Sea turtles in the Gulf of Thailand

Summary

Green and hawksbill sea turtles still live in the waters around Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Ang Thong. Koh Tao is named after turtles, but nesting has declined with development; seeing one while snorkeling is a special, unguaranteed event.

Details

Two sea turtle species are regularly mentioned for the Samui archipelago: the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle. Koh Tao - 'Turtle Island' - was named both for its shape and for the turtles that historically nested on its beaches; today tourism development has greatly reduced nesting, but turtles are still seen while snorkeling and diving at places like Shark Bay, and conservation programs (including a Royal Thai Navy supported project with local dive centres from 2004) have released juvenile turtles. Around Ang Thong Marine Park, turtles are sometimes seen by snorkelers, with March-April often mentioned as the best visibility season. Occasional turtle sightings are also reported around Koh Tan south of Samui. If you are lucky enough to meet a turtle in the water: stay calm, keep several metres distance, never touch, chase or ride a turtle, and do not block its path to the surface - it needs to breathe. Sea turtles are protected in Thailand; nests must never be disturbed. Reducing plastic use matters here: floating plastic bags look like jellyfish, a natural turtle food, and are a documented threat.

Safety and ethics

Never touch, chase or feed turtles; keep several metres distance and let them surface to breathe; never disturb a nest or hatchlings; report nest sightings to local authorities or dive centres; avoid single-use plastics on the beach.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see sea turtles around Koh Samui?

Possibly, but not guaranteed. Your best chances are snorkeling around Koh Tao (for example Shark Bay) or, with luck, at Ang Thong Marine Park or Koh Tan.

Which turtle species live here?

Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are the two species regularly reported in the Samui archipelago.

Why is Koh Tao called Turtle Island?

For its turtle-like shape and because turtles historically nested on its beaches. Development has reduced nesting, but turtles still live in the surrounding waters and conservation projects are active.

What should I do if I find a turtle nest?

Keep well away, do not touch or mark it yourself, and inform local authorities or a dive centre. Turtles and their eggs are protected by Thai law.