Swimming with Sea Turtles in the Philippines

A Gentle Encounter with the Ocean’s Ancient Guardians!

Green Sea Turtle

In the warm, turquoise waters of the Philippines, an extraordinary marine experience awaits—swimming alongside sea turtles, or pawikan as they’re lovingly called in the local language. These ancient creatures have roamed the oceans for more than 100 million years and witnessing them in their natural habitat is nothing short of magical.

The Philippines, located within the Coral Triangle, is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions. Its vibrant coral reefs, lush seagrass beds, and calm, clear waters offer ideal conditions for sea turtle sightings—both for seasoned divers and first-time snorkelers. From the protected shores of Apo Island to the quiet waters of Ticao and Balicasag, the archipelago provides multiple opportunities to interact with these graceful swimmers in a safe and respectful way.

But swimming with turtles isn’t just a tourist highlight—it’s a chance to connect with nature and reflect on the importance of marine conservation. As enchanting as the experience is, it also reminds us that these endangered animals need protection, and that our presence in their world should be mindful and responsible.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best places to swim with sea turtles in the Philippines, how to do it ethically, and why these ancient guardians of the sea deserve our admiration—and our care.

Sea Turtles in the Philippines

The Philippines is a true sanctuary for sea turtles, locally known as pawikan. With five of the world’s seven marine turtle species found in its waters, the country plays a crucial role in the survival of these gentle, ancient creatures. These species inhabit coral reefs, seagrass beds, and nesting beaches throughout the archipelago and are vital to maintaining marine ecosystem balance.

Turtles you may encounter in Philippine waters:

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

• The most sighted species, especially in marine sanctuaries like Apo Island, Balicasag, and Moalboal. Green turtles are herbivores, feeding primarily on seagrass, and can grow up to five feet long. They’re known for their gentle behavior and are often seen swimming near the shore.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

• Critically endangered, the Hawksbill is easily recognized by its pointed beak and colorful, overlapping scales on its shell. It prefers coral reefs where it feeds on sponges and soft corals. Though rarer than green turtles, sightings are possible in protected dive spots and marine parks.

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

• Smaller and more elusive, the Olive Ridley is known for synchronized mass nesting events called arribadas. In the Philippines, they are found nesting on remote beaches, often monitored by conservation groups. They’re less frequently seen while snorkeling but play an important role in coastal ecosystems.

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

• The Loggerhead has a broad, powerful head and strong jaws, used to crush hard-shelled prey like crabs and mollusks. Though sightings are rare in the Philippines, they have been recorded in deep waters and along migratory routes. They are considered vulnerable worldwide.

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

• The largest of all sea turtles, the Leatherback can grow over 6 feet long and weigh up to 900 kilograms. Unlike other species, it has a leathery shell instead of a hard one. Mostly found in deeper offshore waters, the Leatherback occasionally visits Philippine coastlines to nest, particularly in parts of Mindanao and Palawan.

Sea turtles play essential ecological roles:

• Maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs

• Controlling jellyfish populations

• Transporting nutrients between ocean and beach ecosystems

But their populations are under serious threat due to:

• Plastic pollution, which they often mistake for food

• Destruction of nesting sites from coastal development

• Bycatch in fishing operations

• Illegal trade of turtle shells, meat, and eggs

Fortunately, marine protected areas, community-run sanctuaries, and hatchery programs are helping to reverse the trend. Organizations and local governments are working hard to rehabilitate habitats, educate communities, and enforce laws protecting these endangered species.

As we explore the best places in the Philippines to swim with these marine marvels, remember: each encounter is a privilege—and a chance to support their future.

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)—the world’s largest sea turtle—coming ashore to lay her eggs.

Best Places to Swim with Sea Turtles in the Philippines

If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, the Philippines offers a variety of pristine and accessible destinations where you can witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. Here are some of the top spots for unforgettable turtle encounters:

Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

Apo Island is one of the most celebrated marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. Located just off the coast of Dauin, this small island boasts a thriving coral reef ecosystem and a large population of resident green turtles.

• Easy, shore-based snorkeling with frequent turtle sightings

• Community-managed marine reserve with strong conservation practices

Balicasag Island (Bohol)

Just a short boat ride from Panglao, Balicasag Island offers vibrant coral gardens and deep drop-offs perfect for diving and snorkeling. Sea turtles are often spotted gliding peacefully through the reefs.

• Often combined with dolphin-watching tours in the area

Moalboal (Cebu)

While famous for its sardine run, Moalboal is also a hotspot for sea turtles. You don’t even need a boat—turtles are frequently seen just offshore from Panagsama Beach.

• Budget travelers and free divers

• Swim with sardines and turtles in the same spot

Ticao Island (Masbate/Sorsogon)

A lesser-known gem, Ticao Island offers unspoiled marine environments with occasional sightings of turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks.

• Off-the-beaten-path explorers

• Less crowded, more intimate snorkeling experience

Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (Tawi-Tawi)

For those seeking a rare and conservation-centered experience, Turtle Islands is one of the most important nesting sites for green and hawksbill turtles in Southeast Asia.

• Best for Eco-travelers and conservation enthusiasts

• Witness turtle hatchlings during nesting season (October–February)

Each of these locations provides a unique turtle encounter, but all share one common rule: respect the wildlife. Observing sea turtles in their natural environment is a gift—one that must be approached with care, patience, and responsibility.

Best Time to Visit

Timing your trip right can make all the difference when it comes to seeing sea turtles in the Philippines. While these creatures can be spotted year-round in many locations, certain months offer better water conditions, visibility, and turtle activity.

