Green Sea Turtle

Endangered

Chelonia mydas

Encounter Rate

Very Common

Spotting Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Year-round

Depth Range

1-40 meters

The green sea turtle is one of Komodo's most beloved marine residents and a regular companion on nearly every dive in the park. Named for the greenish colour of their body fat rather than their external appearance, these gentle herbivores can grow to impressive sizes, with shells exceeding one metre in length. In Komodo, green sea turtles are found resting under coral ledges, cruising along reef walls, or grazing on seagrass beds in shallower areas. They must surface regularly to breathe but can hold their breath for up to five hours when sleeping. Komodo's protected beaches serve as nesting sites, and hatchling season brings tiny turtles scrambling toward the sea — a powerful reminder of why marine protection matters. These ancient reptiles have existed for over 100 million years, outliving the dinosaurs, yet face serious modern threats from habitat loss, plastic pollution, and poaching.

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Size Information

Average Size

0.8-1m shell length

Size Range

0.5-1.2m shell length

Maximum Size

1.2m shell length, up to 230kg

Diet & Behavior

Diet & Feeding

Primarily herbivorous as adults, grazing on seagrass and algae. Juveniles are more omnivorous, also eating jellyfish, sponges, and invertebrates. Their serrated jaw edges are perfectly adapted for tearing seagrass.

Behavior

Rests under coral ledges and overhangs during the day, often returning to the same spot
Surfaces to breathe every 30-60 minutes when active, up to 5 hours when sleeping
Grazes on seagrass beds and algae-covered reef surfaces
Females return to their natal beach to lay eggs, often travelling hundreds of kilometres

Conservation & Threats

Endangered

Main Threats

Habitat LossOverfishingPollutionClimate Change

Local Importance

This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.

Tips for Spotting & Photography

Photography Tips

Approach slowly from the side for resting turtles under ledges
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the turtle in its reef environment
Wait near a cleaning station where turtles rest while fish clean their shells
Surface shots of turtles breathing make excellent split-level images

Interaction Guidelines

Never touch, ride, or grab a sea turtle — this is illegal and harmful
Maintain at least 2 metres distance and never block their path to the surface
Do not disturb resting turtles under ledges

Fun Facts

1Green sea turtles have existed for over 100 million years
2They are named for the green colour of their body fat, not their shell
3A female may lay up to 200 eggs in a single nest on the beach
4They can hold their breath for up to 5 hours while sleeping underwater

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Frequently asked questions about Green Sea Turtle

Very frequently! Green sea turtles are encountered on the vast majority of dives in Komodo. Sites like Tatawa Besar, Siaba Besar, and Pink Beach are particularly reliable for turtle sightings.