Ever wondered about the wisdom that sea turtles carry? They are some of the most fascinating marine animals, each with their own unique traits and favourite hangouts. Let’s take a fun dive into the seven distinct species of sea turtles and where you can spot them!
1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Meet the Green Sea Turtle, the laid back herbivore of the turtle world. These guys are easily recognized by their greenish skin and love for seagrass beds. If you’re snorkeling in the Caribbean, Hawaii, or exploring the Great Barrier Reef, keep an eye out for these gentle grazers.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, their shells aren’t green; it’s their fat that gives them a green hue due to their vegetarian diet!
2. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Next up, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle with their massive heads and powerful jaws. These large reptiles can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They’re frequent visitors to the southeastern United States for nesting and are true globetrotters.
Fun Fact: Loggerheads can travel thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting sites!
3. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the heavyweight champ of sea turtles. With a unique leathery shell and the ability to dive deeper than any other turtle, these giants are impressive! Look for them in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, particularly around the Caribbean and Indonesia.
Fun Fact: Leatherbacks can dive over 3,000 feet deep in search of their favourite meal—jellyfish!
4. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Known for their beautiful, intricately patterned shells, Hawksbill Sea Turtles are like the fashionistas of the turtle world. They love tropical coral reefs and can be spotted in the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific regions.
Fun Fact: Hawksbills help maintain the health of coral reefs by eating sponges, which allows coral to grow.
5. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Say hello to the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle with their charming olive-colored shells. These turtles are famous for their mass nesting events, known as arribadas. Catch them in tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially on beaches in Mexico and Costa Rica.
Fun Fact: During arribadas, thousands of Olive Ridleys come ashore at the same time to lay their eggs—it's a sight to behold!
6. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Meet the most critically endangered sea turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley. Found mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, these turtles also participate in mass nesting events like their Olive cousins.
Fun Fact: Kemp’s Ridleys are the smallest sea turtles, but what they lack in size, they make up for in rarity and charm!
7. Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus)
Lastly, the Flatback Sea Turtle is the homebody of the group, sticking close to the coastal waters of northern Australia. With their flatter shells, these turtles nest exclusively in Australia and are the least widespread.
Fun Fact: Flatbacks have the shortest migration of all sea turtles, preferring to stay close to their nesting sites.
Shop "Colours of Life" Art Print
There you have it, a fun and easy-to-read guide to the seven species of sea turtles and their favourite spots around the globe.
Next time you’re exploring the ocean, see if you can spot one of these incredible creatures!
Do you have a turtle sighting story? Share it with me here the form below and I’ll feature it on my Instagram stories! 🐢🌊
