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HOW TO SWIM WITH SEA TURTLES THE RIGHT WAY?

swim with sea turtle

So, you want to jump right in and swim with sea turtles? Great! But, before you don your trunks or bikini there are a few things you should be aware of, Key rules, regulations, and tips that have become commonplace for a reason — they protect those gentle giants, and you in the process. Swimming with sea turtles can be a great encounter because you have the chance to observe them in their natural environment, but remember not to cause them distress or disrupt their behavior. 

Where and when can you swim with sea turtles? 

Swimming with sea turtles is an unforgettable experience that many people are eager to enjoy. Sea turtles can be found in many parts of the world, from tropical beaches to cold waters. Depending on the species of turtle, you can find them in different regions and at different times of the year. With a little research, you can plan a trip to swim with these majestic creatures and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Here’s a list of some of the niftier places you can go to in order to get up close and personal with these aquatic TMNTs:

  • PORT BARTON, PALAWAN. PHILIPPINES.
  • GILI TRAWANGAN, LOMBOK. INDONESIA.
  • HIKKADUWA, SRI LANKA.
  • OAHU, HAWAII.
  • MARSA ALAM, EGYPT.
  • THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.
  • TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA.

There are dozens of other spots across the world, aside from these where you can partake in this thrilling adventure. 

swimming with sea turtle
How to swim with sea turtles?

Sea turtles are facing an uphill battle when it comes to their survival in the wild. From climate change to plastic pollution, these ancient creatures are being threatened in ways that they have never been before. If we do not take action now, we could be facing a future where these majestic animals are no longer part of our planet’s ecosystem. It is up to us to protect them and ensure that they can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

Sea turtles are one of the most endangered species in the world today. They have been facing a rapid population decline. The reality is that, right now, of the 7 species of sea turtles in the ocean, 6 are considered threatened or endangered. 

  • Green sea turtles.
  • Leatherbacks.
  • Loggerhead.
  • Kemp’s Ridleys.
  • Olive Ridley’s.
  • Flatbacks. 

That’s why, when it comes to swimming with turtles, it’s important to be aware of their plight and be on the lookout — sustainable tourism is the trend right now, and there’s a reason for it. We’ll give you some tips, below, to help you out and allow you to have an ethical experience while you swim with sea turtles.  

Swimming with sea turtles is an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by both experienced and novice swimmers. Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, it is important to remember that these majestic creatures should be respected and treated with care. 

Here are some tips on how to safely swim with sea turtles:

Social Distance 

Remember that mad-cap time in 2020 when “social distance” was the term by which we lived? — well, when it comes to swimming with sea turtles you’ll need to regress to those dark days and embrace your anti-social skills. Do not get in their way, either by swimming in front of them or chasing them around, or swimming on top of them. Keep your distance and view from afar. 

Don’t feed the animals

This goes for just about anything you might come across in your liquid sojourn. Those hardshell superstars know how to provide for themselves and you shouldn’t interrupt their process — it can have a negative effect. And if that’s not enough, remember they might seem like gentle giants but their ancestors were dinosaurs. They’ve been on Earth since the Jurassic period, conserving some of those Tyrannosaurus-like traits, like beak-like mouths that are no joke and can land you in the ER. 

Keep your hands to yourself

Touching sea turtles is a sin — It’s the ultimate “no-no” in the snorkeling community. In Hawaii, touching or harassing sea turtles is actually against state law. Sea turtles are an endangered species, and it is forbidden to touch them to protect their population. Interactions with humans can cause a variety of negative effects on sea turtles.

These include stress, injury, and even death due to being touched or handled incorrectly. Furthermore, touching sea turtles can disrupt their natural behavior and could potentially lead to the spread of disease from humans to animals. Therefore, we need to respect the law that forbids us from touching sea turtles to ensure that these animals remain safe and healthy.

Patience is a virtue 

If you’re in a group, be patient, and wait for your turn. Calm down, breathe, and tamp down your anxieties. Your group should always make a “U” shape around the turtle, and above all – we simply can’t stress this enough – never chase or pester the creature. 

Museum standards

Do you know how museums sometimes allow you to take photographs — BUT never with flash? Well, the same M.O. for sea turtles. Don’t use flash photography in the water. It will spook the turtles and stress them out. Turtles are a collection of Luddites when it comes to technology, half don’t even own a smartphone or have a Facebook account. 

See something say something

Humanity is filled with doofuses. Folks that think the rules don’t apply to them. If you see something, then say something. Keep a watchful eye on these majestic wonders and protect them whenever possible. Help educate others so they don’t interact in a harmful way with these oceanic rock stars.

swimming in the ocean

Check their reviews

Choose the right tour companies — if you’re booking one, pick one that operates responsibly. There are a lot of bad eggs out there that are willing to bend the rule for a few extra bucks. Check the company’s reviews, star ratings, and value system. Check for any red flags. Companies should, at the very least, limit the number of people in the water at any one time.

Is it safe to swim with sea turtles?

Swimming with sea turtles is a popular activity for people who love marine life. Although it can be a thrilling and memorable experience, it is important to remember that these creatures are wild animals and should be treated with care. It is essential to understand the risks involved when swimming with sea turtles, as well as the safety measures that need to be taken to ensure a nice and enjoyable encounter.

By understanding the behavior of these animals and following proper safety protocols, swimming with sea turtles in the ocean can be an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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