marine life. Expert guides help snorkelers navigate the waters and spot turtles, especially around Zamami Island, prioritizing minimal disturbance to the animals to ensure ethical and safe interactions.

Best Time to Visit: April to October is a good time to visit the Kerama Islands to enjoy snorkeling with turtles. The water temperatures are warm and conditions are more favorable during this period.

Located just one mile from the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Ambergris Caye offers you a snorkeling experience among diverse marine life that includes dolphins, nurse sharks, and manatees. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot the heart-shaped shell of the green turtle and marvel at the pointed, beak-like mouth of the hawksbill as you pull yourself through the color-filled waters. Enjoy swimming alongside sea turtles in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the dense, interwoven root systems of lush mangroves providing vital habitats for marine life. This protected area is known to be one of the most popular snorkeling spots near Ambergris Caye.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ambergris Caye is between December and April, the dry season in Belize. Warm temperatures and clear skies provide you with ideal snorkeling conditions.

Gili Trawangan is one of three small islands that make up the Gili Island archipelago off the northwest coast of Lombok in Indonesia. Due to its proximity to Bali, adding a snorkeling trip to your beach adventure at this most famous location is easily done. The turtle population is impressive and sightings are fantastic in the crystal-clear, warm waters of the Lombok Strait. Accessibility is great, with snorkeling possible right off the beach in many areas, offering you opportunities to snorkel in different locations. Look out for green turtles grazing near coral reefs and hawksbills feeding on sponges.

Best Time to Visit: May to October is the dry season in the Gili Islands and the ideal time to enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles. Clear waters and sunny weather enhance visibility.

The beautiful green and hawksbill sea turtles are prolific in Sipadan, the only island in Malaysia. It rises 2,000 feet above sea level in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah. Snorkel among corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Comfortable around snorkelers and swimmers, you will have the chance to see as many as 20 turtles during your excursions. Keep an eye out for large schools of barracuda, whitetip sharks, and the occasional manta ray and whale shark.

Best Time to Visit: April to December is the best time to visit Sipadan, when sea conditions are optimal. The peak period, boasting super-clear waters and calm seas, is between April and June.

In the Gulf of Oman on the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah Emirate is home to calm waters and healthy coral reefs. The landscapes are stunning, with the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and Wadi Wurayah, a protected area with waterfalls and unique ecosystems. Snorkeling is popular on Snoopy Island, with diverse marine life and reef fish such as angel fish and colorful parrot fish. It is also home to green and hawksbill turtles. These treasures are known to nest along Fujairah’s pristine beaches, with conservation efforts in place to protect their habitats and ensure successful nesting and hatching.

Best Time to Visit: Snorkeling in Fujairah is wonderful year-round. However, ensuring you are met with calm seas at the time you plan to visit is a good idea.

Enjoy a chance to snorkel with the Galápagos green sea turtle, a unique subspecies of the green sea turtle, when spending time on San Cristóbal or Isabela islands. Their shell typically ranges in color from dark green to olive brown, with subtle patterns and hues that blend beautifully with the surrounding marine environment. These graceful swimmers are unbothered by humans, affording you close encounters in the water. Snorkeling spots include Los Tuneles on Isabela Island and the waters around San Cristóbal. Take in the rich marine biodiversity and clear waters, making your experience even more magical as you encounter other fascinating creatures like sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful fish.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to snorkel with sea turtles in the Galápagos is between December and May. The water is warm and calm, and this period also coincides with the green sea turtles’ mating, nesting, and hatching seasons, increasing your chances of seeing them up close.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are inviting and offer truly spectacular spots for snorkeling with sea turtles. The Seychelles islands of La Digue and Praslin are known for their pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life, including the hawksbill and green sea turtles. Anse Lazio and Anse Patate boast crystal-clear waters, especially popular for turtle encounters. Enjoy snorkeling in this rich and beautiful underwater playground off the east coast of Southern Africa.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season is the best time to enjoy snorkeling in the Seychelles, with April to October noted as ideal. The seas are calm and visibility is excellent.

Discover the beauty of the hidden aquatic paradise, a wonderland of shimmering coral reefs and schools of fish. It's a place where vibrant biodiversity and gentle giants like turtles and rays coexist in harmony. Snorkeling in clear waters in truly spectacular locations is an incredible experience and having the chance to snorkel with turtles is a treat.

Knowing your options when choosing where to have this outstanding experience will enhance your adventure. Find your next snorkeling spot or explore our wildlife and nature tours, vacations, and safaris to discover other nature-related adventures.