Graceful, ancient, and beloved by divers worldwide, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are among the most iconic creatures of the marine world.
With their smooth shells, serene expressions, and peaceful nature, green turtles capture the hearts of those lucky enough to encounter them underwater.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of green sea turtles — their appearance, habitats, diet, and their importance to ocean ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics: The Elegant Swimmers

Despite what their name suggests, green sea turtles aren't named for their shell color — which can range from olive to brown or even black depending on their region.
Their name actually comes from the greenish color of their body fat, a result of their plant-based diet as adults.

Key identifying features include:

• Smooth, oval-shaped carapace (shell), lacking the sharp ridges seen in hawksbills

• Single pair of prefrontal scales (between the eyes)

• Paddle-like flippers perfectly adapted for long-distance swimming

• Adults typically weigh 100–180 kilograms (220–400 pounds) and can measure over 1 meter (3+ feet) in shell length, making them one of the largest species of sea turtle.

Habitat and Distribution: Ocean Wanderers

Green sea turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
They favor:

• Coastal areas such as bays, lagoons, and estuaries

• Seagrass beds and coral reefs, where food is plentiful

Popular nesting beaches are located in:

• Florida, USA

• Costa Rica (especially Tortuguero)

• Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula)

• Australia (Great Barrier Reef region)

• Oman (Ras Al Jinz)

Green turtles are highly migratory, often traveling hundreds to thousands of kilometers between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.

Diet: From Omnivores to Herbivores

Green sea turtles undergo a dietary shift as they grow:

• Juveniles are omnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, invertebrates, and seaweed.

• Adults are primarily herbivorous, grazing on seagrasses and algae.

This herbivorous diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which are vital nursery grounds for many marine species. By trimming seagrass blades, turtles keep beds productive and oxygen-rich — essential for the health of coastal ecosystems.

Conservation Status: Endangered

The green sea turtle is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Threats include:

• Habitat destruction, particularly the loss of nesting beaches to coastal development

• Pollution, especially plastic waste ingestion

• Climate change, which affects sand temperature (influencing hatchling sex ratios) and sea level rise

• Bycatch in fishing operations

• Illegal hunting for their meat, eggs, and shells

While some green turtle populations, such as those in Hawaii and Florida, have shown promising recoveries due to conservation efforts, others continue to decline.

How Divers and Ocean Lovers Can Help

Every responsible action makes a difference. Here's how you can support green sea turtles:

• Respect wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance while diving or snorkeling — no touching, feeding, or chasing.

• Reduce plastic use: Prevent ocean pollution that can harm marine life.

• Support marine conservation programs: Volunteer, donate, or advocate for organizations protecting sea turtle habitats.

• Choose eco-friendly tours and dive shops: Responsible tourism helps fund conservation and promotes ethical wildlife encounters.

Protecting Ocean Legends for Future Generations

Watching a green sea turtle glide effortlessly over a coral reef is a breathtaking reminder of the ocean’s beauty and resilience.
By learning about these magnificent creatures and supporting conservation efforts, we help ensure that green turtles continue to inspire awe for generations to come.

Together, we can be the stewards these gentle giants deserve.