Where to Snorkel with Sea Turtles: 9 Best Spots (2026)

1. Akumal, Mexico

Best time: Year-round; calmest in the drier months

Akumal Bay on the Riviera Maya is famous for green sea turtles that graze on seagrass in shallow water right off the beach. Access is regulated to protect the turtles, with guided entry and flotation vests commonly required, so check the current rules before you go. Reef-safe sunscreen only.

• Playa del Carmen dive centers

2. Gili Islands, Indonesia

Best time: April to October is the dry season; turtles are seen year-round

Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air are known for green and hawksbill turtles over shallow reefs and seagrass, often just a short swim from the beach or a short boat ride. Calm conditions make it a good first turtle snorkel.

• Gili Islands dive centers

3. Abu Dabbab and Marsa Alam, Egypt

Best time: Year-round; coolest water from December to March

Abu Dabbab Bay, near Marsa Alam on Egypt's Red Sea coast, is a shallow seagrass bay where turtles feed, and dugongs are sometimes reported there as well. Snorkelers can also try day trips from Hurghada.

• Marsa Alam dive centers
• Snorkelling in Hurghada, from ~$48

4. Turtle Canyon, Oahu, USA (Hawaii)

Best time: Year-round

Off Waikiki and Honolulu, boat trips take snorkelers to reefs where Hawaiian green sea turtles gather at cleaning stations. In Hawaii, turtles are protected and visitors are asked to keep a respectful distance, so choose an operator that follows the rules.

5. Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Best time: Reef is good most of the year; whale sharks March to July

Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia has a fringing reef that starts close to shore, with green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles among the residents. Spots like Turquoise Bay are popular for drift snorkeling; mind the currents.

6. Apo Island, Philippines

Best time: Roughly March to June for calmer seas

Apo Island, off the coast of Negros, is a small marine sanctuary where green and hawksbill turtles are regularly seen in the shallows. Visitors usually pay a marine reserve fee and the site has rules to protect the reef.

• Philippines dive centers

7. Green Bay, Protaras, Cyprus

Best time: May to October

A calm, clear bay on the Protaras coast where green turtles are seen by snorkelers on guided boat trips. Easy conditions suit beginners and families.

• Green Bay guided snorkel trip, Triton Adventures, from ~$65

8. Tenerife, Spain (Canary Islands)

Best time: Year-round

Green turtles are regularly seen off the south coast around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, and several operators run short snorkel trips by boat from the harbors.

• Los Cristianos snorkel, Diving Atlantis, from ~$53
• Tenerife snorkel trip, Aqua-Marina Dive Center, from ~$53
• Costa Adeje snorkel, Scuba Point Tenerife, from ~$59

9. Maldives, Maldives

Best time: Year-round; driest from December to April

Hawksbill and green turtles are regular visitors to house reefs and atoll lagoons across the Maldives. Many resort islands have a house reef you can snorkel straight from the beach.

• Maldives dive centers

Where is the best place to snorkel with sea turtles?

Akumal in Mexico, the Gili Islands in Indonesia, Abu Dabbab in Egypt, Turtle Canyon in Oahu and Ningaloo in Australia are the most frequently recommended. For an easy guided trip you can book on Be Underwater, look at Green Bay in Cyprus or the south coast of Tenerife.

How close can I get to a sea turtle?

Keep your distance. As a rule of thumb stay at least 3 meters (10 feet) away, never touch, chase, ride or feed a turtle, and let it approach you if it wants to. Local rules may require more, so follow your guide.

Can I snorkel with turtles year-round?

In many places yes. Akumal, the Gili Islands, Tenerife, Oahu and the Maldives have turtles through most of the year. Seasons mainly affect sea conditions and visibility, so pick the calmer months for the destination.

Is it OK to use a camera or flash around turtles?

Photos are fine, but do not use flash and do not chase the turtle for a better shot. Keep your distance, stay horizontal on the surface and let the animal go about its business.

Do I need experience to snorkel with turtles?

No. Most turtle spots are shallow and sheltered, which makes them ideal for beginners. If you are new, read our snorkeling for beginners guide and book a guided trip.