More than two million visitors, both national and international, flock to the Great Barrier Reef every year to experience its magnificent beauty, including magical reefs, warm tropical waters and incredible sea life. Year in, year out, the sea turtle is by far the most requested sea animal to witness when exploring the Reef, according to the numerous snorkel and dive operators in the Cairns (and Great Barrier Reef) region. Thankfully, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s very best regions to experience the magic of sea turtles in their ocean home.
Amazingly, six of the world’s total of seven marine turtle species call the Great Barrier Reef home, and include the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Flatback Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle. (Five of these six species are sadly listed as endangered, as a result of pollution and other negative causes).
Turtles are harmless, curious and gracious reptiles that are known for swimming quite close to you as you explore the beauty of the reef by means of snorkelling or diving. In some locations on the Great Barrier Reef, turtle sightings are common. Let’s take a look at some of these stunning locations now.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a fantastic option when it comes to witnessing sea turtles up close, with the opportunity to spot them in the tropical aqua waters that surround the island, as well as by paying a visit to the island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Fitzroy Island is located just off the coast of Cairns (the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef) and can be easily reached by means of a 45-minute Fast Cat ride from the Cairns Marina. If you are short on time, a day visit to Fitzroy Island is possible. However, we recommend staying on the island and taking advantage of not only its amazing array of accommodation options, but also its exquisite rainforest-lined beaches, breathtaking water activities and delicious food.
Sea turtles are spotted regularly in the exquisite aqua warm waters that surround the island, which can be explored by means of snorkelling, sea kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding (all equipment can be arranged via the island’s own Sports Hub). A daily tour to the island’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is also a must-do activity, where you can witness firsthand the incredible work the centre’s dedicated volunteers undertake in order to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles back into their ocean home.
Turtle Bay, Agincourt Reef
From late October until early December, it is quite common to spot Green and Hawksbill Turtles (and occasionally Loggerhead and Olive Ridley Turtles) swimming about Turtle Bay, a protected corner of the famous and widely-visited Agincourt Reef, situated 90 minutes by boat from the seaside town of Port Douglas (located one hour’s drive north of Cairns). A wide array of snorkel and dive tours visit the Agincourt Reef daily.
Mojo, Opal Reef
Opal Reef, located to nearby Agincourt Reef, also welcomes frequent turtle visits from late October until early December. You may have the chance to spot Green and Hawksbill Turtles at Opal Reef, as well as perhaps Loggerhead and Olive Ridley Turtles.
Green Island
Green Island, located roughly 45 minutes from Cairns by boat, sees flocks of tourists to the area, looking to explore its fringing reefs via swimming or snorkelling. Sea turtles, among other marine life, are often spotted in the waters surrounding Green Island.
Raine Island
Looking for something truly adventurous? Then consider paying a visit to Raine Island, found 620km north west off the coast of Cairns. Raine Island sees one of the planet’s most enormous gatherings of sea turtles (think 60,000+!) throughout peak breeding season. Female Green Turtles travel many thousands of kilometres annually in order to lay their eggs at Raine Island. A small number of operators offer tours to Raine Island, however, for the experience of a lifetime, the journey and investment are well worth it.
