Scuba Diving with Turtles: Where, How, and When Swim Alongside Them

Hey, quick question.

Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving with turtles? Oh, you don’t dive… What about snorkeling with turtles?

I’m not just talking about just spotting them from a distance, but actually swimming side by side with these incredible creatures?

You’re deep underwater, surrounded by silence except for the sound of your own breath. Suddenly, a sea turtle appears, gliding effortlessly, as if time itself has slowed down.

And you? You’re right there, in the moment, living something most people only see in nature documentaries.

Now, what if I told you there’s a way to make this dream a reality?

• No Googling “best places to snorkel with turtles.”
• No endless blog reading about diving with turtles.
• No wasting time on overrated dive spots.

Just the real deal.

• The exact locations where turtle divers
• The right conditions.
• The best times.

All packed into one guide that gets you straight to the action.

Sounds good?

Keep reading.

But be warned: once you finish this, there’s no going back.
You’ll know where to go for sea turtle scuba diving.
You’ll know how to snorkel with turtles like a pro.

And trust me, once you know, you won’t want to wait.

So, ready to dive in?

1. The Best Places for Scuba Diving with Turtles

1.1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling with Turtles in Akumal, Mexico

Ever heard of a place called Akumal? In the ancient Mayan language, it means “land of turtles”, and trust me, the name doesn’t lie. This slice of paradise on the Riviera Maya is one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

But when is the best time to visit? What kind of sea turtles can you spot while diving or snorkeling? Let’s get into it.

Best Time of Year for Turtle Diving in Akumal

The magic of scuba diving with sea turtles in Akumal happens all year round, but some months are extra special:

• May to October – Peak turtle diving season! This is when sea turtles are most active, coinciding with their nesting period. During these months, you’ll not only see turtles diving in the water but also witness them heading to the beaches to lay their eggs.
• Nesting Season (June to October) – If you’re lucky, you might catch a rare and unforgettable moment: sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand or even baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean.

Want to see turtles diving up close? Grab your gear—this is the time to be in Akumal.

What Types of Sea Turtles Can You See?

Akumal is home to three incredible species of sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, you might spot them while scuba diving or snorkeling with turtles.

• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – The star of the show! This species is the most common in Akumal, often seen diving with sea turtles in search of seagrass.
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) – Also known as the turtle diver’s hidden gem. Less frequent but still spotted in the area, these turtles have powerful jaws and love deeper waters.
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – With its beautifully patterned shell, this rare species is a true scuba diver’s treasure. Harder to find, but if you do, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.

So, are you ready for the ultimate turtle dive experience? Whether you prefer scuba diving with turtles or just want to enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling with turtles adventure, Akumal is where you need to be.

And here’s a tip: ask about the turtle snorkeling tours in Akumal organized by Dressel Divers—you can join them from any of our locations in Riviera Maya and Mexico.

1.2. Scuba Diving with Turtles at Tortugas Reef, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is a dream spot for diving with turtles, and Tortugas Reef is one of its top locations. Just a short boat ride from shore, this deep reef dive offers close encounters with hawksbill and green turtles, along with plenty of other marine life. If you’re looking for an unforgettable turtle diving experience, this is it!

Best Time to See Sea Turtles

You can dive with sea turtles at Tortugas Reef all year round, but the experience varies depending on the season, just like in Akumal since both spots are very close.

In other words, if you visit between May and October, you’ll witness nesting season, while from November to April, your chances decrease by about 10%.

What Turtles Can You See?

At Tortugas Reef, two species dominate the scene:

• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): With its beautifully patterned shell, this species is a highlight for any turtle diver.
• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Often seen grazing on seagrass in shallower areas.

Unlike Akumal’s calm snorkeling with turtles waters, Tortugas Reef is a deep dive site, making it better suited for certified divers. Besides turtles, expect to see barracudas, eagle rays, and massive schools of fish.

For a shallower turtle diving experience, check out Akumal, but if you want an exciting reef dive with turtles, this is the spot. You can dive at the reef with Dressel Divers from Playa del Carmen, Paraíso, Cancún, Puerto Aventuras, and Cozumel.

1.3. Scuba Diving with Turtles in the Maldives

The Maldives is nothing short of paradise for anyone who dreams of scuba diving with sea turtles. Imagine crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and an ocean teeming with marine life—where diving with turtles isn’t just a possibility, but practically a guarantee.

But when’s the best time for turtle diving? And which species will you find gliding effortlessly through these waters? Keep reading, because we’ve got the answers.

Best Time for Sea Turtle Scuba Diving in the Maldives

November to April:
This is the ultimate season for scuba diving with turtles in the Maldives. Calm waters, excellent visibility, and warm temperatures make it perfect for turtle divers. These months bring the highest chances of spotting sea turtles diving, feeding, and lazily cruising along the reefs.

May to October:
Monsoon season rolls in, but don’t worry—turtle scuba diving is still on the table. Some turtle dive spots are less affected by the rain, though visibility might be slightly reduced. If you’re up for stronger currents, this season still offers encounters with diving turtles.

Turtle Species You’ll Encounter While Diving

• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
• Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): Not as common as other species, but if you’re lucky, you might just see one during a sea turtle scuba diving

So, if you’re ready to experience the best turtle diving in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, grab your gear. Whether it’s scuba diving turtles or snorkeling with sea turtles, the Maldives is the place to be.

1.4. Scuba Diving with Turtles in the Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands, located just north of Lombok in Indonesia, are renowned as the “Turtle Capital of the World.” With crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life, it’s no surprise that this paradise is a top destination for scuba diving with turtles and snorkeling with turtles. So, when’s the best time to dive in the Gili Islands and what species of sea turtles can you expect to encounter? Let’s dive in!

