- Animal
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Loggerhead turtles are found on a lot of coral reefs that are visited by divers and although they are endangered you have a high chance of spotting one whilst diving a location in which they are located. These turtles are harmless and most are not bothered by the presence of divers and usually just look at you and then get back to whatever they were previously up to and ignore you as long as you don’t get in their way. Lots are very used to divers so you can get very close, for a decent length of time, making these creatures a perfect photographic subject, I’m sure some even pose a little!
Although seeing these beautiful, graceful creatures can be exciting you must remember that although they are not bothered by your presence you must still respect their space, remember not to touch and especially never ever ride on a turtles shell!!! As you can imagine this is a traumatic experience for them and can lead to excessive stress and shock which can make the turtle ill or even die.
As long as you treat the turtles with respect you can get a fun, enjoyable encounter.
The Loggerhead sea turtle is an oceanic turtle and spend most of their lives in open ocean. They can grow to an average length of 90cm, but some unusually large specimens have been found up to 270cm! An average weight is 135kg but can reach 450kg and they live between 47 and 67 years. Loggerhead turtles skin ranges from yellow to brown and their shell is reddish brown. They are omnivorous and feed mainly on invertebrates on the ocean floor but during migration in the open ocean they can feed on jellyfish, squid and even flying fish. This is where plastic bags dumped int he ocean can be a problem as the turtles can mistake them for jellyfish and this ingestation leads to them becoming very ill, and can cause suffocation and starvation. The toxins in the plastic can also cause thinning of the turtles egg shells therefore also threatening the future hatchlings.
Loggerhead turtles are the turtle with the largest nesting geographical range and are distributed around the world and can be found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans and Mediterranean sea. In the Atlantic they are mostly found in the south-western American coast and the Gulf of Mexico, with beaches in Florida being popular nesting sites. The Indian Ocean has populations and nests along the Mozambique and South African coast, Western Australia and the largest nesting area in Oman. The pacific population is widely spread including Japan, the South West pacific, Baja California and the Great Barrier reef. The Mediterranean is a great place for the juvenile turtles and acts like a nursery for the Atlantic turtles. There is also nesting beaches in Turkey, Cyprus and Greece.
Young sea turtles and eggs have many predators, but once they reach adulthood their only natural predators are sharks.
The Loggerhead turtle has a low reproductive rate. The females come ashore and lay four batches of eggs and then produce no eggs for two to three years. This means that they are more vulnerable to extinction and classified as an endangered species as they cannot reproduce fast enough to counteract the loss of turtles through hunting and human impact.
Many turtles are killed each year by entanglement in untended fishing nets, indigestion of plastics, loss of nesting beaches & habitat and by the introduction of exotic predators as well as being hunted by humans. A lot of the main nesting sites are now protected by conservation groups which monitor and protect nests & eggs, and sometimes relocate nests from hazards and look after sick turtles.
More detailed information on Loggerhead Turtles can be found here.
Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
Aliwal Shoal is a reef unlike any other reef you have seen before. It is a fossilized sand dune reef, rather than the coral reefs common on Sodwana Bay or the Red Sea. This creates an area with huge swim throughs,...
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Almyrida, Greece
Almyrida village is located 20km east of the city of Chania, and it is a popular destination for people who are seeking a relaxing holiday near the sea. Its economy is heavily dependent on tourism, with a lot of hotels and apartments/villas...
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Andros, Bahamas
Set in a tropical scattering of islands, surrounded by the third largest coral reef and some of the clearest water in the world. Andros has a wide range of exciting and beautiful marine life making this an exciting scuba diving location. The...
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Ari Atoll, Maldives
Manta Rays elegantly swim through the warm clear waters surrounding the many tranquil atolls and islands. With waters packed full of life and plenty of large pelagic species the Maldives is one of the most exciting places in the underwater world to...
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Baa Atoll & Raa Atoll, Maldives
Home to the famous Hanifaru Lagoon where huge numbers Manta Rays and Whale Sharks congregate to mass feed! Baa and Raa Atolls are also known as North Maalhosmadulu and South Maalhosmadulu are based in the north west of the Maldives. Diving the...
