Sea Turtles in Thailand

For millions of years, sea turtles have been swimming the worlds oceans, but now turtles are under threat from human activity. All 7 species of sea turtle are classified under CITES as endangered, and are in need of protection.

Naucrates is an Italian volunteer group working in Thailand with the aim of protecting sea turtles in Thailand, especially on the islands of Koh Phra Thong and Koh Khao, about 80km North of Phuket. Volunteers are based on these islands conducting research and local environmental education in the small fishing villages along the coast.

Update January 2005

Sadly, several volunteers were among those who lost their lives on 26th December when the tsunami hit the coast of Thailand. Our thoughts are with them. There was also considerable damage to the turtle research. For more details see the Naucrates web site.

Where to see Turtles close to Phuket?

Sad to say, but turtles are not as common as they used to be in Thailand's oceans. They are very sensitive to human impact on the environment, and activities such as fishing, beach development and (yes, say it) diving interfere with a turtle's natural behaviour. Beaches where turtles have been laying eggs are now resorts, though thankfully, there are still beaches in this area which are not developed, so turtles do return. Only recently, a leatherback laid eggs right here on Karon Beach, remarkable considering the development of hotels in recent years. You can also find turtles at the Phuket Aquarium and Marine Biological Centre.

For divers, seeing a turtle is always a great experience. Please be aware, though that a turtle needs to breathe air, and return to the surface sometimes. If they are scared, they can drown underwater. Never try to ride or chase a turtle.

The best diving areas to see turtles are the Similan and Surin Islands National Parks, visited by liveaboards from Phuket and Khao Lak. Turtles are most commonly seen in shallow reefs on dive sites such as East of Eden, Breakfast Bend or Koh Torinla (Surin), but you may see them deeper on rocky sites such as Elephant Head or Deep Six. Normally, it will be either Hawksbill or Green turtles that are seen in our area.

Turtle Web Links

Naucrates - Friends of Sea Turtles

Sea Turtle Conservation

BBC - Science and Nature - Turtle Conservation

More Marine Turtle Links from the BBC