Underwater enthusiasts are always overjoyed to see a turtle while snorkeling or diving. These friendly-looking, ancient reptiles are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. Sea turtles can live for up to 100 years and are believed to have existed here on earth for millions of years. Many facts about sea turtles are astonishing, but the most amazing is that female sea turtles return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs. A journey that can cover thousands of kilometers, they dig their shallow nests in the sand with their flippers, an incredible achievement, and an awe-inspiring sight to see. Most locations where you can dive with sea turtles are also where you can sneak a peek at this miraculous egg-laying practice that is as old as time itself.

The best-known sea turtles are the Green Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Loggerhead Sea Turtle. All share the same basic body structure as their terrestrial relatives, the tortoise, but with a few adaptions for a sea-going lifestyle. Sea turtle bodies are slightly flattened and streamlined, with large flippers to propel them effortlessly through the water. Witness this majestic site on your next dive trip by finding the best spots to dive with the different sea turtles of the world on the map below.