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, 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.
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.
The Frankland Islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef, offer opportunities to swim with Green and Loggerhead species, however, encounters are sporadic and should not be expected. Christmas Island is another region known for turtle sightings, with Green and Hawksbill being the most common.
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
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Three Day Kakadu & Arnhem Land
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... -
Cocos Keeling Island and/or Christmas Island Dive
From $2,010 USD
7 or 14 nights
Cocos Keeling Island and/or Christmas Island Dive
From $2,010 USD
7 or 14 nights
Deep drop offs, stunning coral gardens, diverse marine life, incredible vistas and welcoming locals – all things that Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) Islands can offer in abundance. Whilst the islands share many similarities – the dive experience is completely different on each island.
Christmas Island has over 60 dive sites... -
Private Mungo Outback Journey
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... -
Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
From $260 USD
Full Day
Daintree Afternoon & Nocturnal
From $260 USD
Full Day
A visit to the ‘oldest continually growing rainforest in the world’ at night is the feature of this full day tour, encompassing the World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation area.
Leaving early afternoon, guests will experience the region's incredible array of landscapes including waterfalls, mountain ranges, idyllic...
Viewing opportunities that include turtles
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Green Turtle
January,February,December, Frankland Islands National Park
Frankland Islands & Mulgrave River - Summer Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile (Mulgrave River cruise only)
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle
Snakes Sea Snakes: Dubois's Sea Snake, Olive Sea Snake, Mosaic Sea Snake, Spine-bellied Sea Snake, Elegant Sea Snake, , Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Stokes's Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Day Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateSpend the day at one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to experience World Heritage-listed rivers, rainforests and reefs. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy exclusive access to the hidden treasure that is the Frankland Islands National Park.
Tours in Frankland Islands National Park related to Turtles
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Green Turtle
March,April,May, Frankland Islands National Park
Frankland Islands & Mulgrave River - Autumn Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile (Mulgrave River cruise only)
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle
Snakes Sea Snakes: Dubois's Sea Snake, Olive Sea Snake, Mosaic Sea Snake, Spine-bellied Sea Snake, Elegant Sea Snake, , Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Stokes's Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Day Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateSpend the day at one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to experience World Heritage-listed rivers, rainforests and reefs. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy exclusive access to the hidden treasure that is the Frankland Islands National Park.
Tours in Frankland Islands National Park related to Turtles
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Saltwater Crocodile on Mulgrave River Cruise
June,July,August, Frankland Islands National Park
Frankland Islands & Mulgrave River - Winter Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile (Mulgrave River cruise only)
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle
Snakes Sea Snakes: Dubois's Sea Snake, Olive Sea Snake, Mosaic Sea Snake, Spine-bellied Sea Snake, Elegant Sea Snake, , Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Stokes's Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Day Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateSpend the day at one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to experience World Heritage-listed rivers, rainforests and reefs. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy exclusive access to the hidden treasure that is the Frankland Islands National Park.
Tours in Frankland Islands National Park related to Turtles
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Saltwater Crocodile in Mangroves on Mulgrave River
September,October,November, Frankland Islands National Park
Frankland Islands & Mulgrave River - Spring Sightings for Reptiles and Amphibians
Crocodiles Saltwater Crocodile (Mulgrave River cruise only)
Turtles Sea Turtles: Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle
Snakes Sea Snakes: Dubois's Sea Snake, Olive Sea Snake, Mosaic Sea Snake, Spine-bellied Sea Snake, Elegant Sea Snake, , Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Stokes's Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Day Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateSpend the day at one of the most beautiful snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to experience World Heritage-listed rivers, rainforests and reefs. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy exclusive access to the hidden treasure that is the Frankland Islands National Park.
Tours in Frankland Islands National Park related to Turtles
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Green Turtle
January,February,December, Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay - Summer 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, Mosaic Sea Snake, Turtle-headed Sea Snake, Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Olive-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, Australian Beaked Sea Snake, Stokes' Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Hervey Bay Nature Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Type: Shared or PrivateExplore the best of the Great Sandy Marine Park in the spectacular morning light, led by knowledgeable Marine Naturalists. The region's remarkable mix of picturesque bays, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, mangroves and sandy beaches provide habitat to abundant birdlife, turtles and dolphins.
Tours in Hervey Bay related to Turtles
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March,April,May, Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay - 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, Mosaic Sea Snake, Turtle-headed Sea Snake, Spectacled Sea Snake, Small-headed Sea Snake, Olive-headed Sea Snake, Horned Sea Snake, Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, Australian Beaked Sea Snake, Stokes' Sea Snake
Suggested Tour: Hervey Bay Nature Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
Type: Shared or PrivateExplore the best of the Great Sandy Marine Park in the spectacular morning light, led by knowledgeable Marine Naturalists. The region's remarkable mix of picturesque bays, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, mangroves and sandy beaches provide habitat to abundant birdlife, turtles and dolphins.
Tours in Hervey Bay related to Turtles
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Green Turtle
June,July,August,December, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo - Winter 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
"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 PrivateDiscover 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.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Turtles
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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
"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 PrivateDiscover 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.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Turtles
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Green Turtle
September,October,November, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo - Spring 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
"Starting in Novmeber, there are three species of sea turtle that commence nesting by making their way to the beaches along the Cape Range. The most common species is the Green Turtle, which take up to 40 years to reach sexual maturity. Along our shores, they lay over 100 eggs per clutch and will do these an average of five times every season. The second most common species is the Loggerhead Turtle with the breeding population estimated to be around 1000-3000 each season across the North West Cape and Cape Range rookeries. 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 PrivateDiscover 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.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Turtles
