There is something special about seeing a sea turtle underwater for the first time.
Maybe it is the way they move so effortlessly through the ocean, completely calm while the world rushes around them. Or maybe it is because they somehow make every diver stop for a moment and simply watch.
Indonesia is one of the best places in the world to encounter sea turtles in their natural habitat. With warm tropical waters, healthy coral reefs, and thousands of islands, the country is home to large populations of green turtles and hawksbill turtles — and in some areas, spotting them is almost guaranteed.
If swimming with turtles is high on your bucket list, here are some of the best places to see turtles in Indonesia.
Gili Islands: The Turtle Capital of Indonesia
When people talk about turtles in Indonesia, the Gili Islands are usually the first destination that comes up — and for good reason.
The waters around the Gilis are famous for incredibly reliable turtle encounters. Around Gili Meno in particular, it is completely normal to see multiple turtles during a single dive or snorkel trip.
Green turtles rest peacefully on the reef while hawksbill turtles glide slowly through coral gardens searching for food. Because the reefs are relatively shallow and visibility is often excellent, turtles here are easy to spot even for beginner divers and snorkelers.
One of the best things about turtle encounters in the Gilis is how relaxed they feel. The turtles are used to divers and often continue swimming naturally while people quietly observe them from a respectful distance.
At Divine Divers Gili Meno, turtle dives are part of everyday life. Many guests complete their first-ever scuba dive while swimming alongside turtles in warm crystal-clear water — a memory they usually never forget.
Nusa Penida: Turtles and Big Marine Life
Nusa Penida is better known for manta rays and mola mola, but turtles are also regularly seen around the island.
Compared to the calm reefs of the Gilis, diving in Nusa Penida can be more challenging due to stronger currents and colder water temperatures. But for experienced divers, turtle encounters here often happen alongside dramatic drift dives and larger marine life.
The underwater scenery around Penida is spectacular, with steep walls, coral-covered slopes, and deep blue water creating an entirely different atmosphere from the relaxed reef diving of Gili Meno.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is another incredible place for turtle encounters.
The nutrient-rich waters of Komodo support an enormous amount of marine biodiversity, including reef sharks, manta rays, and large turtle populations. Hawksbill turtles are commonly seen cruising along coral reefs or resting under ledges.
Diving conditions in Komodo can be more advanced because of strong currents, but the marine life is extraordinary.
For underwater photographers, Komodo offers some of the most beautiful turtle encounters in Indonesia thanks to its healthy coral reefs and crystal-clear visibility.
Raja Ampat: Remote Paradise
If you dream of untouched reefs and wild nature, Raja Ampat is difficult to beat.
Turtles are frequently spotted across the region, especially around shallow coral reefs and seagrass areas. The remoteness of Raja Ampat means marine ecosystems remain incredibly healthy compared to many other parts of the world.
But reaching Raja Ampat requires more time, planning, and budget than destinations like the Gilis or Bali.
Why Turtle Conservation Matters
Seeing turtles underwater is magical, but it is also a reminder of how fragile marine ecosystems are.
Sea turtles face enormous challenges worldwide, including plastic pollution, fishing nets, habitat destruction, and climate change. Many turtle species remain endangered despite conservation progress in some regions.
Responsible tourism plays an important role in protecting them. Respectful diving practices, avoiding touching turtles, reducing plastic waste, and supporting eco-conscious dive centers all help preserve turtle populations for future generations.
The Best Turtle Experience? Gili Meno
Whether you are snorkeling directly from the beach or diving deeper coral reefs, turtle encounters here feel natural, peaceful, and unforgettable.
At Divine Divers Gili Meno, helping people experience that connection with marine life is one of the best parts of every dive day.
