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World Turtle Day: 8 best places to see turtles around the world

We've selected the best destinations to see turtles in the wild. From eastern Mediterranean coastlines to the Maldives, discover how to integrate turtle spotting into your trip.

Updated by: Gina Lawrence - Digital Content Exec at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 15 May 2026

 

Celebrated since 2000, World Turtle Day takes place on May 23rd every year. This dedicated day raises awareness of these remarkable marine reptiles, who play a vital role in sustaining productive coral reef ecosystems.

You can see turtles in many different spots around the world, with opportunities to see turtles on the beaches of Costa Rica, with wonderful snorkelling at the Belize Barrier Reef and the Maldives, and even in Europe.

Sea turtles are threatened by climate change, fishing and poaching. With six of the world’s seven species endangered, it’s crucial to appreciate these majestic creatures responsibly and on their own terms.

Time to shellebrate with the best places to see turtles around the world.

Galapagos Islands 

Discover turtles on the Galapagos Islands, where wildlife thrives amid awe-inspiring scenery. Four species of sea turtles can be found here, including the Galapagos green turtle which is seen throughout the year. There are turtle nesting grounds at Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island, where you can watch sea turtles (from a safe distance) approaching the beach to lay their eggs.
 
The Galapagos Islands enjoys a tropical climate and an abundance of other marine life, promising unforgettable adventures both above and beneath the waves.
 

  • Species to look for: green turtle (also known as the Galapagos sea turtle and the black sea turtle), olive ridley, leatherback and hawksbill.
  • Best time to go: Commonly seen year round, but December to March is egg laying season.
  • Top spot(s):  Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island
View trip
Two sea turtles swim leisurely in clear, turquoise water, surrounded by small fish, creating a tranquil underwater scene.

Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park is the largest Atlantic Green turtle nesting site in the Western Hemisphere. Between June to September, swathes of Atlantic Green and Leatherback turtles nest on the beaches in this national park. You'll also find Turtle Beach Lodge here, which has its own private beach and runs evening tours where you can watch the turtles navigating the sands.
 
While Tortuguero National Park is the best place to see turtles in Costa Rica, you may also spot Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles at the likes of the Osa Peninsula and Cahuita National Park.
 

  • Species to look for: green turtle
  • Best time to go: Green turtle nesting season is July to September.
  • Top spot(s):  Turtle beach lodge, Tortuguero NP
View trip
A baby sea turtle crawls toward the ocean, its flippers moving across wet sand with foamy waves nearby.

Cyprus

Loggerheads and Green Sea turtles frequent the Mediterranean Sea, and many females come ashore to the beaches of Cyprus to lay their eggs. Green Bay Beach in Protaras is one of the best places in Europe to see green sea turtles; this location boasts the blue flag seal of approval, and while snorkelling you may see turtles resting on the seagrass beds.
 
Other turtle beaches in Cyprus include Caretta Beach and Alagadi Beach in Northern Cyprus. The eastern area of the Mediterranean, including the likes of Greece, Turkey and southern Italy, is prime breeding ground for these two turtle species.
 

  • Species to look for: loggerhead and green sea turtles
  • Best time to go: Nesting season is May to October,
  • Top spot(s):  Algadi turtle beach is a protected natural beach; we recommend going at dusk for the best chance to see turtles
View trip
A sea turtle swims gracefully near the water's surface, surrounded by clear, blue ocean, sunlight softly filtering through, creating shimmering reflections.

Belize

Situated on the east coast of Central America, Belize is a haven for marine wildlife. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, its stand-out destination is the Belize Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters to admire the vibrant coral reef while Hawksbill, Green Sea and Loggerhead turtles glide past.
 
About a half an hour boat ride from Belize City lies St George's Caye. This area includes three protected areas, from mangrove to archaeology reserves, which provide important habitats for these endangered sea turtles
 

  • Species to look for: hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtle, plus nine species of freshwater turtles
  • Best time to go: hawksbill nesting season is May to October but turtles can be seen year round
  • Top spot(s):  the Belize Barrier reef
View trip
A sea turtle swims gracefully above vibrant coral in clear blue water, with sunlight filtering through the ocean surface, creating a serene underwater scene.

India

India’s natural beauty is diverse, with plenty of beaches and islands serving as sanctuaries for various turtles. Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha is one of the world's largest nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, while Agatti Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago is an ideal nesting ground for Green turtles.
 
Hop aboard a motorboat and glide across the River Chambal; some 300 turtles were released here for World Turtle Day in 2022. The famous Ranthambore National Park comprises of rivers, lakes and forests, and among the rich wildlife are Ganga soft-shelled turtles.
 

