06 May 2025

Who can remain unmoved by such an adorable and harmless creature as the sea turtle? If you, too, are an unconditional lover of these marine beings, then this article is for you! Discover which species of sea turtles you can find in Thai waters and where to go to multiply your chances of spotting them. We also share all our tips for observing them ethically and responsibly.

Which Species of Sea Turtles Can You Find in Thailand?

Among the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide, four of them inhabit Thai waters:

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

The green turtle ranks among, alongside the hawksbill turtle, the two most commonly observed species in Thai waters. It is the largest of the hard-shelled turtles: it measures up to 150 cm and weighs up to 200 kilos.

It owes its name to the greenish color of its flesh (not its shell), attributed to its diet—as an adult, it feeds almost exclusively on seagrass and algae. This particularity also earned it the nickname "ocean gardener." Lastly, the green turtle is one of the rare sea turtle species known to leave the water to bask in the sun, unlike species that only emerge for nesting purposes.

The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

The hawksbill turtle is one of the most frequently encountered sea turtle species in Thailand, alongside the green turtle. You can easily recognize it by its relatively flat shell of brownish-orange color, with scales arranged like roof tiles (hence its name).

It has the distinctive feature of a hooked beak that earned it the English nickname "hawk's bill turtle." It is the only known spongivorous reptile species, meaning it feeds exclusively on corals, sea sponges, and anemones.

The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Averaging 70 cm in length and weighing 80 kg, the olive ridley turtle is the second smallest sea turtle after the Kemp's ridley. It is characterized by a hard, heart-shaped shell whose olive-green color gave it its name.

It is known for participating in one of the planet's most impressive nesting phenomena: the arribada. During nesting season, thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs on the Pacific coasts of Central America (Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama) and South America. Note that this phenomenon is not observable in Thailand, where individuals instead engage in solitary nesting.

The Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

The loggerhead turtle is among the sea turtle species you may encounter in Thailand, though sightings are becoming increasingly rare due to the many threats facing it (particularly climate change and human activities).

You can easily recognize it by its domed, reddish-brown shell whose shape resembles a heart. It is distinctive for having a large head, which sometimes earned it the nickname "big-headed turtle" in certain parts of the world. It possesses an ultra-powerful jaw that allows it to easily shred prey such as mollusk shells.

The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The leatherback turtle holds numerous records: it is the largest of sea turtles and the largest of all turtles, as well as the 4th largest reptile in the world. It measures 180 cm and weighs an average of 500 kg, though some individuals reach 1 ton and 3 m in length!

Unlike other sea turtles, the leatherback turtle is distinguished by a shell devoid of scales. Instead, it is covered with thick, dark skin spotted with white. It feeds primarily on jellyfish and holds the record for the greatest migration of any reptile species! After several years of absence in Thailand, the leatherback turtle has been spotted again in recent years, notably on beaches in Phang Nga province where several individuals came to nest.

Where to See Sea Turtles in Thailand?

The Best Places to See Turtles in the Wild in Thailand

The Similan Islands

Located in the Andaman Sea approximately one hundred kilometers northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands initially comprise 9 islands to which two additional islands were added to the national park in 1998. Due to its exceptional marine biodiversity, the archipelago ranks among Thailand's best dive sites.

The region's waters serve as a refuge for sea turtles, some of which even come ashore to lay their eggs. The Similan National Park is closed to the public from May to October to preserve biodiversity and avoid disturbing turtle nesting and reproduction. Among the species encountered, you can find the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and more rarely, the loggerhead turtle.

To see turtles at the Similan Islands, the best option is to arrange a day snorkeling excursion or a dive cruise. You can spot them in the waters around islands #7 (Ko Hin Pousar), #8 (Ko Similan), and #9 (Ko Bangu).

The Surin Islands

Located north of the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, 55 kilometers from the coast of Phang Nga Bay, the Surin Islands are renowned as must-visit destinations in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. The archipelago is particularly known for hosting "Richelieu Rock," one of Thailand's best dive sites for seeing whale sharks, even in the world!

Beyond whale sharks, the Surin Islands' waters also shelter numerous species of marine creatures, including green and hawksbill turtles, and more rarely, leatherback and olive ridley turtles.

Among the best places to see turtles snorkeling or scuba diving at the Surin Islands are Ao Tao (turtle bay), Mae Yai Bay, Bon Bay, and Ao Chong Kad (Chong Kad Bay).

