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Featured Wildlife Journeys

Turtles

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

Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive & Snorkel

Deluxe Whaleshark Swim

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Viewing opportunities that include turtles

Months
  • Green Turtle (Credit: Australia's Coral Coast)

    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.

    Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Turtles

  • Czeblukov’s Sea Snake - Sara Barbieri

    March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth

    Ningaloo - Autumn Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians

    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

    How to find these species

    MarkDebFerguson"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 

    Suggested Tour: Outer Reef or Islands Scuba Dive & Snorkel

    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.

    Full Itinerary

    Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Turtles