Dry Season (March to June): Ideal for Swimming and Snorkeling

• The dry months of March to June are widely considered the best time to swim with sea turtles. During this period, seas are calmer, skies are clearer, and underwater visibility is excellent—ideal for snorkeling and diving. These months also coincide with peak tourist season, so it’s wise to book tours and accommodations in advance.

  
  

Nesting Season (October to February): Unique Conservation Experiences

• If you’re interested in witnessing turtle nesting or hatchling releases, visit during the wet season and early amihan months (October to February). In places like the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi and some beaches in Palawan, you might see mother turtles laying eggs or join conservation groups during hatchling releases.

When to Avoid

• The typhoon season, which peaks from July to October, can bring rough seas, poor visibility, and trip cancellations—especially in more remote locations. While turtles are still present, snorkeling and boat tours may be limited during heavy rains or storms.

Pro Tip: Always check local weather forecasts and coordinate with eco-certified local operators who monitor turtle behavior and prioritize visitor safety and turtle welfare.

Hatchling Turtles Racing Toward the Sea

How to Practice Responsible Turtle Tourism

Swimming with sea turtles is a magical experience—but it comes with important responsibilities. These animals are endangered, and even well-meaning interactions can disturb their natural behaviors. Whether you're snorkeling off Apo Island or diving in Balicasag, following these simple but vital guidelines helps ensure turtle tourism remains safe, sustainable, and respectful.

Keep Your Distance

• Never chase, touch, or try to ride a turtle. Stay at least 3 to 5 meters away, allowing the turtle to move freely. Getting too close can stress the animal or interrupt its feeding and breathing.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

• Chemicals in regular sunscreens harm coral reefs and marine life. Choose reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen, or better yet, wear a rash guard or UV-protective clothing instead.

Don’t Stir the Sand or Coral

• Avoid standing on coral reefs or stirring up the sand while snorkeling or diving. Turtles rely on clean, undisturbed areas for feeding. Kicking up sediment can disrupt seagrass beds—an essential food source for green turtles.

Avoid Flash Photography

• Flashes can startle and disorient turtles. If you're using an underwater camera, turn off the flash and avoid crowding the turtle to get a better shot.

Choose Ethical Tour Operators

• Book with certified eco-tourism providers who prioritize conservation, educate guests, and limit group sizes. Look for operators involved in local marine protection programs or who contribute to community-based conservation efforts.

  
  

Support Local Conservation Initiatives

• Donate to or volunteer with groups like the Pawikan Conservation Center, Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, or local hatchery projects. Every little effort helps safeguard the future of these majestic creatures.

Respectful interactions help preserve not only the lives of these sea turtles but also the health of marine ecosystems and the future of eco-tourism in the Philippines.

Conservation Challenges and Efforts

While sea turtles continue to inspire awe across the Philippines’ coastal waters, their survival is far from guaranteed. These ancient mariners face a growing list of threats—many of them driven by human activity. Fortunately, efforts to protect and rehabilitate turtle populations are gaining ground through the combined work of communities, NGOs, and government agencies.

Major Threats to Sea Turtles

• Plastic Pollution: Turtles often mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish, their primary food. Ingested plastics can lead to injury or death.

  
  

• Bycatch: Accidental capture in fishing nets is a leading cause of mortality among sea turtles, particularly in small-scale and commercial fisheries.

  
  

• Habitat Loss: Coastal development, beach erosion, and tourism infrastructure have damaged nesting sites, making it harder for turtles to reproduce.

  
  

• Illegal Trade and Poaching: Despite laws, turtles are still hunted for their meat, shells, and eggs, particularly in remote areas.

  
  

• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and temperature changes affect nesting beaches and even determine the sex of hatchlings, disrupting future populations.

Conservation Efforts Across the Philippines

• Pawikan Conservation Project (DENR): Focuses on nesting site protection, hatchery programs, and public education, particularly in Bataan and Palawan.

  
  

• Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (Tawi-Tawi): A protected area vital for green and hawksbill turtle nesting, with restricted access to preserve its integrity.

  
  

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Locations like Apo Island and Balicasag Island are community-managed marine sanctuaries that regulate fishing, tourism, and reef use.

  
  

• NGOs and Community Groups: Organizations like the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines and local barangays conduct patrols, hatchling releases, and awareness campaigns.

Despite ongoing challenges, sea turtle conservation in the Philippines is making progress—thanks to grassroots involvement, local stewardship, and sustainable tourism practices. The more we know and share, the stronger our collective efforts become.

Balicasag Island Bohol

A Lasting Connection Beneath the Waves

Swimming with sea turtles in the Philippines is more than just a memorable travel experience—it’s a humbling encounter with one of nature’s most ancient and graceful creatures. As they glide effortlessly through coral gardens and seagrass beds, these turtles remind us of the fragile beauty that exists beneath the waves.

But with that beauty comes responsibility. The Philippines is not only a haven for marine biodiversity but also a frontline in the battle for wildlife conservation. The survival of sea turtles depends on our collective actions—respecting their space, protecting their habitats, and supporting sustainable tourism.

Whether you’re snorkeling off Apo Island, diving in Balicasag, or volunteering at a hatchery, every encounter is a chance to make a difference. Small choices—like using reef-safe sunscreen or choosing eco-certified tour operators—contribute to a larger mission: preserving these ocean guardians for future generations.

So, when you meet a sea turtle, take a moment to pause. Admire. And remember that you're in the presence of a survivor from another era—one that depends on us now more than ever.

Swim gently. Leave no trace. And let the ocean’s ancient guardians inspire you to protect what matters most.