Sea turtles are among the most sought-after encounters for snorkelers and divers around Koh Samui. Sightings happen, though they are never guaranteed — you need patience, the right season and the right spot.

What Turtle Species Are Found Here

Several sea turtle species inhabit the Gulf of Thailand, but two are most commonly seen around Samui and its neighbouring waters:

  • Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) — the most common species in Thai waters. It feeds on seagrass and algae and can weigh up to 150 kg. Adults are often coated in algae, giving them a greenish tint — hence the name. IUCN status: Endangered.
  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) — smaller than the Green, recognisable by its narrow, beak-like mouth. It feeds on sponges and crustaceans and is more commonly found near coral reefs. IUCN status: Critically Endangered.

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) do enter Thai waters but are extremely rare near Samui.

Where to See Turtles

Turtles migrate over great distances, so any sighting is unpredictable. That said, some spots have a higher chance of encounters:

  • Coral Cove (between Chaweng and Lamai) — Green Sea Turtles are spotted here regularly, coming to feed on the reef. Patient observers have a reasonable chance of a sighting.
  • Islands west of Samui — the small uninhabited islands of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Tan are known for occasional nesting activity.
  • Koh Tao — the island nearest to Samui with the highest concentration of turtle sightings. Encounters are recorded almost daily at sites like Mango Bay and Japanese Gardens.
  • Ang Thong Marine National Park — turtles occasionally appear to snorkelers in the park's protected waters.

Turtle Conservation Programmes

Thailand banned the hunting of sea turtles and their eggs in 1978. Today, several organisations work on conservation:

  • DMCR (Department of Marine and Coastal Resources) — maintains a nesting registry, coordinates rescue of injured animals and patrols beaches during nesting season.
  • Ko Tao Turtle Conservation Project — a volunteer programme on Koh Tao: turtle monitoring, rehabilitation of injured individuals and diver education.
  • Reef Check Thailand — an international reef-monitoring programme involving local dive centres that log turtle encounters.

Rules for Turtle Encounters

Seeing a sea turtle in the water is a privilege, not a photo opportunity to pursue aggressively. Essential rules:

  • Maintain a distance of at least 2 metres. Do not block the turtle's path to the surface — it breathes air and must be able to surface freely.
  • Do not touch the turtle — it is illegal and causes the animal stress.
  • Do not use flash photography underwater — it blinds and disorients the turtle.
  • If the turtle is feeding or resting on the seabed, observe from a distance and do not disturb it.
  • Do not try to swim alongside, hug or pet the turtle.

What to Do If You Find an Injured Turtle

If you find an injured, entangled or beached turtle, do not try to help it yourself. Contact the DMCR on their 24-hour hotline: 1362. You can also contact the nearest dive centre or the marine police.

Do not drag the turtle back into the sea: if it has beached itself, it may have internal injuries, and forcing it back into the water can make things worse. Wait for specialists.

Logging sightings through the Reef Check app or reporting to DMCR helps scientists track Gulf of Thailand turtle populations — every observation counts.