  • Species to look for: Olive Ridley and Green turtles
  • Best time to go: November to January
  • Top spot(s):  Gahirmatha Beach, Gahirmatha Beach
View trip
A sea turtle swims near the water's surface, its flippers extended gracefully. Sunlight filters through the clear blue ocean, highlighting the turtle's patterned shell and textured skin.

El Salvador

Between November to January, baby turtles hatch on the sands of El Salvador, such as on El Zonte, before they embark on their oceanic journey. You may also see Hawksbill turtles at Jiquilisco Bay, a biosphere reserve that plays an important role in turtle conservation. 
 
Take a boat trip with a local biologist through the mangrove canals of Jiquilisco Bay and monitor Hawksbill turtles. Playing a role in monitoring these tiny creatures undoubtedly leaves you with a heart-warming feeling of connection to the natural world.
 

  • Species to look for: Hawksbill
  • Best time to go: November to January  
  • Top spot(s):  Jiquilisco Bay
View trip
Two turtles crawl toward the ocean, leaving tracks on a sandy beach with gentle waves visible in the background.

Maldives

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the Maldives, where pristine beaches meets vibrant marine life. January to April has the best underwater visibility, allowing you to see turtles gliding effortlessly through the waves.
 
July and August is another ideal time to see turtles in the Maldives; snorkel through the azure-blue waters of Vavuu Atoll and Kuda Anbaraa, where you'll likely see Green turtles amongst other underwater fauna.
 

  • Species to look for: Green turtles
  • Best time to go: January to April for clear waters
  • Top spot(s):  underwater
View trip
A sea turtle swims gracefully over vibrant coral reefs, with colorful fish surrounding it in a clear blue ocean, creating a lively underwater scene.

Sri Lanka

This teardrop-shaped island sees numerous turtles traverse its surrounding waters and nest on its beaches. Kosgoda, in southern Sri Lanka, has a turtle hatchery where you can learn about these endangered sea turtles and their breeding process. Those lucky enough to see female turtles coming onto the beach to lay eggs later in the evening is bound to be the highlight of any visit to Sri Lanka. 
 
Green, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles can be spotted on the beaches of Rekawa, a fishing village on the south coast of Tangalle. With its spacious, sandy beach and little development, it's an ideal setting for these turtles to rest up.

 

  • Species to look for: Green, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles
  • Best time to go: October to April for nesting season
  • Top spot(s):  Kosgoda, Rekawa beach
View trip
A sea turtle swims gracefully through clear blue water, its flippers extended. Coral formations are visible on the ocean floor beneath it, creating a vibrant underwater landscape.

World Turtle Day 2026: why it matters

Celebrated since 2000, World Turtle Day takes place on May 23rd every year. This dedicated day raises awareness of these remarkable marine reptiles, who play a vital role in sustaining productive coral reef ecosystems. World Turtle Day is a way to increase awareness of declining turtle numbers and encourage conservation efforts to protect turtle populations and their habitats

Seeing sea turtles in their natural habitat tops many bucket-lists, but it’s important to acknowledge the harsh reality of their endangered status and the threats they face, including but not limited to natural habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trading, hunting, and egg harvesting.
 

Did you know these five facts about turtles?

  1. ​Turtles don't have teeth and use their beak to grab food.
  2. Female turtles burp. Well, kind of. Female leatherbacks make similar noises when they're nesting.
  3. While most sea turtles rest at night, Kemp's ridleys nest during the day.
  4. Sea turtles can lay up to 100 eggs.
  5. Turtles have outlived dinosaurs - they've been around for 150 million years!

 

Responsible turtle watching tips

We believe wildlife should be wild, and nature should be natural. In order to do our bit for these stunning creatures, here are some guidelines for how you can engage with turtles in an ethical manner:
  • Keep your distance, stay quiet, follow local rangers and guides 
  • No flash photography at night; don’t block nesting paths 
  • Never touch hatchlings or “help” them to the sea 
  • Stay on boardwalks/marked routes; respect beach closures 
  • Avoid buying products made from turtle shell
By supporting initiatives aimed at conservation and sustainable practices, we can make a meaningful difference in protecting sea turtle habitats. Read our Animal Protection policy, and take a look at our wildlife tours for more inspiration.
 

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see turtles on holiday?
Belize, Galapagos and the Maldives have resident turtle species, but many Sea turtles are migratory, so the secret to spotting them is to time your trip just right.
Where is best to see turtles hatching?
Where can I swim with turtles?
What’s the best time of year to see sea turtles?

The Explore Foundation

Passionate about supporting communities, wildlife and ecosystems? The Explore Foundation supports projects worldwide in places that we visit on our trips. We're supporting grassroots projects that target poverty, increasing access to education and healthcare, and promoting wildlife conservation. Whether you'd like to donate or even suggest a project we can take on, visit our Explore Foundation website to get involved!

More about the Explore Foundation

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