7 Turtle Adventures You Didn’t Know Existed
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Turtles aren’t just slow walkers with shells. They’ve got secret lives in some pretty wild places. I had no idea until I fell into a rabbit hole of turtle adventures—and now I want to do them all.
These trips aren’t just about relaxing by the sea. They’ll have you swimming, hiking, and maybe even saving baby turtles. If you’re tired of the usual vacation stuff, this might be your thing.
1. Watch Leatherbacks Nest in Costa Rica
I saw a video once—huge turtle dragging itself out of the ocean in the dark, digging a hole, laying eggs, then crawling back into the waves. It looked like something out of a nature film. Turns out, that’s what happens in Costa Rica.
Leatherbacks are massive. Like, small car size. They can weigh over 2,000 pounds. These giants come ashore at night between March and July to lay eggs. It’s quiet. It’s kind of magical. You just stand there, watching something that’s been happening for millions of years.
No loud tourists. No flash photos. Just stars and sand.
2. Snorkel with Hawksbill Turtles in Malaysia
I’ll admit it: the first time I saw a hawksbill, I thought it looked fake. Their shell patterns are so detailed, they look like stained glass windows. If you go snorkeling around the Perhentian Islands, you might spot one floating past like a boss.
They don’t care about you, your GoPro, or your perfect underwater pose. But getting to swim next to one feels like winning the wildlife lottery.
Go between March and October when the water’s calm and the turtles are more active. Just don’t touch them. Let them do their thing.
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
3. Meet Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos
You know those tortoises that look like they’ve been around since the dinosaurs? They live in the Galapagos. Some of them are over 100 years old. They’ve seen more than all of us combined.
They move slow, look wise, and kind of stare at you like you’re the one visiting their land. Which, honestly, you are.
It’s not cheap to visit the Galapagos, but if you ever go, meeting these old-timers is totally worth it.
4. See Green Sea Turtles in the Seychelles
The Seychelles feels like a desktop wallpaper came to life—clear blue water, white sand, palm trees swaying like they’re on break. Add green sea turtles gliding by, and it’s next-level peaceful.
These turtles return to the same beach where they were born, which I find oddly emotional. Like nature’s version of “coming home.”
From May to September, you can join small boat tours or just snorkel off the shore. Either way, it beats another beach resort trip with a watered-down smoothie.
5. Help Loggerheads in Greece
If you’ve ever wanted to do something meaningful on a trip, Greece has a gig for you. You can volunteer to protect turtle nests. Think of it like babysitting, but for eggs buried in the sand.
Loggerhead turtles are nesting on beaches that are also full of sunbathers and beach bars. Not ideal. That’s where volunteers come in—to put up signs, keep watch, and make sure the hatchlings make it to the water.
It’s not glamorous, but it feels good. You come back with stories that don’t sound like everyone else’s trip to Greece.
6. Kayak with Turtles in Australia
I’m not great at snorkeling. Water always gets into my nose. But kayaking? That I can do. At Ningaloo Reef in Australia, you can paddle in clear, shallow water and see turtles swimming under your boat.
It’s like a glass-bottom boat, but you’re doing the paddling—and getting some arm workout too.
You might spot green turtles, hawksbills, even loggerheads. March to June is the best time, when the water’s calm and clear enough to spot every flipper.
7. Just Being Around Turtles Changes You
Okay, this last one isn’t a place. It’s more of a feeling. Spending time with turtles—seeing how calm they are, how steady—they sort of rub off on you.
They’re not in a rush. They don’t care about Wi-Fi. And yet, they’re doing something pretty amazing just by existing.
If you’re looking for a trip that’s a little different, maybe skip the usual sightseeing and go hang out with turtles instead. They’ve been around forever. They’ve got stories we’ll never understand. But just being near them feels like you’re in on a secret.
And honestly, I think the world could use more slow, quiet, powerful moments like that.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