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Berry Islands, Bahamas
A quiet group of islands with excellent less known reefs, the Berry Islands are great for those who want a quiet holiday but still have access to excellent reefs and large pelagic species. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a...
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Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini lays 81km (53 miles) due east of Miami, just on the other side of the gulf stream. The close proximity to the United States made it the ideal spot for an offshore speakeasy during prohibition. One of the most popular shipwrecks...
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Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Stunning beaches, a relaxed vibe, few people and unique Portuguese/African flare – welcome to Cape Verde, a newly discovered scuba diving gem. Boa Vista is the easternmost island in the rocky and volcanic archipelago, and its name directly translates to mean 'beautiful...
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Bonaire
Healthy Reefs, excellent macro marine life, world renowned shore diving and remarkably calm sea all contribute to make Bonaire a fantastic divine location. With as many as 60 listed dive sites on the main island of Bonaire and 20 on the nearby...
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Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is a picturesque coastal town located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, 175km south of Brisbane, and 800km North of Sydney. The town is famous for surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, and its laid-back atmosphere. While Byron Bay...
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Cancun, Mexico
A popular diving hotspot in Mexico, where you can see Whale Sharks, dive the spectacular cenotes and visit the famous underwater sculture museum. Cancun is great for tourists, within easy driving distance of the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, a jumping...
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Carriacou, Grenada
A gem among Caribbean islands; peaceful, quiet and unspoilt. Carriacou is volcanic in origin, with the island featuring rolling green hills, spectacular views of the surrounding sea and reefs and seemingly endless white sandy beaches. People are friendly and you can be...
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Cat Island, Bahamas
Home to the highest peak in the Bahamas, a huge 207 feet, Cat Island is a wonderful place to explore above and below the surface of the ocean. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands...
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Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo is the commercial capital and has a range of new bars and restaurants as well as a fascinating old quarter, centered around the Dutch Fort, called Pettah for the history buffs. Mount Lavinia is the nearest beach to the city and...
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Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico’s largest inhabited island has exceptional crystal clear water, towering, spectacular coral formations and exciting drift dives along spectacular reefs! All of which have earned Cozumel its reputation as one of the World’s premier diving destinations. Cozumel Island known to the Maya as...
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Crystal Coast, USA
The three coastal communities in Carteret County, North Carolina form the Crystal Coast. Beaufort is the seat of the county and was one of the first coastal towns in North Carolina. In addition to being a great American wreck diving location, the...
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El Quseir, Egypt
El Quseir is an ancient Egyptian town, located on the edge of the Red Sea. Today, it is a quiet resort town that draws in guests with its stunning beaches, clear waters, coral reefs and the remnants of the Ottoman Empire....
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Eleuthera, Bahamas
The pineapple capital of the Bahamas, Eleuthera has excellent diving on reefs and wrecks with the most natural wrecks of any other island. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the...
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Exmouth, Australia
Whale Sharks! The Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth, in Western Australia, is one of the few places left in the World where you can dive and swim with these majestic giants. Exmouth is a small town on the Coral...
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Faafu Atoll & Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Abundant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks and excellent channel dives, Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are quickly becoming a top diving hotspot. Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls are also known as North and South Nilandhe. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either...
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Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is a very historical and a beautiful spot on the mediterranean coast of Turkey. Tourist come here to dive due to the great visibility and clarity of water, cavern diving in the famous Aladdins cavern or mexican hat wreck diving...
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Gaafu Atoll, Maldives
The second largest atoll in the Maldives contains caves, steep drop offs and pristine reefs all waiting to be explored. Gaafu Atoll is also known as Huvadhoo Atoll and is one of the Southern Atolls in the Maldives. Diving the Maldives can be...
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Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Close up dolphin and shark encounters can be had in the waters around Grand Bahama, including dives at the famous Tiger Beach where you can get up close and personal with the amazing Tiger Shark! The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists...