Best Time for Turtle Diving in the Gili Islands

All Year Round:
Lucky for you, turtle diving and snorkeling with turtles are available year-round in the Gili Islands. The turtles are around all the time, making it possible to encounter them no matter when you visit.

March to May:
This period is particularly favorable for scuba diving with turtles. With optimal water conditions and excellent visibility, you’re more likely to see diving turtles and get that perfect turtle shot.

Turtle Species You Can Find in the Gili Islands: Green turtle and hawksbill turtle
Both species are a vital part of the Gili Islands’ marine ecosystem and are a major attraction for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

1.5. Scuba Diving with Turtles in Abu Dabbab Bay, Egypt

Located near Marsa Alam, Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the best scuba diving spots in the Red Sea to dive with sea turtles. This destination is famous for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and the chance to encounter turtles in their natural habitat. So, when is the best time to go turtle diving in Abu Dabbab? And what species can you expect to see? Let’s dive in!

Best Time for Turtle Diving in Abu Dabbab

All Year Round:
The good news? Turtle diving in Abu Dabbab is available year-round! Sea turtles are permanent residents of the bay, meaning you can see them at any time of the year. However, diving conditions vary by season:

May to October:
This period offers warm waters and excellent visibility, making it the best time for close encounters with sea turtles while scuba diving or snorkeling.

November to April:
Water temperatures drop slightly in winter, but sea turtles remain visible. Plus, the cooler air temperatures make for a more comfortable experience for some divers.

Turtle Species You Can See in Abu Dabbab: Green turtle and hawksbill turtle

With its resident turtle population and ideal diving conditions, Abu Dabbab Bay is a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers looking for an unforgettable turtle diving experience.

How to Scuba Dive with Turtles Responsibly?

Scuba diving with turtles or snorkeling with turtles is an unforgettable experience. But it’s essential to do it ethically to protect these incredible creatures and their environment. Here’s a practical guide to ensure a responsible and sustainable interaction.

2. Ethical Code for Turtle Divers and Snorkelers

Organizations like UNESCO have developed ethical guidelines for interacting with marine life. Follow these key principles:

• Respect the Marine Environment: Avoid touching or disturbing sea turtles and their natural habitat.
• No Invasive Behavior: Never chase or harass turtles. This can stress them and alter their natural behavior.
• Promote Conservation: Educate fellow divers and snorkelers about best practices to protect marine biodiversity.

Keeping a Safe Distance Without Disrupting Behavior

• Maintain at Least 2-3 Meters Distance: This allows diving turtles to feel safe and act naturally.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Swim calmly to prevent startling sea turtles.
• Don’t Block Their Path: If a turtle is heading to the surface to breathe, give it space.

Why You Shouldn’t Touch or Feed Sea Turtles

• Prevents Stress and Injury: Touching turtles can harm their delicate skin and shell.
• Preserves Natural Diets: Feeding them disrupts their habits, making them reliant on humans.
• Avoids Disease Transmission: Human contact can spread bacteria that threaten their health.

Choosing an Environmentally Responsible Dive Center

Opt for a dive center committed to sustainability:

• Eco Projects: Look for operators involved in ocean conservation initiatives, such as Dressel Divers’ GO GREEN program.
• Environmental Education: Responsible dive centers provide information on marine conservation.
• Active Conservation Efforts: Some centers participate in beach clean-ups and turtle monitoring projects.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy snorkeling with turtles or scuba diving with sea turtles ethically and sustainably while helping to protect their natural habitat.

3. Essential Tips for Photographing Turtles Underwater

Capturing the magic of scuba diving with turtles requires more than just a good camera. Whether you’re into turtle diving or prefer snorkeling with sea turtles, the right settings and techniques can turn a simple snapshot into an incredible underwater memory.

Here’s how to make every shot count.

1. Camera Settings for Moving Turtles

Turtles don’t stay still for long, so set up your camera accordingly:

• Shutter Speed: Use at least 1/250 or faster to freeze motion, especially when turtles are swimming.
• Aperture: Stick to f/5.6 to f/8 for a balance between depth of field and lighting.
• ISO: In clear, sunny waters, 100-400 ISO works best. In darker conditions, raise the ISO cautiously to avoid excessive noise.
• White Balance: Use an underwater white balance mode or a red filter to correct blue tones.

2. Best Angles & Composition

• Shoot from Below or Eye Level: Position yourself slightly under the turtle to capture its full silhouette against the water’s surface.
• Follow the Rule of Thirds: Keep the turtle slightly off-center for a visually appealing shot.
• Include the Environment: Coral, sunlight rays, or other turtle divers add depth and storytelling to your photo.

3. Underwater Lighting Techniques

• Use a Strobe or External Flash: This helps bring out the turtle’s natural colors. Position the light at an angle to avoid glare.
• Leverage Natural Light: If you’re snorkeling with turtles, stick to shallow waters and mid-day lighting for the best clarity.

4. Avoiding Reflections & Floating Particles

• Get Closer: The closer you are, the fewer suspended particles will appear in your frame.
• Change Your Angle: Avoid shooting directly towards the sun to minimize surface glare.
• Use a Polarizing Filter: If shooting from the surface, a polarizer helps reduce reflections.

5. Patience & Respect for Turtles

• Don’t Chase the Turtle: Let it come to you naturally—this results in more authentic shots.
• Wait for the Right Moment: Observe its movements and be ready when it interacts with its surroundings.

Now you know where and when to swim with sea turtles. Whether diving or snorkeling, your perfect turtle encounter await, just pick your spot and dive in!