3 Species of Sea Turtles You Can See While Diving in the Kerama Islands
3 Species of Sea Turtles You Can See While Diving in the Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands are famous for their crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and frequent sea turtle encounters. Many divers visit Okinawa hoping to see sea turtles, and the Kerama Islands offer some of the best opportunities in Japan.
Three species of sea turtles can be found in the waters around the Kerama Islands:
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Loggerhead Turtle
How to Identify Sea Turtles Underwater
| Species | Most Common? | Easy Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | ★★★★★ | It is known for its round face, attractive shell shape, and beautiful shell patterns. |
| Hawksbill Turtle | ★★★★★ | It has a pointed beak and a mottled shell pattern. |
| Loggerhead Turtle | ★☆☆☆☆ | It is large, looks like a dinosaur, and has an intimidating face. |
1. Green Sea Turtle
The green sea turtle has the classic shape and appearance that most people imagine when they think of a sea turtle. It is the quintessential sea turtle and is commonly seen while diving in the Kerama Islands.
Its round face and beautiful shell patterns are distinctive features, making it one of the most popular marine animals among divers. You may encounter one resting on the reef, feeding, or swimming through the blue water. In the Kerama Islands, there is always a chance of seeing a green sea turtle during your dive.
Green Sea Turtle Characteristics
- Has a round face and a beak that is not sharply pointed.
- Has clear and beautiful patterns on its shell.
- Has a smooth, well-shaped shell edge without jagged or serrated margins.
2. Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle is, along with the green sea turtle, one of the species most commonly seen while diving in the Kerama Islands.
It is generally smaller in size and can be identified by its pointed beak, mottled shell pattern, and serrated shell edges. When feeding, hawksbill turtles often peck at coral reefs and rocks in search of food. During these moments, they usually pay little attention to divers and may come surprisingly close.
Hawksbill Turtle Characteristics
- Has a pointed beak and a more angular, streamlined face.
- Has a mottled, irregular shell pattern.
- Has serrated or jagged edges along the shell.
3. Loggerhead Turtle
The loggerhead turtle is the rarest sea turtle species encountered while diving in the Kerama Islands. Since I dive almost every day, I have seen them many times, but if you spot a loggerhead turtle during a single day of diving, consider yourself very lucky!
Loggerhead turtles are generally larger and more rugged-looking than other sea turtles. With their powerful bodies, large heads, and prehistoric appearance, they almost look like dinosaurs underwater. Their faces are quite intimidating and, to be honest, they are not usually considered as cute as green sea turtles or hawksbill turtles.
That said, because they are so rare in the Kerama Islands, any encounter with a loggerhead turtle is special. If you are lucky enough to see one, be sure to take a photo!
Loggerhead Turtle Characteristics
- Relatively large in size
- Has a rough, rugged appearance
- Not particularly cute in appearance
- More commonly seen at offshore dive sites than in shallow areas
Best Time to See Sea Turtles in the Kerama Islands
In the Kerama Islands, there is a chance to see sea turtles all year round. The season and water temperature do not make a big difference. When diving in the Kerama Islands, be sure to keep an eye out for sea turtles!
Protecting Sea Turtles
When diving with sea turtles:
- Do not touch them
- Keep a respectful distance
- Avoid blocking their path
- Follow your guide's instructions
Responsible diving helps protect these amazing animals for future generations.
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