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Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is known for it's fantastic wall diving, healthy reefs, world class shore diving, excellent macro marine life and often with cobalt calm seas! There are 270 named dive sites with warm water and generally great visibility year round. Grand Cayman is...
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Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a small 5-mile long island, located just across the bay from Cancun. As a former fishing village, the island retains a quaint local charm that sits in pleasant contrast to the development of Cancun. The large...
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Kyrenia, Cyprus
The months of July and August are perhaps the most popular, as those are the weeks that the most popular beaches are packed with visitors and locals alike. You can take a relaxing bicycle ride in the countryside of this beautiful island,...
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Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Beautiful topography and pristine dives site, Laamu has excellent channel and shallower reef sites and is a favourite on a lot of liveaboard itineraries. Please note that Laamu Atoll is also known as Hadhdhunmathee Atoll! Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two...
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Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
A very popular atoll with picturesque resort islands, Lhaviyani is as beautiful underwater with a variety of dive site sites, including shipwrecks, channel diving and pretty reefs. Lhaviyani Atoll is also known as Faadhippolhu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in...
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Lissenung Island, Kavieng, Papua New Guinea
Lissenung Island is a tiny exclusive tropical island in Papua New Guinea. Located within the Coral Triangle, the dives on the doorstep of the island exist amidst one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The only means of visiting this island is...
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Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Little Corn Island is a beautiful and unspoiled with no cars and no roads. It’s a reminder of how other Caribbean islands used to be before big tourism took over. It's one of the most friendly islands you will ever visit,...
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Long Island, Bahamas
The most scenic island in the Bahamas, Long Island has amazing diving including the deepest Blue Hole in all the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island is one of seven world heritage listed islands in the world. It is often referred to as “the last paradise”. With no mobile phone reception and limited internet access it offers visitors a chance to get away from their...
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Male Atoll, Maldives
The best coral reefs in the Maldives are in Male’s brilliant blue waters. The most explored of all the atolls by divers due to its variety of dive sites, abundance of marine life and easy accessibility, Male is an excellent choice of...
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Meemu Atoll, Maldives
Providing many diving opportunities, Meemu Atoll has Thilas, Channels, inner atoll reefs, caves and drop offs which is enough to excite any diver! Meemu Atoll is also known as Mulaku Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or...
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Nassau, Bahamas
Turquoise water, soft powdery white sand beaches, world-class casinos, duty free shopping, and succulent seafood draw hundreds of thousands to Nassau, Bahamas every year. The Bahamian capital and tourist hot spot is located on New Providence Island, 290km (156 miles) southeast of Miami,...
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Northern Atolls, Maldives
The northernmost atolls in the Maldives include Haa Alifu aka North Thiladhunmathee, Haa Dhaalu aka South Thiladhunmathee, Shaviyani aka North Miladhunmadulu and Noonu aka South Miladhunmadulu. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or by a liveaboard. This...
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Paphos, Cyprus
Easily a top diving spot in the Mediterranean, with one of the top ten wrecks in the world and an important turtle breeding area! Cyprus is a great diving destination for all divers, not just the wreck enthusiasts. Paphos is located...
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Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Playas del Coco is a small beach town in the northern province of Guanacaste. It is known for its great diving and large marine life, along with frequent sightings of Bull Sharks. Set on the northern Pacific coast, Playas del Coco (El...
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Ponta D’Ouro, Mozambique
Ponta D'Ouro is an unspoilt diving location that can be reached easily from South Africa’s main hubs (7hrs from JHB, 4.5hrs from DBN) making it a good location even, for South Africans, for a a weekend diving getaway. Visitors to Ponta can...
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Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive destination in every sense of the word. Gorgeous beaches and crystal clear water, abundant nature, tropical climate, Mexican and Mayan culture, nightlife and cuisine, accommodations for all budgets, friendly people and activities to suit even the most...
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Sal, Cape Verde
Sal, which is Portuguese for salt, is one of the northern group of islands of the Cape Verde archipelago and is home to the area’s main airport. At 35 kilometres long by 12 kilometres wide, Sal it is geologically the oldest...
