The big island of Hawaii is one of the best places to go scuba diving, but it also is an amazing place to observe turtles in their natural habitat. When the waters are clear, you are able to snorkel or dive down to see the turtles up close. This is an amazing opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. There actually are many wonderful places around the globe that offer opportunities to see the various types of sea turtles.

When diving around turtles, one much understand that there are a few special rules to follow. First, Green Sea Turtles are on the endangered animal list. These turtles are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. This law prohibits hunting, injuring or harassing the sea turtle. Swimmers and divers need to be aware that riding the sea turtle is illegal. It is also prohibited to touch, chase, scare, or disturb the turtles. This means that you cannot get any closer than 20 feet to the turtle. The goal is to protect the endangered species and restore their population.

The island of Sipadan also provides great turtle diving opportunities. In the region of Sabah, the eastern coast is a nesting site for the turtles. It is actually not uncommon to see 20 to 30 different turtles in this area. The corals of the surrounding sea are a perfect resting spot for the turtles, making the area a perfect diving spot also.

In Thailand, around the Similan Islands, there is a frequently visited diving spot to see the turtles. Divers who are surrounded by the turtles for the first time, find the experience exhilarating. It is key to remember that when diving with a turtle, enjoy their beauty, but respect the creatures. It is wonderful to be able to observe them in the wild, so we all need to do our part to ensure that these majestic creatures stay around for the next generation.