Where Can I Swim With Sea Turtles? [2025 Updated Guide]

Last summer, I was floating in Maui’s clear waters when a green sea turtle swam right past me—slow, calm, totally unbothered. I nearly forgot to breathe.

Swimming with sea turtles isn’t some overhyped travel thing. It’s actually peaceful, kind of emotional, and way more special than I expected.

If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding beside one in the ocean, you’re not alone. But not every beach is the right place, and not every trip gives you a good shot.

That’s why I put together this updated list of top places where you can actually swim with sea turtles—and not just see a blurry shell in the distance.

I’ll also share which turtle species you’ll find, when to go, and a few trusted tour operators that don’t mess around with sketchy practices.

Because this experience? It’s meant to be beautiful—for both you and the turtles.

Things You Should Know First

You can’t just jump in anywhere and hope for a turtle. Some places are protected. Some have rules. Some don’t even have turtles anymore because tourists scared them off.

Keep your distance. Don’t touch them, chase them, or corner them for a selfie. Sea turtles are chill until you’re not.

Use reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen messes up the water and coral. If you’re in doubt, skip it or wear a rash guard.

Best time to go? It depends on the location. Some places have turtles year-round, others only during nesting or feeding seasons. I’ll break it down for each spot.

Go with a legit operator. Not the “uncle with a boat” situation. Always pick guides who follow marine protection rules. I’ll name drop a few solid ones below.

One last thing—never block a turtle’s path to the surface. They need to breathe. You wouldn’t want someone hovering over your only airhole either.

15 Best Places to Swim With Sea Turtles

1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This place is massive. So massive you can literally see it from space. But more importantly—it’s home to 6 of the 7 sea turtle species on the planet.

You’ll most likely spot green sea turtles and loggerheads here, but if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leatherback or hawksbill too.

Best time to go: June to November

Turtle species: Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Flatback, Leatherback, Olive Ridley

2. Gili Islands, Indonesia

Clear water. Coral reefs. And turtles everywhere. The Gili Islands are like the turtle version of a chill beach party.

You’ll usually run into green sea turtles and hawksbills here. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly if you’ve never snorkeled before.

Best time to go: June to October

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

3. Ari Atoll, Maldives

Turtles, dolphins, manta rays… Ari Atoll feels like someone dropped an aquarium into the ocean. It’s one of the Maldives’ most famous spots for sea life.

All six sea turtle species hang around here, but green and hawksbills are the regulars.

Best time to go: January to April

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and more

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos are known for their weird, ancient animals—but the Galápagos green sea turtle is a highlight. You won’t find this subspecies in many other places.

You can spot them year-round, but nesting season (Feb–Apr) is when things get interesting. Just don’t bother them on the beach.

Best time to go: December to March

Turtle species: Galápagos green sea turtle

5. Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Sipadan is one of the top dive spots in the world. Not an exaggeration. You’ll see turtles, reef sharks, and coral walls that look like alien landscapes.

Green and hawksbill turtles are everywhere here—and they even nest on the island.

Best time to go: April to November

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

6. Marsa Alam, Egypt

The Red Sea is full of surprises, and Marsa Alam is one of the best spots if you want turtles without venturing far from shore. Sometimes you’ll see them swimming just a few feet from the beach.

Green and hawksbill sea turtles are the regulars here. The coral reefs are also top-notch.

Best time to go: June to September

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

7. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is turtle central. Five different sea turtle species live here, but the local star is the Hawaiian green sea turtle, aka the Honu.

They’re not shy either. You can often spot them sunbathing right on the beach or cruising through the shallows.

Best time to go: April to October (but good year-round)

Turtle species: Green (Honu), Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley

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8. Akumal, Mexico

Akumal means “place of the turtles,” and it lives up to the name. You don’t even have to try too hard—just swim out, and chances are you’ll see one.

May to August is peak turtle season, and there’s even night tours for nesting.

Best time to go: May to August

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead

9. Cook Island Marine Reserve, Australia

This spot is a protected marine sanctuary, and it shows. You’ll find a steady population of green sea turtles swimming calmly through the reefs.

Loggerheads and hawksbills sometimes show up too. It’s peaceful, accessible, and way less crowded than other Aussie spots.

Best time to go: May to October

Turtle species: Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill

10. Tobago Cays, Caribbean

This one’s a hidden gem. Crystal clear water, soft sand, and turtles everywhere. It’s like the turtles here are on vacation too.

January to June is your best shot to catch them gliding over seagrass beds in shallow water.

Best time to go: January to June

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

11. Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

This place is wild—literally. Jungle on one side, sea on the other, and turtles nesting right on the beach.

If you visit between July and December, you can watch sea turtles laying eggs or even see hatchlings running to the ocean. Just follow local rules and don’t shine lights at them.

Best time to go: July to December

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback

12. La Flor Wildlife Refuge, Nicaragua

Thousands of sea turtles come here every year to lay their eggs. It’s one of the few mass nesting spots open to visitors.

You might see hundreds of turtles on the beach in a single night. But be respectful—this is serious business for the turtles.

Best time to go: August to November

Turtle species: Olive Ridley, Leatherback

13. Bunaken Marine Park, Indonesia

If coral reefs had a beauty contest, Bunaken would be a finalist. It’s packed with marine life and a growing sea turtle population.

The government protects this place heavily, so turtles here are usually relaxed and easy to spot.

Best time to go: May to October

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

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14. Barbados

This island doesn’t just do rum and beaches—it also has some solid sea turtle sightings. Green and hawksbill turtles are often seen around the western and southern coasts.

Some tours even let you feed them, though honestly, just watching them glide past is more than enough.

Best time to go: July to October

Turtle species: Green, Hawksbill

15. Zante (Zakynthos), Greece

Zante’s beaches are known for two things: parties and turtles. The loggerhead sea turtle population here is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

Just make sure you’re snorkeling away from the nesting zones. These turtles have been around since the dinosaurs—let them chill in peace.

Best time to go: June to August

Turtle species: Loggerhead

How to Swim With Sea Turtles Without Being a Jerk

• Don’t touch them. Not even a gentle poke. You’re not their friend, you’re a floating human. Keep your hands to yourself.
• Don’t chase or block their path. If a turtle wants to swim away, let it. If it’s coming up for air, move. You wouldn’t want someone hovering over your face while you’re trying to breathe.
• Stay calm in the water. Splashing around like a toddler on espresso will scare them off. Slow, quiet movements are the way to go.
• Watch your flippers and fins. Kicking coral or bumping turtles doesn’t make you look cool—it makes you part of the problem.
• Skip the flash. Never take flash photos underwater. It messes with the turtle’s vision and ruins the moment for everyone else.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard. Chemicals in normal sunscreen hurt coral and fish, and eventually turtles too. It’s not a “green” product if it’s killing the reef.
• Respect nesting beaches. If you’re there during nesting season, follow the rules. Stay back, no loud talking, and never shine a flashlight at a nesting turtle or hatchling.

Turtles are ancient, peaceful animals. Don’t be the tourist who ruins it for everyone else—or for the turtle. Let them be wild. You’re just a guest in their ocean.