Koh Tao – Turtle Island or Threat to Turtles?
Sea turtles are an ancient marine reptile. With a history stretching back over 100 million years, around the same time as the dinosaurs. According to the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) by Conservation Diver, these fascinating marine reptiles can live for over 100 years, as they have very few natural predators once fully grown. Around Koh Tao, scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers often have the chance to spot two main sea turtle species: the Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle. Both are commonly seen cruising the coral reefs or resting on the seabed. A third species, the Olive Ridley turtle, also visits Koh Tao waters, but sightings are rarer.
In Koh Tao, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles can be found spontaneously and randomly, either scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, or just on a boat trip and beach day! You might come across one by surprise. They play an important role in maintaining and balancing the marine ecosystem. They feed on algae, sponges, jellyfish, and other small invertebrates.
In Thai, “Koh” means island, and “Tao” means turtle, so Koh Tao is affectionately known as Turtle Island. Long ago, local villagers described it as a small, peaceful, and isolated place, an ideal spot for mother sea turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs on its quiet, sandy beaches.
Today, Koh Tao has become one of Thailand’s most popular spots for scuba diving and freediving, with its vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and rich marine life. But with this growing popularity, sea turtles are finding it harder to lay their eggs here as they once did.
As the old-fashioned cliche goes, More people, more things. With growing tourism and ocean currents, it’s no surprise that plastic waste often ends up in the waters around Koh Tao. Unfortunately, this has serious effects on sea turtles and other marine life. Things like plastic pollution, noise, light, and wastewater can all harm these gentle creatures. For example, turtles may mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their natural food sources. Since sea turtles can’t vomit, anything they swallow, like plastic, stays in their body and can cause serious health issues. They can also get entangled in fishing nets, especially from overfishing and discarded nets.
Did you know Sea turtles don’t ask for the world, 24k diamond rings, or much? They just want to live, thrive, and survive in a healthy ocean. That’s why conservation efforts in Koh Tao are so important. Whether you’re scuba diving, freediving, or simply enjoying the beach, doing your part helps protect the beautiful coral reefs and the amazing marine life that call this island home.
At New Heaven Dive School and the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program in Koh Tao, our love for the ocean runs deep. Over the years, we have reared and released many sea turtles in efforts to promote sea turtle conservation. Still, these days we focus mostly on the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles, working closely with Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). We’re proud to have marine biologist Kirsty Magson, who has been part of our team for over ten years, leading our reef conservation efforts and continuing to be a true protector of the ocean.
Through our reef conservation program, regular beach cleanups, and eco-education, we aim to inspire more people to care for marine life and take action. Whether you’re a scuba diver, freediver, or just love nature, there’s so much to learn and experience when it comes to coral reefs, eco-friendly practices, and conservation in Koh Tao. If you’re curious, passionate, or just want to make a difference, we’d love to show you how you can help protect what you love. After all, every small effort counts, especially when it comes to saving our ocean, keeping the reef alive, and making Koh Tao a home for the sea turtles, not a threat.
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