Diving with Turtles in Boracay: Where to Spot Them and What to Know

Boracay, with its crystal-clear waters and thriving marine ecosystem, is one of the Philippines’ top destinations for scuba diving. Among its diverse marine life, sea turtles hold a special allure. Known locally as “pawikan,” these ancient creatures have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years and bring a sense of wonder to every dive. This guide provides everything you need to know about diving with turtles in Boracay—where to find them, what to expect, and why diving with New Wave Divers Boracay offers an unmatched experience.

1. Types of Turtles Found in Boracay

Boracay is home to a few different species of sea turtles, but the most commonly seen ones include the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. Here’s what to know about each:

• Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Recognizable by their rounder shells and olive-colored bodies, green sea turtles can grow up to 5 feet in length. These gentle creatures primarily graze on seagrasses and algae, which contributes to their iconic green-tinted fat layer.

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• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Named for their unique beak-like mouths, hawksbill turtles have a patterned shell with amber and brown tones. Smaller than the green turtle, they feed mostly on sponges and are critical to coral reef health as they help control sponge populations.

Both species are classified as endangered, making it even more special to encounter them in their natural habitat.

2. Where to Spot Turtles in Boracay

Certain dive sites around Boracay are particularly known for turtle sightings. Here are some of the top spots where you’re likely to encounter these fascinating creatures:

• Crocodile Island: One of Boracay’s top dive sites, Crocodile Island offers an abundance of marine life, including regular visits from green and hawksbill turtles. The shallow reefs and clear waters make this a prime spot for observing turtles in their natural environment.

• Laurel Island: Known for its coral gardens and sandy patches, Laurel Island is another hotspot for turtle sightings. The area is teeming with seagrasses, a favorite food for green turtles, making it more likely to encounter these peaceful grazers here.

• Tribird Wreck: This iconic wreck dive site attracts not only divers seeking adventure but also marine life such as turtles. The wreck’s structure creates an artificial reef, providing shelter and feeding grounds that turtles are known to visit. Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay at this site provides an exciting chance to spot a turtle while exploring a wreck.

3. Best Times for Turtle Encounters

In Boracay, sea turtles can be spotted year-round, but certain seasons improve visibility and marine activity:

• Peak Season (March to May): During this time, the waters are calm, visibility is excellent, and marine life is especially active. With the clear visibility, encountering turtles becomes a more memorable experience.

• Monsoon Season (June to October): While turtle sightings are still very likely, monsoon conditions can reduce visibility and make diving slightly more challenging. However, during this quieter season, fewer divers mean a more intimate encounter with Boracay’s underwater inhabitants.

Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay ensures that you’ll get the best guidance on seasonal conditions and tips for increasing your chances of a turtle encounter.

4. Tips for Diving with Turtles Responsibly

Diving with sea turtles is an unforgettable experience, but it’s crucial to approach these encounters responsibly to avoid disturbing the animals and their habitat. Here are some essential tips:

• Respect Their Space: Turtles are calm creatures, but they can be sensitive to stress. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet and avoid sudden movements that may startle them.

• Avoid Touching or Feeding: While it may be tempting to reach out, touching or feeding turtles can disrupt their natural behavior and may even harm them. Turtles are wild animals and should be observed, not interfered with.

• Minimize Flash Photography: If you’re photographing turtles, turn off the flash, as it can startle them and impact their vision. New Wave Divers Boracay provides divers with guidelines to ensure photography is turtle-friendly.

• Watch Your Buoyancy: Good buoyancy control prevents accidental contact with turtles or coral. Practicing buoyancy skills with New Wave Divers Boracay’s instructors before your dive can make a big difference in protecting marine life.

Following these tips will help protect turtles and keep your diving experience both safe and rewarding.

5. What to Expect During a Turtle Dive

Diving with turtles is unlike any other experience. These creatures exude a calmness that’s contagious, allowing divers to feel a deeper connection with the marine world. Here’s what you can expect on a typical turtle dive in Boracay:

• Up-Close Encounters: Sea turtles in Boracay are relatively accustomed to divers, so you’re likely to get a close view. Watching a turtle glide gracefully through the water or nibble on seagrass is a sight that leaves a lasting impression.

• Turtle Behavior: Turtles exhibit unique behaviors, from grazing on seagrass to surfacing for air. Green turtles, in particular, spend time munching on the seagrass meadows near reefs, while hawksbills may focus on sponges attached to coral formations.

• Other Marine Life: Boracay’s dive sites are teeming with diverse marine life, so while you’re on the lookout for turtles, expect to see vibrant coral, schools of fish, and possibly even a reef shark or two. Diving with New Wave Divers Boracay guarantees an immersive experience with knowledgeable guides pointing out these hidden gems.

6. Conservation and the Role of New Wave Divers Boracay

Sea turtles face numerous threats, including pollution, plastic ingestion, and poaching. New Wave Divers Boracay is dedicated to sustainable and conservation-friendly diving practices to help protect these majestic animals. Here are some of the ways they contribute:

• Educational Programs: New Wave Divers Boracay offers courses and talks on marine conservation, including turtle conservation. These programs educate divers on the importance of protecting turtles and other marine life.

• Ocean Clean-Ups: Regular ocean clean-ups are organized by the shop, where divers collect plastics, fishing lines, and other debris that could harm sea turtles and other marine life. Participating in these clean-ups is a great way for divers to give back to the ocean.

• Supporting Marine Sanctuaries: The dive shop advocates for marine protected areas in Boracay, recognizing the importance of these zones for turtle nesting and feeding. By diving with New Wave Divers Boracay, you’re supporting an operator that prioritizes marine conservation.

7. How to Prepare for a Turtle Dive with New Wave Divers Boracay

If you’re planning a turtle dive, some preparation can enhance your experience. Here are a few steps to get the most out of your dive:

• Take a Refresher Course: If you’re a little rusty, a refresher dive is highly recommended. New Wave Divers Boracay offers refresher courses that sharpen your skills and improve your comfort underwater.

• Pack a Camera or GoPro: Turtles are mesmerizing to watch, and capturing the experience on film is a great way to relive it. Ask New Wave Divers Boracay about the best camera options and settings for underwater photography.

• Learn About Turtle Behavior: Understanding basic turtle behaviors helps divers predict their movements. This knowledge enhances your interaction, making it easier to observe turtles without disrupting them.

• Get the Right Gear: Make sure you have gear suited for turtle diving. New Wave Divers Boracay provides high-quality gear rentals, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for an optimal diving experience.

8. Why Choose New Wave Divers Boracay for Turtle Diving

With so many dive shops in Boracay, it’s important to choose one that prioritizes both the diving experience and environmental conservation. Here’s why New Wave Divers Boracay stands out as the best option:

• Experienced Guides: The team at New Wave Divers Boracay includes skilled instructors with deep knowledge of Boracay’s dive sites and marine life. They’ll take you to the best spots for turtle sightings and offer tips for responsible interactions.

• Eco-Conscious Practices: As an advocate for conservation, New Wave Divers Boracay follows strict guidelines to protect marine life. By diving with them, you’re supporting an operator that values environmental stewardship.

• Customized Turtle Dive Experiences: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, New Wave Divers Boracay tailors the dive to suit your comfort and skill level, ensuring everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

Diving with turtles in Boracay is a highlight for any scuba enthusiast. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting, these gentle creatures provide a magical underwater experience that connects you to the ocean like nothing else. Choosing New Wave Divers Boracay not only enhances your chance of turtle encounters but also allows you to dive responsibly and support marine conservation efforts. So, grab your gear, head to Boracay, and prepare for an unforgettable dive with some of the ocean’s oldest residents!