A Complete Guide to turtles; The Iconic Ocean Wanderers

The Maldives is one of the world’s most enchanting places to encounter sea turtles. With over 1,000 coral islands scattered across warm, turquoise waters, the archipelago provides the perfect habitat for several species of these ancient mariners. Whether you’re diving vibrant reefs, snorkeling shallow lagoons, or exploring quiet beaches at sunrise, the Maldives offers countless opportunities to witness sea turtles in their natural environment. These graceful creatures have been swimming through the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years, long before humans walked the Earth — and today, they continue to inspire awe in everyone lucky enough to meet them.

Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the Maldives, but two are especially common: the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle.

The Hawksbill is the most frequently sighted turtle in Maldivian waters. Known for their distinctive pointed beak and overlapping amber-colored scutes, hawksbills play a critical role in maintaining reef health. Their diet consists mainly of sponges — a food few other species can digest — which helps prevent sponge overgrowth on coral reefs. Because of this unique ecological role, hawksbills are often referred to as the “gardeners of the reef.”

Green turtles are larger and more robust, with smooth shells and rounded faces. Despite their name, their shell isn’t green — the color actually comes from the layer of fat beneath their skin, resulting from their herbivorous diet. Green turtles are commonly seen grazing on seagrass beds in sheltered lagoons. Watching one glide slowly along the ocean floor is an unforgettable highlight for visitors.

Other species, such as the Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback, appear more occasionally, but spotting them is an exciting treat for divers and marine biologists.

The Maldives’ warm, clear waters provide countless turtle-friendly habitats. Coral reefs, coral bommies, shallow lagoons, and seagrass beds all serve as feeding grounds and resting areas. Islands in Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll, Baa Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll are especially known for frequent sightings.

One of the most fascinating aspects of turtle behavior is their loyalty to specific home ranges. Many turtles return to the same reef daily, which is why divers often recognize particular individuals during repeated dives. Some conservation projects — such as the Olive Ridley Project — maintain photo-ID databases that allow visitors to identify and even “adopt” turtles they encounter.

Contrary to popular belief, a turtle’s shell is highly sensitive and filled with nerve endings, meaning that any touch or handling can be uncomfortable or even distressing for the animal. For this reason, touching sea turtles is strictly prohibited. Just like with all marine life, we must never chase or interfere with them. When you encounter a turtle in the water, give it space to move freely—avoid blocking its path or getting too close, as this can cause unnecessary stress. By staying calm and keeping a respectful distance, you allow the turtle to continue its natural behaviour, often rewarding you with a peaceful and unforgettable encounter.

Sea turtles are migratory by nature, crossing entire ocean basins during their lifetime. Yet when it comes to nesting, females return to the very beach where they were born — a phenomenon known as natal homing. While nesting sightings in the Maldives are rare for tourists unless staying on quieter islands, Green and Hawksbill turtles do nest on several Maldivian beaches.

Females crawl ashore at night, dig a chamber in the sand, and lay around 80–120 eggs. After roughly 60 days, hatchlings emerge and dash toward the moonlit ocean. Only a handful survive — predators, pollution, and human activity make their journey incredibly challenging. Protecting nesting beaches is therefore essential for the future of turtle populations.

Although often seen gracefully swimming along the reef, turtles actually spend much of the day resting, tucked beneath coral ledges or in small caves. They can hold their breath for up to several hours when relaxed. At feeding sites, hawksbills can be observed poking their narrow beaks into crevices to reach sponges and small invertebrates, while green turtles graze peacefully on seagrass meadows, shaping the underwater landscape with every bite.

Turtles also surface regularly to breathe, making them easy to spot for snorkelers. Their calm, slow movements allow for extraordinary wildlife encounters, provided visitors respect their space.

Despite the Maldives being a sanctuary for marine life, sea turtles face numerous challenges:

These threats highlight the importance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts to ensure turtles continue to thrive.

• Never touching or chasing turtles

• Giving them plenty of space when snorkeling or diving

• Avoiding reef-damaging sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate

• Reducing plastic waste

• Supporting local conservation organizations

• Reporting sightings of entangled turtles