What Divers Should Know About Green Sea Turtle

With its distinctive dorsoventrally flattened body and large, paddle-like flippers, the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a magnificent sight underwater. These impressive animals can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) long, with average carapace lengths between 78 and 112 cm. While their common name suggests a green hue, it actually refers to the green fat found beneath their carapace, a result of their strictly seagrass diet, rather than the olive to black color of their shell.

As an experienced diver, you'll most often encounter adult Green sea turtles in shallow lagoons, where they feed primarily on various species of seagrasses. They are unique among aquatic turtles for being fully herbivorous when grown. Observing these serene creatures gracefully navigating their habitat is a privilege, especially considering their potential lifespan of up to 90 years in the wild. Remember that they are a protected species, making respectful observation paramount.