Green sea turtle

What to look for

Look for four pairs of large scutes along the sides of the shell and a single pair of large scales between the eyes. The shell can look brown, gray or olive; the name does not mean the shell is green. Juveniles can resemble hawksbills, so compare several features.

What it eats

Nearshore green turtles feed largely on algae and seagrasses. Their diet changes with life stage and region, and some animal food is also eaten.

Life and behavior

Young turtles spend an early stage offshore before moving into coastal feeding habitat. Adults travel between feeding and breeding areas; a regional record does not establish a nesting beach.

Field context

Juveniles leave open-ocean waters for shallow coastal feeding grounds; seagrass and algae are key foods.

Observing responsibly

Often grazes in shallow water. Observe without approaching or blocking its route to the surface.

When to look

The available records do not establish a reliable local viewing season. Use the map’s month filter to inspect dated observations; it does not predict an encounter.

Learn more about this species

• Why Your Dive Mask Fogs—and What Makes It Clear Again
• Why Fish Look Bigger and Closer Through Your Dive Mask
• Why Your Scuba Fins Stir Up Sand Even When You Hold Depth
• Why Your Dive Compass Can Point Straight While You Still Miss the Boat
• Green Turtle, Hawksbill, or Loggerhead? The Details That Give Them Away
• Green sea turtles in the Florida Keys: reading a seagrass encounter