English 
Español 
Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world for diving with turtles, thanks to its extensive reefs and the excellent conservation of many of its marine areas. At numerous dive sites, turtles are a common feature of the underwater landscape, and encounters occur naturally.
Unlike other destinations where seeing turtles might be a rare occurrence, in Indonesia it’s common to find them feeding, resting on the coral, or swimming peacefully near the reefs. This allows you to observe their behavior at your leisure and in a wide variety of conditions, both while diving and snorkeling.
In this guide we tell you why Indonesia is a top destination, where to dive with turtles, what species you can see, the best time to find them, and how to plan your trip responsibly.
Why Indonesia is one of the best destinations for diving with turtles
Indonesia is located in the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet. Its healthy reefs, abundant food, and protected areas mean that turtles use many dive sites as feeding and resting grounds.
Furthermore, several marine parks have conservation and protection programs, which have contributed to the recovery of turtle populations. This results in frequent and peaceful encounters, where the turtles show no stress in the presence of respectful divers.
Where to dive with turtles in Indonesia
Although turtles can be seen in many areas of the country, there are some destinations where the chances of encountering them are especially high and sightings tend to be more constant and predictable.
Bunaken and Bangka (Sulawesi)
In North Sulawesi, areas like Bunaken National Park and Bangka Island boast reefs where turtles are very common. Especially in Bunaken, where dozens of turtles can be seen on a single dive at some of its most famous spots, such as Likuan 1 and 2.
The turtles prefer the crevices in the coral walls in Bunaken, while in Bangka they appear on calmer, less crowded reefs. Both destinations offer relaxed diving and high marine biodiversity, ideal for calm turtle watching.
Komodo
In Komodo National Park, it’s very common to encounter turtles during dives, with Siaba Besar being the most famous spot for this. They are usually seen both in shallow reefs and on walls, often combined with gentle to moderate currents.
Komodo is a good option for those seeking frequent turtle encounters along with a wide variety of marine life, although some dives require some experience due to the currents.
Maratua (Derawan Archipelago)
Maratua Island, in the Derawan Archipelago, has another of the spots with the highest concentration of turtles in all of Indonesia, known as “Turtle Traffic.” Here, it’s also common to see 10-15 green turtles on a single dive.
Maratua is especially attractive for those seeking a remote and very peaceful destination, with relaxed diving and a high presence of marine life.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is another of the best places to dive with turtles in Indonesia. Green and hawksbill turtles are common in the reefs of the Dampier Strait, where they can be seen swimming among the corals or resting in protected areas.
The good visibility and the tranquility of many spots allow them to be observed for long minutes, both in deep dives and in shallow areas ideal for divers of all levels.
Bali
Bali offers several accessible spots for diving with turtles, especially in areas like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Green turtles are commonly seen here year-round.
It is a suitable destination for those who are new to diving or have only a few days, as it combines easy access with good chances of sightings.
What types of sea turtles can be seen in Indonesia?
Indonesia is home to several species of sea turtles. Some are very common and easy to spot, while others appear less frequently.
Green Turtle
The green turtle is the most common in Indonesia. It is usually seen feeding on algae in shallow reefs or swimming slowly near the bottom, especially in calm areas with good coral cover.
It is a large, calm species that spends much of its time resting or leisurely moving between feeding spots. It often allows for long observations, provided the diver maintains a safe distance and does not interfere with its journey to the surface to breathe.
Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle is somewhat smaller and is usually found near reefs with abundant sponges, which form the main part of its diet. It prefers areas with complex structures, such as branching corals and walls with overhangs.
It is very common in Komodo, specifically in Batu Bolong, where they are large and are often seen resting under reef ledges or moving about while searching for food. Their movements tend to be more active, so it is best to observe them calmly and without chasing them.
Other Less Common Species
In some areas there can also be seen Olive leaf turtles or loggerhead turtles, although encounters are much less frequent and more dependent on the region and time of year.
