Hawksbill Sea Turtle

The hawksbill sea turtle is Thailand’s most frequently encountered marine turtle and, for many divers, one of the most emotionally resonant encounters in the underwater world. Seeing a turtle — often completely unconcerned by your presence, grazing methodically on sponges or resting under a coral ledge — connects you to an ancient lineage of ocean dwellers in a way few other encounters can.

Recognition

Hawksbills are identified by their distinctively narrow, pointed beak (evolved for extracting sponges from reef crevices), a beautifully patterned brown and amber shell (the distinctive “tortoiseshell” so catastrophically valued by humans in previous centuries), and a relatively compact size of 60–90cm.

In Thailand

Hawksbills are present year-round in Thai waters, with Koh Tao having a well-established local population that frequents the shallower reef sites. The Similan Islands host larger populations with reliable sightings on most dive trips. Koh Bida near Phi Phi is excellent for turtle encounters, with individuals seemingly aware of their protected status and completely relaxed around divers.

Green Turtles

The slightly larger green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is also present in Thai waters, most reliably at the Similan Islands and some Koh Tao sites. Green turtles are more likely to be encountered while grazing on seagrass in shallower water.

Conservation

Hawksbill turtles are classified as Critically Endangered — among the most threatened of all sea turtle species. Thailand has several turtle conservation programmes, and some dive centres participate in nest monitoring and protection during nesting season.