Green Sea Turtle

What to look for

Identify them by their single pair of prefrontal scales. The carapace usually measures 1 to 1.5 m in length. They have a blunt, rounded snout. Look for a dark green or brown shell.

These turtles move slowly through the water. Their flippers work like large wings. You will notice they lack the serrated jaw of a Hawksbill. This distinction is vital when you are identifying species on a murky reef.

Behaviour you’ll observe

Green Sea Turtles are mostly herbivores as adults. They graze on seagrass and algae. You might see them hovering near reef slopes. They often rest in sandy patches between corals.

They do not swim fast unless threatened. I watched one sleep at 12 m depth in Koh Tao back in 2014. It stayed perfectly still for 20 minutes. Most divers find them quite easy to approach.

Where and when

Sighting probability varies by location. At [/dive-sites/richelieu-rock/](Richelieu Rock), you see them on roughly 1 in 4 dives during the peak season from November to May. They love the deep structures there.

In Indonesia, visit [/dive-sites/manta-point-nusa-penida/](Manta Point Nusa Penida). The current is often strong here. You will find them near the cleaning stations because they seek relief from parasites. I saw a large female near the reef edge in February 2019.

Visibility at these sites usually stays above 15 m. You should plan your trip between January and April for the best water clarity. This timing helps you spot them against the blue background.

Diver etiquette

Keep your distance. Stay at least 3 m away from the animal. Do not chase them through the water column. This causes unnecessary stress to the turtle.

Buoyancy is your best tool. If you are a poor diver, you might accidentally hit the shell. A single strike can cause long-term damage to their protective layer.

Watch your fins. Avoid kicking up sand near their feeding grounds. This makes it harder for them to find food.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies Chelonia mydas as Endangered. Their populations face threats from habitat loss and plastic ingestion. Many regional fisheries also accidentally catch them in nets.

Protecting seagrass beds is essential for their survival. We must reduce plastic waste in the ocean. This helps prevent turtles from eating debris that looks like jellyfish.

Local laws in Thailand protect these animals strictly. Fines for touching a turtle can exceed 300,000 THB. Always follow your guide’s instructions to avoid legal trouble.

Summary of data

Feature	Detail
Max Carapace	1.5 m
IUCN Status	Endangered
Best Depth	10-25 m
Sighting Rate	25% at Richelieu Rock

Check your buoyancy before approaching any marine life. If you struggle with currents, practice in a calm bay before visiting Nusa Penida.