Meet sea turtles in Bali – a magical encounter beneath the surface
There are moments underwater that you never forget.
Like the first time you see a sea turtle gliding calmly by—elegant, undisturbed, and with a look that almost tells you that time passes differently down here.
In Bali, encounters with sea turtles are not a rare treat—they are part of the island's magic.
Especially around Tulamben and Amed on Bali's northeast coast, where the clear, calm waters allow both snorkelers and divers to experience these peaceful giants up close—here you can see sea turtles in their natural element.
“The sea turtle floated calmly among the corals, undisturbed and trusting.
We forgot about the wreck we were heading for—because today we were just going to be here, in the moment.”
When you encounter a sea turtle
There is something almost meditative about it.
You swim quietly in the water column, and suddenly a shadow moves out from the reef—slowly, as if it is in no hurry whatsoever.
A green sea turtle.
We experienced it ourselves on a dive at Tulamben.
We were actually heading towards the wreck of the USAT Liberty, but then she appeared – a large turtle gliding out of a coral reef, with small fish dancing around her.
It was clear that she felt completely at ease—and she had plenty of time.
And time, we took that too.
But right there, in the quiet blue, it was time to just be.
To go with the flow, breathe slowly, and let yourself be absorbed by the moment when a sea turtle chooses to share its world with you.
She floated calmly among the corals, took a bite of a sponge, and looked up curiously—as if she wanted to see who we were.
And we just lay there, weightless and silent, admiring her.
It felt as if time stood still.
We followed her for almost ten minutes. She floated lightly and elegantly above the seabed, nibbling at the soft sponges and corals.
She looked around, almost directly at us—and then continued on her way, calm and unconcerned.
It was like stepping into another world.
There was no sound, no stress, just the calm rhythm of the water and the feeling of being weightless and completely present.
Where can you see sea turtles in Bali?
Sea turtles are particularly prevalent on Bali's northeast coast, where the current is mild and visibility is high – perfect for families, beginners, experienced divers, and snorkelers.
It is precisely along this coastline that our resort is located—a place where tranquility descends and the sea is just a few steps from your door.
Here, you wake up to the sound of waves rolling onto the beach, and the day might start with a fresh juice on the terrace before you slip into the warm, clear water.
Just a few meters from the shore, corals, colorful fish, and often—if you're lucky—a sea turtle calmly swimming by await.
It's an experience that feels far removed from the pace of everyday life, but at the same time closer to everything that matters: time together, peace and quiet, and the little moments that turn into big memories.
Tulamben:
Known for the wreck of the USAT Liberty, but also a hotspot for sea turtles.
Here, you can often see green turtles grazing on algae and coral close to the coast.
The turtles are used to divers and snorkelers – you can often follow them for several minutes without disturbing them – they take it at their own pace.
Amed:
One of the most family-friendly areas in Bali, with calm, shallow waters and beautiful house reefs.
Perfect for snorkeling directly from the beach – sea turtles are often seen at depths of just 2–5 meters.
Here you can encounter both green turtles and hawksbill turtles (true hawksbill turtles).
“The light danced on the water, and we danced with it—in silence—together.”
Facts about sea turtles in Bali:
-
Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
-
Tropical and subtropical waters – especially the Coral Triangle, where Bali is located
-
Up to 80 years (some live to be over 100!)
-
Sea turtles use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate vast distances and can even return to the exact beach where they themselves hatched to lay eggs.
-
They can hold their breath for up to five hours by slowing their heart rate and conserving oxygen.
-
70–200 kg
-
1–1.5 meters
-
Algae, sea grass, fungi, and small crustaceans—by eating sea grass, among other things, they keep it down so that the sun can penetrate and give life to other organisms. They also take care of coral reefs by eating algae and fungi that can be harmful.
-
Calm and curious – often seen in shallow water near reefs and beaches
-
All year round, but visibility is best from May to October
Swimming with a sea turtle
There is a special calm that descends when you share the water with a sea turtle.
Many describe it as floating in tune with nature—a kind of mutual understanding, even if you don't say anything.
For children (and adults!), it is often a moment that sticks in the memory.
When you come back up, it is as if you have just experienced something that cannot be fully explained—only felt.
Experience it for yourself
At Boblerejser , we Boblerejser that your encounter with sea turtles is both safe and unforgettable.
We work with experienced instructors who know the reef like the back of their hand – and who know exactly where the chances of a magical encounter are greatest.
But the sea lives its own life, and that is part of its beauty. You never know exactly what you will see – maybe a turtle, maybe a glimpse of something completely different.
It is this unpredictability that makes every dive unique and every snorkeling trip its own little adventure.
Whether you dive or snorkel, you can look forward to experiencing a side of Bali that will stay with you long after you return home.
“We just lay there floating in the water with the sea turtle. It ate, looked up, and glided calmly onward—and I completely forgot that I was even breathing through the regulator. It was one of those moments you never forget.”
- Stefan, Boblerejser
Swimming with a sea turtle
- is like being reminded of what peace actually feels like.
Once you have shared the water with one of the sea's oldest and most peaceful creatures, you see the world a little differently afterwards.
It's not about how deep you dive or how many species you see – it's about the moment when you forget everything else and just go with the flow – when you are in the present and forget all about time and place.
We hope you get to experience that feeling for yourselves.
At Boblerejser , we are happy to Boblerejser you find the exact spots in Bali where the sea turtles appear and the magic begins.
“Sea turtle magic in Bali – being in the moment – enjoying the calm – slow breathing.”
Ready to take the leap?
If the idea of meeting sea turtles in Bali awakens your sense of adventure, we would be happy to help you tailor a trip where your dream becomes a reality.
At Boblerejser , we Boblerejser that safety, the tranquility of nature, and shared experiences go hand in hand – so you can enjoy moments beneath the sea and create lasting memories.
“An experience. An encounter. A journey you will never forget.”
Read more about our fantastic destinations Gozo (Malta) and Bali or explore our other inspiring articles about diving and family adventures here.