What Kind of Turtles Can You Spot During Dives or Snorkeling Tours Around the Gili Islands?

What Kind of Turtles Can You Spot Around the Gili Islands?

Turtles around the Gili Islands | Scuba Diving Indonesia

The Gili Islands, a tropical paradise located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are not only famous for their vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters but also for their incredible turtle population. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, the chance to encounter these majestic creatures is almost guaranteed. Among the three types of sea turtles found in the region—Hawksbill, Green Sea, and Olive Ridley—it is the Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles that you’re most likely to spot during your underwater adventures.

The Stars of the Gili Islands: Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Known for their stunning shells that are often a mix of amber, brown, and yellow hues, Hawksbill turtles are easily recognizable. Their pointed beak-like mouths help them extract sponges and other invertebrates from crevices in coral reefs, making them an essential species for maintaining reef health. Hawksbills can often be spotted gracefully navigating the coral gardens around the Gili Islands, their shells glinting in the sunlight filtering through the water.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Green Sea turtles are the largest of the two commonly spotted species in the Gili Islands. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh up to 200 kilograms. Unlike Hawksbills, Green Sea turtles are primarily herbivores, grazing on seagrass and algae. This diet plays a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds, which are crucial ecosystems for many marine species. Around Gili Air’s jetty, Green Sea turtles are often seen surfacing for a breath, especially in the newly created seagrass area.

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

While Olive Ridley turtles are present in the waters of the Gili Islands, encounters with them during dives or snorkeling tours are extremely rare. These turtles are typically seen in deeper, offshore waters, making them less accessible to recreational divers and snorkelers.

Famous Turtle Spotting Locations

The Gili Islands are home to numerous dive and snorkeling spots where turtles are frequently encountered. Each island offers unique opportunities to observe these creatures in their natural habitat:

Gili Air

• Hans Reef: Known for its abundant marine life and shallow depth, this site is perfect for spotting both Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles.

• Blue Plains: A favorite among snorkelers and divers, Blue Plains boasts expansive coral gardens where turtles often forage.

• Batfish Point: This site combines stunning coral formations with the chance to see turtles gliding gracefully alongside schools of batfish.

• Thauckies: A lesser-known spot with a calm environment, ideal for observing turtles up close.

Gili Meno

• Turtle Heaven: As the name suggests, this is a prime location to see turtles, often resting or feeding among the coral.

• Bounty Wreck: An artificial reef created from a sunken vessel, it attracts a variety of marine life, including turtles.

• Meno Slope: Known for its gentle incline and vibrant coral, this site is a hotspot for Green Sea turtles.

Gili Trawangan

• Halik Reef: This vibrant reef system is teeming with marine life, and turtles are a common sight here.

• Sharkpoint: While known for its reef sharks, this site also hosts plenty of Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles.

The Rules of Turtle Encounters

Seeing a turtle underwater is a magical experience, but it’s essential to interact responsibly to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Follow these guidelines to protect these incredible animals:

1. Don’t Touch: Never attempt to touch a turtle. They are wild animals and can become stressed or injured by human contact.

2. Don’t Feed: Feeding turtles disrupts their natural diet and can make them reliant on humans, which is harmful to their long-term survival.

3. Keep Your Distance: Always give turtles enough space to move freely. Avoid crowding them, as this can cause unnecessary stress.

4. Avoid Flash Photography: Using a flash can harm turtles’ sensitive eyes. Instead, use natural light or a red filter for underwater photography.

Unique Turtle Experiences on Gili Air

Turtles around the Gili Islands | Scuba Diving Indonesia

One of the highlights of visiting Gili Air is the opportunity to see turtles right from the jetty. Thanks to a newly created seagrass area, Green Sea turtles are frequently spotted feeding or surfacing for air. While waiting for a boat to Bali, it’s not uncommon to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Turtle Conservation and Education

Oceans 5 Gili Air, a prominent dive center on the island, takes turtle conservation seriously. They offer a PADI Turtle Specialty course designed to educate divers about these species and their importance to marine ecosystems. This course covers turtle biology, threats they face, and ways to contribute to their conservation.

Recently, Oceans 5 Gili Air received turtle nest protection cases from BKKPN, the marine conservation authority in Indonesia. These cases help safeguard turtle nests from predators and human interference, ensuring that hatchlings have the best chance of reaching the ocean.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism

The Gili Islands’ commitment to protecting their turtle population extends beyond conservation efforts. Many snorkeling businesses on the islands offer a money-back guarantee if no turtles are spotted during a tour—a testament to the abundance of these animals in the region. However, this also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices to ensure that future generations can enjoy these experiences.

Did You Know?

• Hawksbill turtles are considered critically endangered, primarily due to illegal trade in their shells.

• Green Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to five hours when resting, although they typically surface every few minutes while active.

• The Gili Islands are part of the Coral Triangle, known for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Tips for Turtle Spotting

To increase your chances of seeing turtles during your visit to the Gili Islands:

• Join a reputable dive or snorkeling operator, such as Oceans 5 Gili Air, to ensure safe and eco-friendly encounters.

• Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot turtles, as they are often more active during these periods.

• Look for turtles near coral reefs or seagrass beds, where they feed and rest.

Final Thoughts

The Gili Islands offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles in their natural habitat. From iconic dive sites like Turtle Heaven to the seagrass meadows near Gili Air’s jetty, these islands are a haven for turtle enthusiasts. By following simple guidelines and supporting conservation-focused businesses, visitors can enjoy unforgettable turtle encounters while contributing to the protection of these magnificent creatures.