Graceful, ancient, and beloved by divers worldwide, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are among the most iconic creatures in the marine world. With their smooth shells, calm expressions, and gentle nature, they capture the hearts of anyone lucky enough to meet them underwater.

Let’s explore the fascinating life of these ocean wanderers—their biology, habitat, diet, conservation status, and where divers can experience unforgettable encounters with them.

Physical Characteristics: The Elegant Swimmers

Despite their name, green sea turtles are not defined by the color of their shell. Their carapace can vary from olive to brown to nearly black depending on region. The name “green” comes from the greenish tint of their body fat—caused by their largely plant-based diet as adults.

Key features include:

• Smooth, oval-shaped shell without the serrated edges seen in hawksbills.

• A single pair of scales between the eyes (distinguishing them from other sea turtles).

• Streamlined, paddle-like flippers that allow them to migrate thousands of kilometers.

• Adults can grow over 1 meter (3+ feet) long and weigh 220–400 pounds, making them among the largest living sea turtles.

Habitat and Distribution: Ocean Wanderers

Green turtles are truly global, inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They thrive in coastal habitats such as lagoons, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

Key nesting sites include:

• Florida and Costa Rica in the Atlantic

• Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

• Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

• Oman’s Ras Al Jinz beaches

Migratory by nature, they travel vast distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches, navigating with remarkable accuracy.

Diet and Ecosystem Role

Juveniles are omnivores, feeding on jellyfish, small crustaceans, and seaweed. As adults, they shift to a primarily herbivorous diet of seagrass and algae.

This shift is critical for ocean health. By grazing seagrass beds, turtles keep them trimmed and oxygen-rich, creating vital nurseries for fish and invertebrates. In this way, green turtles are true “gardeners of the sea,” helping maintain biodiversity in coastal ecosystems.

Conservation Status: Endangered

The IUCN lists green turtles as Endangered. Threats include:

• Habitat loss due to coastal development

• Climate change, altering hatchling sex ratios through sand temperature shifts

• Bycatch in fishing nets

• Marine debris, especially plastics

• Illegal harvesting for meat, eggs, and shells

While populations in Hawaii and Florida show recovery thanks to decades of protection, others continue to decline, making conservation efforts essential.

How Divers Can Help

• Always observe turtles from a respectful distance—never touch or chase.

• Reduce single-use plastics to keep oceans clean.

• Support marine conservation programs working to protect nesting beaches and feeding habitats.

• Choose eco-conscious dive operators who prioritize marine life protection.

Where to Dive with Green Sea Turtles

Seeing a green sea turtle in the wild is a life-changing experience. Some of the best spots include:

• Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Big Island) – Waikiki Beach is famous for resident green turtles, where local guides like Aloha Divers introduce visitors to these gentle giants.

• Costa Rica (Tortuguero) – A nesting hotspot, especially between July and October.

• Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – Both feeding grounds and nesting beaches.

• Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Cozumel – Clear waters with thriving turtle populations.

• Galápagos Islands – Known for their year-round turtle encounters.

Protecting Ocean Legends

Watching a green sea turtle glide across a reef is a reminder of the ocean’s resilience and beauty. By learning, sharing, and supporting conservation, we can ensure these gentle giants continue to inspire awe for generations.