Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
About the Green Sea Turtle
The green sea turtle is one of the largest and most widespread sea turtle species, found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Named for the green colour of their body fat (from their herbivorous diet of seagrass), these ancient mariners can live for over 80 years and navigate thousands of kilometres to return to the exact beach where they hatched.
Fun Facts
- Green sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 5 hours while sleeping underwater.
- They are the only sea turtle species that is primarily herbivorous as adults, grazing on seagrass and algae.
- Female green sea turtles return to the exact same beach where they were born to lay their eggs — sometimes travelling over 2,000 km.
Where to See Green Sea Turtle in the Wild
Great Barrier Reef
AustraliaSnorkel and dive with green sea turtles on the world's largest coral reef system.
Tortuguero National Park
Costa RicaOne of the most important green sea turtle nesting sites in the Western Hemisphere.
Sipadan Island
MalaysiaWorld-class diving with resident green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Where to See Green Sea Turtle at Zoos
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, USA
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Sydney, Australia
Book Green Sea Turtle Tours & Experiences
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Snorkeling with Sea Turtles at St. Thomas
2 hours
Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
1h 15m
Swim with sea turtles
1h 15m
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
1h 30m
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Waikiki Hawaii Boat Tour
2h 30m
Akumal; Snorkeling with The Sea Turtles
1h 10mEverything You Need to See Green Sea Turtles
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Guided Tours & Experiences
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Photography Tips for Green Sea Turtle
Use a wide-angle lens underwater to capture turtles with their reef habitat. They often rest on the bottom — approach slowly and let them come to you for the best, undisturbed shots.
Safety Guide
Never touch, chase, or ride sea turtles. Maintain a respectful distance while snorkeling. Use reef-safe sunscreen. During nesting season, follow guide instructions and avoid using lights on the beach.
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Green Sea Turtle FAQ
There are several destinations worldwide where you can observe Green Sea Turtle in their natural habitat. Visit our dedicated Green Sea Turtle page on WhereAnimalsLive.com for a complete guide to the best locations, including national parks, reserves, and recommended tour operators with current pricing.
The ideal time to see Green Sea Turtle depends on the specific destination, as seasons and animal behaviour vary by region. Generally, the dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources and improves visibility. Check our detailed Green Sea Turtle destination guides for month-by-month recommendations.
Trip costs vary widely depending on the destination and comfort level. Budget options with basic accommodation and group tours can start from $50–$150 per day, while mid-range and luxury experiences run $200–$1,000+ per day. Our Green Sea Turtle page on WhereAnimalsLive.com includes specific pricing for each recommended destination.
Guided wildlife excursions in established national parks and reserves are very safe when you follow your guide's instructions. Professional guides are trained in animal behaviour and maintain safe distances at all times. Always book through licensed, reputable operators who prioritise both visitor safety and animal welfare.
A telephoto zoom lens (100–400 mm or 200–600 mm) is ideal for wildlife photography, allowing sharp images from a safe distance. Pair it with a camera body that handles high ISO well for low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. A beanbag or monopod provides stable support in the field. Check our photography tips section for species-specific recommendations.