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San Andrés Island, Colombia
San Andres is a stunning coral island located east of Nicaragua, though formally a part of Colombia. With warm waters and vibrant reefs of soft and hard corals, sponges and countless tropical fish, this is a lesser-visited Caribbean destination. The seahorse-shaped island...
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San Salvador, Bahamas
World class wall diving, frequent visits by hammerheads and striking topography, San Salvador is a must for divers visiting the Bahamas. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above Cuba...
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Sapodilla Cayes, Belize
The Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the second largest barrier reef in the world and boasts an incredible spectacle of marine life. The Sapodilla Caye is made up of 8 small beautiful islands located 35 miles from mainland...
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Seenu Atoll, Maldives
The southernmost island in the Maldives, Seenu isinternationally famous for its wrevck dives and abundance of large pelagic such as mantas, turtles and sharks throughout the year. Seenu Atoll is also known as Addu Atoll and located just south of the equator. Diving...
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Sodwana Bay, South Africa
Sodwana Bay has beautiful reefs on planet with huge diversity of marine life with good all year round diving. Located on the north east coastline of South Africa, Sodwana Bay has a rich natural biodiversity both on land and in...
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Solitary Islands Marine Park, Australia
The Solitary Islands Marine Park is where the tropical waters of the East Australian Current meet the southern temperate waters. Located just off the shores of the ever-pleasant Coffs Harbor, which is coincidentally surrounded by a phenomenal number of national parks, this diving...
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South West Rocks, Australia
Visitors have long come to South West Rocks to take in its natural beauty in the great outdoors. Buildings date back to the 1800s in this sleepy coastal resort which lies near the mouth of the Macleay River. Go here to...
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St. Barthelemy
St. Barthelemy or St. Barth as it is often called is considered a playground for the rich and famous. That said St. Barth is a place that you will always want to come back to. It has a little something for...
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St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is famous for being The Carribean's best kept secret! The an unheard of Gem of Caribbean diving, offering two dramatically different diving experiences only a 20min drive apart. The Wall brings a rich diversity of life, mixing the richness and nutrients...
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Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Abundant marine life and great channel diving; Thaa Atoll is also known as Kolhumadulu Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either by land or by a liveaboard. This choice entirely depends on the type of holiday you are after,...
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The Abacos, Bahamas
The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and this is no more evident than in the Abacos islands. Arranged along the eastern side of the little Bahamas bank, the Abacos islands cover over 263 square hectares (650 square miles) in the northern portion of...
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The Exumas, Bahamas
Great Diving, easy reefs, blue holes and a peaceful scenic setting, the Exumas are a great location in the Bahamas to visit. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a group of 700 breathtaking islands at the top of the Caribbean above...
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Tokunoshima, Japan
Although not as well known as Okinawa, Tokunoshima is the perfect place to get away from busy city life, with spectacular view points overlooking the coral coast line and a range of water sports available with good surfing, scuba diving, body boarding,...
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Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola is renound for it pristine waters and friendly people and is know as Natures Little Secret. It is also know as the sailing capital of the world. Tortola is famous for the Wreck of the Rhone location of the movie...
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Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is famed for its beaches, ocean-side archeological sites and collection of cenotes. It's popular with divers, families and travelers alike. Divers visit the area for the cenotes, with visiblity of over 100 meters. Underground rivers and caverns are filled with stalacites,...
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Vaavu Atoll, Maldives
Wonderful Channel diving, Vaavu Atoll is a very popular choice with divers and liveaboard cruises. Vaavu Atoll is also known as Felidhe Atoll and is the atoll below South Male Atoll. Diving the Maldives can be undertaken in two ways, either...
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Watamu, Kenya
A small peaceful beach resort, Watamu has some of Kenya’s finest diving in its nearby protected waters of Watamu Marine Reserve. Watamu is home to 20 prime diving locations, all within less than 35 minutes from the main beach town. Dives...
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West Palm Beach, USA
Palm Beach County Florida is famous for it’s great year round weather, many golf courses, diving, shopping on Worth Avenue and City Place and an abundance of activities for all ages. As a tiny island located just north of Fort Lauderdale and...
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