Swimming with Sea Turtles in Florida

Swimming with sea turtles in Florida – it’s an experience that stays with you forever. Imagine gliding alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat, marveling at their grace and prehistoric beauty.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, or simply a curious beachgoer, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve got different ways to experience swimming with sea turtles including best locations to encounter them in the wild, plus Florida aquariums and rescue centers where you can see these beautiful creatures up close and personal.

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Types of Sea Turtles in Florida to Look Out for

Florida’s waters are home to five of the seven sea turtle species:

Loggerhead Sea Turtle: The most abundant, named for their large heads.
Green Sea Turtle: Easily recognized by their greenish shells, they are herbivores.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle: Critically endangered, they have pointed beaks for feeding on sponges.
Leatherback Sea Turtle: The largest sea turtle species with a leathery, non-bony shell, they are also endangered.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle: The rarest sea turtle species, occasional visitors to Florida’s waters.

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Swim with Sea Turtles Florida Attractions (are prohibited?)

While you won’t find any aquariums or attractions offering direct “swim with sea turtles” programs in Florida, there’s a very good reason for this.

Interaction with these gentle giants in a confined space can be stressful for them, impacting their health and natural behaviors.

Florida prioritizes the well-being of these endangered creatures, and responsible businesses follow suit.

Your options for swimming with sea turtles in Florida?

Snorkel (or dive) in shallow areas where sea turtle sightings are common
Join a guided snorkeling tour for an even better chance for turtle sightings

Or instead of swimming with sea turtles, stay dry and take a guided tour. Or visit a turtle rehabilitation center that’s open to the public.

Read on, we’ve got some great suggestions!

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Swim with Sea Turtles (The Responsible Way)

The good news? Snorkeling and diving in certain locations will offer fantastic opportunities to encounter sea turtles in their natural environment.

Most sightings happen where sea turtles are swimming between 5-10 feet below the surface, a perfect distance to see them while snorkeling.

Grab a mask and snorkel, and a set of fins, and plan your visit to one of these beaches or parks. Here are some top locations known for frequent sea turtle sightings:

Turtle Beach (Sarasota)
John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
Looe Key Reef Sanctuary (Big Pine Key)
Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida Keys)
Sombrero Beach (Marathon, Florida Keys)
Sanibel Island (Southwest Florida):
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (Treasure Coast):
Navarre Beach: Here’s a link to the Navarre Beach near-shore reefs
Cayo Costa State Park (Southwest Florida island):

You’ll want to use a mask and snorkel, minimally, to be able to see underwater for prolonged periods of time. The use of fins is optional but helps you to easily glide through the water and not get tired. A full snorkeling set for kids or adults are very affordable on Amazon, starting around $35.

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Snorkeling Tours for an Excellent Adventure

Take a guided snorkeling tour, and you’ll have the best chance at seeing not only sea turtles, but lots of other marine life as well.

Here are some of the most highly-rated snorkeling tours in Florida to check out:

Key Largo: John Pennekamp Snorkeling Tours
Islamorada: Sundance Watersports – Islamorada Snorkeling Adventure
Key West: Tours Key West Snorkeling Tours
Jupiter: Manatee Queen Snorkeling Tours

There are many guided tours and charters, guides and park rangers who will be able to help point you in the right direction on best places to snorkel and look for sea turtles.

What is the Best Time to Snorkel with Turtles in Florida?

The warm summer months (May to September) offer the best visibility and water temperatures, making it prime time for snorkeling adventures.

FLORIDA AQUARIUMS and Rescues with Sea Turtles

While snorkeling offers a glimpse into the natural world, Florida aquariums and Rescue/Rehab Centers provide a chance to learn more about sea turtles and the vital role they play in the marine ecosystem.

Here are a couple of excellent options to see sea turtles and help support their rehabilitation and conservation:

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: A nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of sea turtles, open to the public with lots of great exhibits, guided tours and fishing clinics for kids! Loggerhead Marinelife Center website.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Marine research instititution located in Sarasota, open to the public. They have many exhibits and educational programs including a Sea Turtle exhibit, conservation program and hospital.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater): Home to rescued sea turtles, the aquarium offers several unique exhibits to observe these fascinating creatures up close. Check out their Clearwater Marine Aquarium sea turtles info here.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (Orlando): Witness a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, in their immersive and educational exhibits.

Some Facts About Sea Turtles

When Do Sea Turtles Nest in Florida?

Florida serves as a critical nesting ground for sea turtles. Their nesting season typically runs from May to October, with peak activity occurring in the summer months.

When Do Sea Turtles Hatch in Florida?

The incubation period for sea turtle eggs varies depending on the species, but generally lasts for 60 to 70 days. Hatchlings typically emerge from the nest at night, making their way to the ocean.

Can You Touch Sea Turtles in Florida?

For their safety and yours, touching sea turtles in Florida is strictly prohibited. Maintain a safe distance and observe them from afar.

Do Sea Turtles Bite?

While a sea turtle bite is possible, it’s highly unlikely unless they feel threatened. Always give them ample space and avoid any actions that might startle them.

Predators of Sea Turtles?

Sea turtles face threats from various predators throughout their life cycle. Eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to crabs, raccoons, and birds. Sharks are a major predator of adult sea turtles.

How Do Sea Turtles Sleep?

Sea turtles don’t sleep in the traditional sense. They enter a period of deep rest while floating near the water’s surface, remaining alert to their surroundings.