Top Sailing Charter Destinations to Swim With Sea Turtles
Discover the best destinations to get up-close encounters with these gentle marine creatures on a sailing yacht charter
Few experiences compare to the magic of swimming alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat. Whether you’re snorkeling shallow waters or gliding through colorful reefs, a swim alongside these graceful sea creatures will take your sailing vacation to a whole new level!
Sea turtles live in warm waters all over the world, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. But because they’re endangered, knowing when and where to look is key to the best chance of spotting them.
If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, a private yacht charter with Navigare Yachting offers one of the best ways to encounter them in the wild. Our award-winning charter bases are located in top turtle-spotting destinations across the globe, giving you direct access to secluded bays, coral reefs, and calm anchorages where sea turtles are often seen.
The flexibility of sailing gives you a greater chance of encountering sea turtles in peaceful, natural settings—something traditional travel methods like cruises or busy resorts simply can’t match.
Below, we’ve listed the top destinations for swimming with sea turtles and how to ensure your encounters are safe and respectful.
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
A world-class sailing destination, the British Virgin Islands are home to some of the Caribbean’s most vibrant marine life. Navigare Yachting’s BVI base is one of our most popular and highly rated, having earned Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for multiple years in a row.
With calm waters, an abundance of marine life, and lots of protected bays, the British Virgin Islands are ideal for swimming with sea turtles, including for first-time snorkelers. Many top snorkeling spots are in shallow areas with minimal currents, so you can explore comfortably even if you’re new to swimming with marine life.
Locations to spot sea turtles in the BVI:
- The Indians (Norman Island): The Indians are a group of rocky islets just off the uninhabited Norman Island, and are known for their spectacular snorkeling. Hawksbill and green turtles are the most common types of sea turtles in the BVI and can often be spotted hanging around here!
- Loblolly Bay (Anegada): This island’s seagrass beds provide a delicious buffet for grazing sea turtles. The crystal-clear waters here provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and turtle-spotting, and visibility can exceed 100 feet on a calm day!
- Monkey Point (Guana Island): Known for its clear waters, colorful coral, and abundance of reef fish, Monkey Point is a reliable location for spotting turtles. It’s close to shore and the water is calm, making it a favorite among families.
Why it’s special: Protected bays, easy access by yacht, excellent visibility, and gentle waters make this destination ideal for families and first-time snorkelers.
The Bahamas (Abacos)
The Bahamas is one of the world’s most iconic sailing destinations, and a favorite among Navigare Yachting guests. Our Marsh Harbour base in the Abacos has consistently won Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, including in 2024.
The calm, shallow waters around the Abacos make it especially well-suited for families, beginner snorkelers, and anyone who wants to enjoy relaxed, rewarding wildlife encounters.
Locations to spot sea turtles in the Bahamas:
- Green Turtle Cay: True to its name, this quiet island off the North coast of Great Abaco is frequented by green sea turtles that glide through its protected waters.
- Manjack Cay: Also called ‘Nunjack Cay’, Manjack is a private cay that welcomes yachters to respectfully enjoy the island. It’s located right above Green Turtle Cay, so sailors and charter guests can easily hop from one island to the other when turtle spotting.
Why it’s special: The Abacos’ shallow, clear waters create the perfect conditions for easy snorkeling and turtle spotting, especially for kids and novice snorkelers.
The Seychelles
Remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful, the Seychelles offer a true escape for sailors and nature lovers alike. Located in the Indian Ocean and made up of more than 100 islands, this archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot—home to coral reefs, sea turtles, and countless other marine species.
Navigare Yachting’s charter base in the Seychelles features a fresh fleet of 23 sailing catamarans from top brands like Fountaine Pajot, Bali, and Lagoon. Many of these yachts are from 2023 and 2024, with even newer models joining in 2025, offering premium comfort and performance as you explore this untouched paradise.
The secluded nature of the Seychelles, combined with the freedom of yacht travel, makes this one of the best places in the world to witness wildlife up close, including green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Places to spot sea turtles in the Seychelles:
- Ile Cocos Marine National Park: Hailed as one of the best snorkeling spots in the whole of the Indian Ocean, Ile Cocos Marine National Park is surrounded by shallow coral gardens. Hawksbill and green sea turtles love to swim in the island’s sapphire waters.
- Aride and Curieuse Islands: Both located off the North coast of Praslin Island, Aride and Curieuse are protected zones and home to many endangered birds, plants, and marine species. They’re also key nesting areas, so you may even spot some juvenile turtles swimming in the shallow waters!
Why it’s special: Ancient granite islands, untouched natural beauty, and secluded snorkeling spots away from the crowds.
Greece (Saronic Gulf & Cyclades)
Greece is the ultimate island-hopping destination, offering a rich mix of nature, culture, and marine encounters. The warm Aegean Sea is home to endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), which nest and forage in several areas around the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades.
The following places are great for spotting sea turtles – all within easy reach on a sailing yacht charter from our award-winning Navigare Yachting charter base in Athens:
- Poros (Saronic Gulf): From our Athens yacht charter base, you can cross the Saronic Gulf – and maybe spot some turtles along the way! The gulf’s protected warm waters are home to loggerhead sea turtles, especially near the island of Poros, where they’re occasionally spotted around shallow bays and quiet anchorages.
- Kythnos and Kea (Western Cyclades): Much less touristy than some of the better-known Greek islands, Kynthos and Kea invite you to escape the crowds for a more authentic experience. Both islands have harbors and seagrass meadows where turtles love to forage, giving you a great chance of spotting them!
- Syros & Paros (Central Cyclades): While sailing between these two scenic islands, look out for turtles in calm bays or near reefs along the coastline.
Why it’s special: Sail through the birthplace of mythology and ancient civilization while keeping an eye out for endangered loggerhead turtles!
Tips for a Safe and Respectful Turtle Encounter
Swimming with sea turtles is a privilege that requires care and respect. Here are a few essential guidelines to follow to ensure you keep yourself and these endangered sea creatures safe:
- Don’t chase, touch, or feed the turtles: Human interaction can cause stress to turtles and disrupt their natural behavior. Feeding them alters their diet and makes them dependent on humans, so always observe from a distance.
- Stay at least 6–10 feet away: Give turtles plenty of personal space. If they approach you, remain calm and still, but never reach out or attempt to interact physically.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Research has found that chemical sunscreens, often containing ingredients like oxybenzone, can damage coral reefs and harm marine life. Opt for mineral-based, reef-safe products made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Snorkel calmly and avoid loud splashing: Sudden movements or loud splashing can scare turtles away, so avoid jumping in the water if you spot one. Instead, move slowly, gently, and quietly around marine life to show respect for their natural habitat.
- Always follow local guidelines and marine park rules: Be sure to review and respect all local wildlife protection measures before entering the water, including marine park rules if applicable.
Swim With Turtles On Your Next Yacht Charter
Book your yacht charter with Navigare Yachting and discover some of the best turtle-spotting and snorkeling locations in the world. With 12 exotic bases worldwide—including in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Seychelles, Greece, and beyond—you’ll have access to unforgettable sailing experiences, both bareboat and fully crewed. Our global team ensures a premium charter experience from start to finish, with the freedom to explore, discover, and connect with nature at your own pace.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Since 2001, over 400,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventures will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.