Leatherback turtles can appear very occasionally in Indonesian waters, although sightings during dives are extremely rare, and there are no areas where they can be seen predictably. Their presence in the country is more closely linked to remote areas of Papua, where nesting beaches have been documented.
These species tend to appear in specific areas or at specific times, often far from the most visited reefs. Therefore, sightings are usually more occasional, but they add a special value to dives in less frequented areas.
What is it like to dive with turtles in Indonesia?
Diving with turtles in Indonesia is usually a calm and accessible experience, suitable for different levels of divers, as encounters often occur in shallow reefs with fairly stable conditions.
Typical turtle behavior
Turtles generally maintain a calm demeanor. It is common to see them resting on the reef or slowly rising to the surface to breathe. If they are not chased or their space invaded, they will continue with their normal activities, allowing you to observe them up close without disturbing them.
Depth, visibility, and diving conditions
Most encounters occur between 5 and 25 meters deep. Turtles are often found in shallow areas, which also allows you to see them while snorkeling. Visibility is usually good in most destinations, especially in Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Sulawesi.
Tips for Observing Them Without Disturbing Them
Maintaining a safe distance, not touching the turtles, and avoiding blocking their path to the surface are basic guidelines. A calm and patient attitude is key to enjoying the encounter without disturbing their behavior.
Best Time to Dive with Turtles in Indonesia
Turtles can be seen year-round, but conditions vary depending on the area and time of year, influencing visibility, sea state, and diving comfort.
- Sulawesi: Favorable conditions for much of the year, especially during the dry season. In areas like Bunaken and Bangka, the sea is usually calm, making it easy to observe turtles peacefully on walls and shallow reefs.
- Maratua: The best conditions are generally between March and October, when the sea is calmer and visibility is good.
- Raja Ampat: From October to April, when the sea is usually calmer and visibility is excellent. During these months, conditions facilitate long, peaceful dives, ideal for observing turtles feeding or resting on the reefs.
- Komodo: From April to November, during the dry season. This is the period with the most stable seas and best visibility, allowing for frequent encounters with turtles even in areas with some current.
- Bali: good visibility year-round, with more stable conditions between May and October. This time is especially convenient for beginner divers and for combining diving with snorkeling..
What factors influence sightings?
Food availability, the tranquility of the environment, and the condition of the reef have a greater influence than a specific season. Therefore, encounters can vary slightly depending on the dive site and the time of day.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Indonesia
Indonesia is a key country for sea turtle conservation, as it is home to important feeding and nesting areas. Despite this, many species remain threatened by bycatch, reef degradation, and illegal egg harvesting.
In various regions, local organizations actively work to protect them, such as Yayasan Penyu and Yayasan Tompotika, dedicated to turtle conservation and environmental education in coastal communities.
Supporting initiatives like these, diving responsibly, and respecting animals during dives are essential for ensuring that turtles remain a common part of the underwater landscape in Indonesia.
Best Trips and Routes for Diving with Turtles in Indonesia
Planning your trip carefully helps increase your chances of encounters, as not all areas or diving styles offer the same conditions for regularly seeing turtles.
Diving from a Resort or Local Center
Staying at a dive resort or using local centers allows for daily dives on nearby reefs, where turtles are often regular residents and accustomed to the presence of divers.
This format facilitates relaxed dives with flexible schedules and no long journeys, making it especially convenient for leisurely trips and divers of all levels.
Diving Cruises with a High Probability of Sightings
The diving cruises allow you to visit remote and uncrowded areas, where turtles are often found in quieter environments less disturbed by human activity.
This type of trip offers the advantage of diving at several sites along the same route, increasing the chances of observing turtles in different contexts, from shallow reefs to walls and areas further offshore.
At Karang Travel, we help you plan a turtle diving trip in Indonesia, choosing the areas where encounters are most common and the type of diving that best suits you. We provide professional and personalized guidance based on direct experience in Indonesia.