The Cheloniidae family includes six of the seven species of marine Turtle, the only other being the Leatherback Turtle a member of the Dermochelyidae family.
Turtles are a favourite sighting on many reefs still lucky enough to have them. Despite being one of the most endangered Turtle species, the Hawksbill Turtle is the species that you are most likely to see on a dive as they are the only species to live on coral reefs.
They seem to have lots of character and often appear to cry, due to the secretion of salts & fluids from a gland near the eyes.
Love marine life?
It is thought they are able to plot their course using the earth’s magnetic field to create a mental map.
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John Cahil-Rom
Green Turtle -
Tara North
Green Turtle -
Kris Mikael Krister
Hawksbill turtle
Family variety
Behaviour
Being replies and air breathing they have to surface periodically to breathe and are often spotted on their way to or from the surface.
Reproduction
Small juveniles are pelagic, taking shelter in flotsam such a weed rafts and eating first plankton, then small jellyfish and floating vegetable matter. When they reach around 25cm they move to coastal waters and find a suitable home near a good feeding ground.
Diet
Defences
FACTFILE
SPECIES: 6
SIZE RANGE: 70-213 cm
DISTRIBUTION:
Found in tropical and temperate regions. Some species are rare due to exploitation.
HABITAT:
Found in coastal waters near seagrass beds and other favourable feeding grounds. Turtles migrate long distances in open ocean.
THREATS:
Prized for their rich meat, valuable shell, and their eggs. Often die as by-catch in nets. Plastic and habitat loss are other major threats. Vulnerable to extinction.
Identification tips
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Marine Turtles have excellent eyesight underwater, however, they are quite short-sighted on land.
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A gland near the eye releases excess salt and fluids ingested when drinking sea water. These glands also keep the eyes moist when females are on land laying eggs.
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The sea turtle’s shell, or “carapace”, is streamlined for swimming through the water. Unlike other turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their legs and head into their shells.
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Front fins are used as wings for propulsion, they are large and sensitive to touch.
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Sea Turtles don’t have teeth. Instead, their mouths are sharp and beak-like and well-suited for crushing or tearing their food.
Popular species
Turtles are a highlight of any dive. Here are the species most commonly encountered.
Hawksbill Turtle
(Chelinus impracia)
The Hawksbill turtle is one of species most commonly seen by divers, as it often makes its home on or near coral reefs. It is a smaller species of turtle only reaching 1m in length, often found resting on a ledge or munching on coral or sponges.
Green Turtle
(Chelinus chelonius)
The Green turtle can grow up to 1.5m. Adults are totally vegetarian feeding primarily on sea grass. They can be identified by their distinctive head and short snout and unhooked mouth shape.
Leatherback Turtle
(Dermochelys coriacea)
Largest family member, can grow up to 2.2m. Unlike other marine turtles the lack of a bony carapace instead it has thick, leathery skin over its back. Found predominantly in the open ocean and very rare near land, unless coming in to lay eggs.
Cebu
Cebu is the most accessible island in the Visayas, and home to some wonderful scuba diving.
Diving Malapascua is a thrill for more advanced divers due to regular sightings of Thresher Sharks. Oslob, to the south of Cebu City is famous for whale sharks, while you can dive on beautiful coral reefs in Moalboal or Mactan Island.
This is a great area for island-hopping, combining well with Bohol and Negros Islands.
Bohol
The island of Bohol lies just to the east of Cebu in the Viasayas region of the Philippines and is a popular island for tourists.
The area's diving is also a major attraction, with great macro life, plentiful turtles and lovely coral reefs. Good diving options are available on the west coast, and also the quieter south-east region of Anda.
Similan & Surin Islands
The Similan Islands in Thailand are the country's most famous diving destination, offering great visibility, stunning corals and prolific marine life.
Accessed primarily by liveaboard, the Similan Islands are in a strictly controlled marine park and are considered by many to be the crown jewels of Thailand’s diving. As well as the diving, they also offer picture perfect beaches and unspoilt habitats.
Other fascinating species...
Ghost Pipefish - Solenostomidae
With their incredible ability to mimic their surroundings and their tiny size, it is not surprising that these spectacular critters are seldom spotted by divers.
Porcupine Pufferfish - Diodontidae
With their large expressive eyes & often curious nature, Porcupine Pufferfish are regular favourites with divers.
Batfish - Ephippidae
