6 of the best places to see (and help) sea turtles

04.12.2024 - 20:45 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 4, 2024 • 6 min read

The memory of your first sea turtle sighting never fades. Whether it’s a turtle swimming gracefully or hatchlings scurrying toward the sea, these moments linger for a lifetime.

Wherever your travels take you, you’ll come across unique species in stunning environments, each moment showing you just how rich the ocean truly is. But the sense of awe? That’s felt everywhere. These ancient creatures have endured for millions of years, but our actions threaten their survival. Protecting their habitats is crucial if we want future generations to witness these magical moments. Here’s how you can be part of the solution.

Of the seven sea turtle species, six are either endangered or threatened, with the Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley turtles critically endangered, according to the IUCN. WWF reports that leatherback turtle populations in the Eastern Pacific have declined by 90% in the last 30 years, nearing endangered status.

Bycatch – when turtles are accidentally trapped in fishing gear – is one of the leading dangers to their survival, causing over 250,000 turtle deaths each year, according to WWF. Illegal hunting and the consumption of turtle meat and eggs also continue to shrink populations, with CITES protections undermined by online platforms that facilitate illegal sales.

Climate change intensifies these issues: higher temperatures mean more female hatchlings, and rising seas, severe storms and pollution from plastics and fishing gear continue to damage vital turtle habitats.

These threats affect sea turtles at every stage of their life, from hatchling to adult, making it clear that stronger protections and global efforts are urgently needed to ensure their survival.

Tourism can be a double-edged sword for sea turtles. On one hand, coastal development disrupts turtle nesting by pushing them to other beaches, altering habitats and polluting their environment. As more people flock to the coast, recreational activities add clutter, blocking turtles and trapping hatchlings. Waste like plastic and fishing gear ends up in the ocean, where turtles can get tangled or ingest it.

But when managed responsibly, tourism can make a real impact. Biologist Col Limpus remembers how early visitors at Mon Repos Beach in Queensland, Australia, disturbed hatchlings due to a lack of education. In 1994, the Nature Conservation Act protected turtles under the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), and Woongarra Marine Park was established to safeguard Mon Repos' turtle population. The newly established Turtle Sands eco-resort collaborates with the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to educate guests on responsible turtle watching and provide hatchling viewings, all while raising awareness for the beloved loggerhead