Sea Turtles of the Red Sea: Ancient Travelers of Our Reefs

Few underwater encounters are as unforgettable as meeting a sea turtle in its natural environment. In the Red Sea, and especially around our area, turtles are among the true stars of the reefs and seagrass lagoons. Calm, elegant and surprisingly curious, they are also one of the most important indicators of a healthy marine ecosystem. Seeing turtles regularly is a positive sign: it means the reef still offers food, shelter and balanced environmental conditions. Protecting them also means protecting the entire marine habitat around us. In our area, the two species most commonly encountered are the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Green Turtle – Chelonia mydas

Despite the name, the Green Turtle is not actually green on the outside. The name comes from the color of its body fat, influenced by its mainly vegetarian diet. Adults feed mostly on seagrass, helping keep underwater meadows healthy and productive — almost like the “gardeners” of the sea. They can travel thousands of kilometers during their lifetime, often returning to the same nesting areas where they were born decades earlier.

Hawksbill Turtle – Eretmochelys imbricata

The Hawksbill is smaller, beautifully patterned and often seen around coral reefs. Unlike Green Turtles, they feed mainly on sponges and small invertebrates, helping maintain the delicate balance of reef ecosystems. Their narrow, curved beak allows them to reach food hidden inside reef crevices — a perfect adaptation for life among corals.

Respect First: Our Turtle Code of Conduct

As divers and ocean lovers, we believe every encounter should happen with maximum respect for wildlife. That is why we strictly apply turtle interaction codes of conduct:

• no touching
• no chasing
• no blocking their path to the surface
• controlled buoyancy and respectful distances
• no flash photography in stressful situations

A relaxed turtle is the best sign of a correct interaction. We are also proud supporters of Turtlewatch Egypt, a project dedicated to monitoring, protecting and raising awareness about Red Sea sea turtles and their habitats.

Where Can You See Sea Turtles?

Sea turtles can often be spotted in seagrass areas, shallow lagoons and coral reefs throughout the Red Sea. Around our region, lucky divers and snorkelers frequently encounter them during shore dives and boat trips alike — sometimes peacefully feeding, sometimes resting under coral formations, and occasionally swimming alongside divers for several magical minutes. Every turtle encounter is different. And that is exactly what makes it special.

Get the chance to meet this gentle creatures, ask our Reef&Turtle boat excursions, dedicated to divers and snorkelers.

link:

https://turtlewatchegypt.net/

https://www.divessi.com/it/get-certified/environment/blue-oceans