Note that, like the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands are closed to the public from May to October to allow biodiversity to recover.

Khao Lak and Phuket

Located in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea coast, Khao Lak is one of the primary nesting zones for sea turtles in Thailand. You may therefore have the opportunity to see turtles emerge from the water to reach the beaches.

For this, head to Thai Muang beach (south of Khao Lak), Phra Thong Island (north of Khao Lak), or Mai Khao beach in Phuket. Note that the sea turtle nesting season in the region occurs between October and March, with a peak between November and January.

Warning! If you are fortunate enough to encounter a turtle on a beach during your stay, take all necessary precautions to avoid disturbing it (see end of article).

Koh Tao

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, the island of Koh Tao is famous for being one of the most accessible destinations for a beginner diving experience and certification courses. This small island indeed lives almost entirely off tourism and diving activities.

Literally translated as "turtle island," Koh Tao lives up to its name: coral reefs attract numerous turtles, primarily green and hawksbill turtles. Among the best snorkeling and diving sites to see turtles at Koh Tao, we recommend: White Rock, Twins, Hin Pee Wee, Hin Wong, Shark Island, and Aow Leuk.

Learn more about the best dive sites at Koh Tao.

To Remember:

Seeing wild animals in their natural environment cannot be planned. Thus, you may very well see sea turtles at one of these sites or not see any at all. Similarly, you might spot turtles at other nearby islands when you least expect it!

Stay attentive wherever you put your head underwater and remember that Thai marine environments always hold surprises. Furthermore, wonder will always be present, with or without a turtle nearby!

Sea Turtle Conservation Centers in Thailand

You didn't manage to see a turtle at one of the sites mentioned above? If you want to see turtles without fail and learn more about their conservation, you can always opt for visiting a conservation center. Here are the main turtle conservation centers to visit in Thailand:

Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Sattahip, near Pattaya)

Located south of Pattaya within the Sattahip Naval Base, the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center is both a rescue and breeding facility for sea turtles (with turtle release programs) as well as a scientific research establishment. Open free to the public, the center welcomes visitors eager to see turtles up close (including hatchlings) and learn more about the lifestyle of sea turtles present in the country.

More information on the Thailand Tourism Authority website.

Sea Turtle Conservation Center (Taplamu, Lam Kaen - Khao Lak)

The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Phang Nga is located at Tap Lamu Naval Base, south of Khao Lak. Founded in 1979 at the initiative of Queen Sirikit, the center is dedicated to caring for injured and sick turtles and nurturing hatchlings before releasing them back to the wild.

More information on khaolakcenter.com

What Are the Rules of Conduct to Respect?

Water pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, ingested plastics, boat strikes, human activities, and the decline of habitats and nesting spaces—sea turtles face numerous threats. This is why sea turtles are protected by the IUCN, CITES, and Thai legislation. Thus, any disturbance, collection, possession, or trade of turtles or their eggs is strictly prohibited and subject to criminal penalties in Thailand.

Although there is no specific law governing sea turtle observation, you should follow rules of good conduct to minimize disturbance, namely:

• Never touch or handle turtles, whether underwater or on beaches;
• Keep a safe distance to avoid compromising the turtles' well-being: a minimum of 3 m distance;
• Never feed a wild turtle;
• Do not approach a turtle head-on: prefer to observe it from the side to avoid obstructing its passage;
• Follow local guidelines: certain beaches are closed to the public or require special authorization during nesting season. Respect directives to avoid compromising turtle safety and well-being;
• Do not use lighting near nesting sites to avoid disorienting them;
• Do not make noise or sudden movements in the presence of a turtle (in water or on land);
• Never touch an egg or hatchling;
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid polluting seawater with chemicals;
• Choose an ethical excursion: if you are interested in an observation tour or a hatchling release, participate in observation outings organized by experienced professionals such as local conservation centers;
• Avoid private facilities that offer to "play with turtles" or manipulate them for photos.

Need help organizing your stay in Thailand and maximizing your chances of seeing sea turtles? Contact us! We would be delighted to plan your itinerary and connect you with local experts.

To learn more, also discover:

• What Animals Can You See in Thailand?
• Seeing Elephants in Thailand: 5 Responsible Sanctuaries and Refuges
• Dangerous Animals You Can See in Thailand

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible but always powerful—with places, peoples, and all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her motto? To advise travelers with ethics, to raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often arise far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…