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Flatback Turtle

One of the most distinct sea turtle species, the flatback sea turtle is easily identifiable by its flat, smooth, oval shaped shell covered in a wax-like substance. Flatbacks are olive-green in color with yellow tones on its belly and flippers. They are the only species that do not migrate large distances, preferring to stay within its limited population range. In fact, they have the second smallest distribution around the world, next to the Kemp’s ridley, found only in the northern coastal region of Australia’s Pacific waters and the Gulf of Papua, New Guinea.

Divesites
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© Shutterstock-Kylie Spencer

Even though you may have to travel far to be able to dive with a flatback sea turtle, the good news is that they primarily inhabit popular dive sites like coastal coral reefs and shallow grassy areas. The flatback is an omnivore and eats a wide variety of prey such as soft coral, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, small fish, seaweed, and molluscs. To dive with these unique looking animals in their natural habitat, click on the map below to explore the most popular areas where they are sighted.

Dive sites with this animal

Palm Beach Divers Co., Ltd, 81150 Krabi
Koh Bida Nok <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Koh Bida Nok (★4.7)

This is one our favourite dive sites since it has the widest range of wildlife. The reef gently slopes down from the island apart from the wall at the south west which drops 22-26 meters.
Palm Beach Divers Co., Ltd, 81150 Krabi
Koh Bida Nai <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Koh Bida Nai (★4.5)

One of many dive sites at Phi Phi islands. Small rocky island south from Phi Phi Lee. Diving depht starts at 5 meters and goes to 30 meters plus. This site lies just to the north of Koh Bida Nok and is made of limestone cliffs hosting a large array of marine life.
Palm Beach Divers Co., Ltd, 81150 Krabi
RTN Kled Gaeow (Wreck) <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

RTN Kled Gaeow (Wreck) (★4.5)

Decommissioned in 2014, the ship was donated and purposely sunk via controlled explosion to create a new dive site on 19 March 2014. The 47 metre long wreck sits almost upright (20 degree list) facing north to south (bow-stern), some 800-1000m to the east of Piley Bay (Ko Phi Phi Ley).
Pura Vida Phi Phi, 81000 Krabi
Garang Heang/Hin Klai <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

Garang Heang/Hin Klai (★4.7)

This side is a submerged Pinnacle covered in coral, not as frequented as other dive sites in the region as it is not a suitable site for beginners or students.
Centrum Nurkowe Aqarium, 78-100 Kołobrzeg
Abu Soma Garden <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Abu Soma Garden (★4.4)

This dive site is shallow to over 30m with little current, therefore, it is suitable for beginner divers. Because the coral garden is shallow, it is also a very nice place for snorkeling.
Palm Beach Divers Co., Ltd, 81150 Koh Lanta
Palong Bay <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Palong Bay (★4.4)

Situated on the east side of Phi Phi Ley, Palong Bay is the next bay north of the famous Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach.” This dive is s relatively simple one and is rarely affected by currents. The dive heads south from Palong Bay towards Maya Bay.
The Divers Universe, 00000 Quseir
Sharm Taahtany <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Sharm Taahtany (★4.2)

Interesting coral-rich wall, easily accessible from Mangroovy Bay by boat (opposite the Oriental Coast area) , perfect for all levels of experience.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Abu Dabab South <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Abu Dabab South (★4.5)

Lies in the bay of Abu Dabab, entrance via the sandy beach or it is approached by Zodiac. Beautiful coral blocks in 14, 16, 18 and 24m depth.