Turtles feel particularly at home in the waters of Southeast Asia, and you will discover some places with a relatively high population, especially on your trip to Thailand. It is best to plan a visit to the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or the Similan Marine National Park. You are sure to find something here. Here you can find all the important information about turtles in Thailand.
All Highlights
Where can you find turtles in Thailand?
There are many places in Thailand where you can snorkel with turtles. For example, on the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and in the Similan Marine National Park. There are several diving schools on Koh Tao that offer dives and full-day snorkeling trips where you can discover colourful coral reefs and sea turtles. In Similan Marine National Park, you have the opportunity to book snorkeling excursions or diving courses where you can observe the beautiful reptiles in their natural habitat.
What types of turtles are there in Thailand?
There are many species of turtles in Thailand, whether in the sea, on land or in rivers. As new species are constantly being discovered, not all of which are classified, the exact number of turtle species in Thailand is unfortunately unknown. For example, you might come across a green sea turtle, a hawksbill turtle or a leatherback turtle while snorkeling. Rivers and ponds are also home to the Asian pond turtle or Malayan terrapin. But these are just a few of the more than 360 species known worldwide.
What should I bear in mind when snorkeling with turtles?
If you spot a turtle in the sea and want to snorkel with it, always keep a sufficient distance of between three and five meters so that the animal does not feel disturbed in its natural habitat. Getting too close or even touching it can be very threatening and stressful for the reptile. At best, you should glide alongside and observe them from a distance. When underwater, take care not to damage the ecosystem such as coral reefs and do not leave any garbage behind, but dispose of everything properly.
Please respect the environment & the habitat of the animals!
With all the lovely tips and places, always be aware that turtles are endangered species and are protected in Thailand and other parts of the world. Please do not get too close to the animals, respect their natural habitat and the environment by leaving the beaches clean. It is extremely important to protect the creatures and ensure their reproduction and survival! It was important for us to mention this again at this point. ♡
Day trips to the turtles in Thailand
On the Booking platform GetYourGuide you will find various offers such as boat trips, snorkeling excursions or diving courses where you can get up close to sea turtles in Thailand and, with a bit of luck, even swim with them. For example, if you are currently on Phuket, we recommend a 9-hour day trip to the Similan Marine National Park. Tour guide, hotel transfer, meals, entrance to the national park and snorkeling equipment are included. Cancellation possible free of charge the day before.
Areas with turtles in Thailand
Thailand has several places with a relatively high population of turtles: On the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and in the Similan Marine National Park, you could come across the green reptiles. Depending on where you are, you can spot land, river or sea turtles, such as the Asian pond turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the leatherback turtle or the green sea turtle. However, these are just four of the more than 360 turtle species known worldwide.
Phuket (Mai Khao Beach)
Phuket is home to a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles: the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation in the north of Phuket. The foundation was established in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness for the protection of sea turtles. This includes measures to preserve habitats and reduce threats to endangered species. Mai Khao Beach is considered one of the few remaining breeding grounds for the endangered Leatherback turtle in Thailand. The nesting beaches are therefore particularly well protected from human and animal attacks. As soon as the young have hatched, the transition to the sea is ensured. Annual turtle releases are also organized for this purpose, where tourists can experience this up close with donations.
Phuket
Koh Samui
On the island of Koh Samui in the province of Surat Thani, there are several organizations working to protect sea turtles. The Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo and the Samui Sea Turtle Conservation and Education Center offer guided tours and turtle release programs, where young turtles are released into the ocean. On a guided tour, you can discover nesting nests on the beach and even witness the hatching of a baby turtle up close. If you're lucky and in the right place at the right time, you can also spot the animals in the wild (at sea) on a boat or snorkeling trip off the coast of Koh Samui. It is important that you only observe the turtles, keep enough distance and do not get too close to them, as they might otherwise feel threatened.
Koh Samui
Koh Tao
Northwest of Koh Phangan lies the small island of Koh Tao, which is known for its many diving schools and the opportunity to explore Thailand's colorful underwater world up close. Many of the local organizations are involved in the care and preservation of marine ecosystems and the protection of animals, including the endangered sea turtles. Two of these organizations / programs are the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program (NHRCP) and the institution Save Koh Tao Marine Branch. Regular events are also organized here for visitors, during which the young animals are guided safely into the sea.
Koh Tao
Koh Phangan
There are several diving and snorkeling spots around Koh Phangan where, with a bit of luck, you can spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. For example at the so-called Sail Rocka well-known dive site in the north of Koh Phangan. Several turtle sightings have been documented here. Other popular beaches are the Koh Ma Beach and the Haad Yao Beachhere you can also go on snorkeling trips and meet the animals underwater. In general, Koh Phangan is less known for spontaneous encounters with turtles, so it's worth taking the ferry over to Koh Tao.
Koh Phangan
Koh Similan
The Similan archipelago in the northwest of Koh Phuket on the Andaman Sea is a true natural paradise. From Khao Lak you can get there by ferry or speedboat, the crossing takes about an hour and a half. In addition to the ferry price, there is also an entrance fee for the Similan Marine National Parkwhich practically stretches across the entire archipelago. On Koh Similan, there is a good chance that you will come across turtles while snorkeling. We recommend booking a day trip with a local travel agency or with GetYourGuide to book. Here you get an all-round package with transfer, snorkeling equipment, food and tour guide.
Koh Similan
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago that is known worldwide for its incomparable beauty. Crystal-clear water, pristine white sandy beaches and a fascinating underwater world await you here. You can discover different species of turtles here. The most common species is the green sea turtle. These impressive creatures live in the waters around Koh Phi Phi and can be observed while snorkeling or diving. Another species you may see is the Hawksbill turtle. It is known for its distinctive carved shield and its ability to move around coral reefs.
Koh Phi Phi
