There are seven species of marine turtles worldwide, six of which are found around Australia’s coastline. The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s most precious nesting areas, home to 6,000 sea turtles, with three species (Green, Hawkesbill and Loggerhead) known to lay eggs between December and February. From January through March (approximately six weeks after laying), the hatchlings emerge across the sandy beaches in their first battle to survive numerous predators.
Green and Loggerhead Turtles also nest along the Great Barrier Reef from November until March, providing the opportunity to see the hatchlings emerge through until May. Whilst the baby turtles generally crawl out towards the ocean in the evening, they can sometimes emerge late in the afternoon if the weather is cooler or overcast. Turtles do not breed every season with Loggerheads nesting at 3 - 5 year intervals and Greens at 5 - 7 year intervals.
Marine turtles have a long lifespan, but can take several decades to reach breeding maturity. The largest of the sea turtles is the Leatherback, with a weight up to 400kg, with this species being more common across the southern temperate waters.
Search for tours including Turtles, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or find out more at the tour links below:
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tour Ultimate Nature
From $1,680 USD
4 days/ 3 nights
Private Mungo Outback Journey
From $1,680 USD
4 days/ 3 nights
Be captivated by the expansive red sand plains and dunes, riverine ecosystems of the famous Murray and Darling Rivers and the arid land ecosystems around Lake Mungo.
Spot Kangaroos, Emus, Pink Cockatoos, several parrot species including Mulga, Red-rumped, Mallee Ringnecks and Blue-bonnets, raptor birds including the Wedge-tailed Eagle and several...
From $185 USD
Full Day from Exmouth
Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive & Snorkel
From $185 USD
Full Day from Exmouth
Discover the wonders of the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Marine Park, regarded as one of the most beautiful underwater wilderness areas in Australia.
Upon cruising out across the pristine waters, you will spend the day exploring different snorkel and dive sights accessible by boat only, with Dolphins, Rays and Turtles...
From $1,075 USD
Full Day
Daintree Exclusive
From $1,075 USD
Full Day
This full day tour focuses on the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, the largest section of tropical rainforest in Australia and oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. Guests will be mesmerised by the combination of waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic streams, deep gorges and dense rainforest, that makes this...
From $2,065 USD
3 Days/2 Nights
Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land
From $2,065 USD
3 Days/2 Nights
This epic tailored adventure across the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land winds across stunning floodplains and escarpments in search of the formidable Saltwater Crocodile, many of the region’s 280 bird species, adorable marsupials and mammals and incredible flora.
The pristine beauty of Fogg Dam, Mary River...
January,February,December, Ningaloo & Exmouth
The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s most precious nesting areas, home to 6,000 sea turtles, with three species (Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead) known to lay eggs between December and February. From January through March (approximately six weeks after laying), the hatchlings emerge across the sandy beaches in their first battle to survive numerous predators.
March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Turtles |
Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Flatback Turtle |
Snakes |
Sea Snakes: Olive Sea Snake, Elegant Sea Snake, Stokes' Sea Snake, Spotted Sea Snake, Western Turtle-headed Sea Snake, Czeblukov's Sea Snake, Short-nosed Sea Snake |
"The Ningaloo Marine Park is one of the world’s most precious nesting areas, home to 6,000 sea turtles, with three species (Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead) nesting. From November through March, female turtles make their way to the beaches near along the Cape Range to lay their eggs. Approximately six weeks after laying, the hatchlings emerge across the sandy beaches in their first battle to survive numerous predators."
Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or Private
Discover the wonders of the Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Marine Park, regarded as one of the most beautiful underwater wilderness areas in Australia. Upon cruising out across the pristine waters, you will spend the day exploring different snorkel and dive sites accessible by boat only, with Dolphins, Rays and Turtles all regular encounters.