The Ultimate Guide to Sea Turtles in the Philippines: Species, Best Spots, Conservation & Nesting Seasons
The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to see sea turtles, locally known as pawikan. With its pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity, this island nation provides a perfect habitat for sea turtles. Whether you’re snorkeling in El Nido, diving in Moalboal, or exploring Coron Town, you’re likely to spot these gentle ocean wanderers gliding through the water.
In this guide, we’ll explore the sea turtle species found in the Philippines, the best places to see them, conservation efforts, top diving spots, and the nesting seasons for those hoping to witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
Sea Turtle Species in the Philippines
Guide to Sea Turtles in the Philippines. The Philippines is home to five out of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide. Each species plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
🌱 Diet: Primarily seagrass and algae
📍 Where to Find Them: Tubbataha Reefs, Apo Island, Moalboal, and El Nido
🟢 Fun Fact: These turtles are called “green” because of the greenish color of their fat, not their shells!
2. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
🌊 Diet: Sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish
📍 Where to Find Them: Apo Island, Honda Bay, and Coron
🦠 Fun Fact: Hawksbill turtles help maintain coral reef health by controlling sponge populations!
3. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
🐠 Diet: Crustaceans, fish, and jellyfish
📍 Where to Find Them: Nesting beaches in Bataan and Zambales
🐢 Fun Fact: Olive Ridleys are known for their synchronized mass nesting events, called “arribadas.”
4. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
🦐 Diet: Crabs, mollusks, and small fish
📍 Where to Find Them: Rare in the Philippines, but occasional sightings occur in Palawan
🔥 Fun Fact: Loggerheads have the strongest bite force of all sea turtles!
5. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
🦑 Diet: Jellyfish and soft-bodied marine creatures
📍 Where to Find Them: Nesting beaches in Mindoro, Bataan, and the Sulu Sea
🌎 Fun Fact: Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles, growing up to 2 meters long!
Best Places to See Sea Turtles in the Philippines
If you’re looking to snorkel or dive with sea turtles, here are some of the best locations across the Philippines:
- 🏝️ El Nido, Palawan – Turtles frequently swim in the lagoons and coral reefs.
- 🏝️ Coron, Palawan – Coral gardens and shipwreck dive sites host numerous turtles.
- 🏝️ Moalboal, Cebu – Turtles can be spotted alongside the famous sardine run.
- 🏝️ Apo Island, Negros Oriental – A marine sanctuary where turtles are abundant and protected.
- 🏝️ Balicasag Island, Bohol – Known for turtle sightings on almost every dive.
- 🏝️ Honda Bay, Palawan – Offers both snorkeling and diving opportunities to see sea turtles.
If you prefer non-intrusive turtle encounters, you can also visit hatcheries and conservation centers in places like Pawikan Conservation Center in Bataan or the Turtle Conservation Center in Palawan.
Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts in the Philippines
Sea turtles face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, plastic pollution, illegal poaching, and accidental fishing bycatch. Fortunately, several organizations and government initiatives are working to protect them.
Key Conservation Programs:
🌍 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – The Philippines has over 1,500 MPAs where sea turtles are actively protected.
🐢 Pawikan Conservation Centers – Facilities like the Pawikan Conservation Center in Bataan and the El Nido Marine Turtle Sanctuary focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing turtles.
🚫 Laws Against Poaching & Egg Collection – It is illegal to capture, harm, or sell sea turtles and their eggs under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147).
👨👩👧 Community-Based Eco-Tourism – In places like Apo Island, locals are actively involved in turtle conservation while also benefiting from sustainable tourism.
Diving Spots to Observe Sea Turtles in the Philippines
For scuba divers, the Philippines offers some of the best dive sites to observe sea turtles up close.
- 🤿 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with pristine coral reefs and an abundance of turtles.
- 🤿 Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro – The second-largest coral reef in the world, home to green sea turtles and hawksbills.
- 🤿 Balicasag Island, Bohol – Crystal-clear waters and a high chance of turtle encounters.
- 🤿 Pescador Island, Cebu – Famous for wall diving and encounters with turtles, sardines, and reef sharks.
- 🤿 Anilao, Batangas – Easily accessible from Manila, with frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles.
Tip: If you want the best chance of seeing turtles, opt for morning dives, as turtles are most active during this time.
Sea Turtle Nesting Seasons in the Philippines
If you want to witness baby turtles hatching, the best time to visit is during nesting season, which varies slightly by location.
📅 Peak Nesting Season: October to March
📅 Hatching Season: December to April
Best Places to See Nesting Turtles:
- 🐢 Pawikan Conservation Center, Bataan – One of the best places to witness nesting turtles and hatchling releases.
- 🐢 El Nido, Palawan – Turtles lay their eggs on secluded beaches within protected areas.
- 🐢 Davao Oriental & Sarangani Bay – Home to several nesting sites monitored by conservation groups.
If you’re lucky, you may see tiny baby turtles emerging from their nests and making their way to the sea—a truly unforgettable experience!
Final Thoughts: Why Protecting Sea Turtles Matters
Sea turtles are essential to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. They help control jellyfish populations, keep seagrass beds healthy, and support coral reef biodiversity. However, human activities threaten their survival, and we must act responsibly to protect these incredible creatures.
How You Can Help:
- ✔️ Say No to Plastic: Reduce plastic waste to prevent pollution in marine habitats.
- ✔️ Choose Responsible Tourism: Avoid touching or chasing sea turtles while snorkeling or diving.
- ✔️ Support Conservation Programs: Donate or volunteer at sea turtle rescue centers.
- ✔️ Report Illegal Activities: If you see someone harming or selling sea turtles, report it to local authorities.
By taking simple actions, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty of sea turtles in the Philippines.
Have you seen a sea turtle while snorkeling or diving in the Philippines? Share your experience in the comments!
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