When and Where to See Turtles While Diving
Some underwater encounters stay with you longer than others. Meeting a sea turtle is one of them. That moment when it glides past you, peaceful, almost indifferent to your presence , it's pure magic. And the good news is you don't need to travel to the other side of the world to experience it.
Where can you see turtles diving near Brussels?
If I had to recommend one place in Europe for turtle diving, it would be Tenerife. The Canary Islands waters are home to two main species: the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Green turtles are the most frequently spotted, especially in the south of the island.
What makes Tenerife special is the consistency of sightings. It's not about luck , the turtles are residents. They come to feed on seagrass beds and rocky bottoms, and some have become so used to divers that they carry on eating without even looking up.
What are the best spots to see turtles in Tenerife?
- El Puertito , This is THE spot. A calm, shallow bay (5 to 10 metres) where green turtles regularly come to feed. The water is generally clear and conditions suit all levels, including beginners. This is where encounters are most likely.
- Las Galletas , A bit further offshore, this site offers dives over sandy and rocky bottoms where turtles sometimes rest. Sightings are less guaranteed than at El Puertito, but the setting is gorgeous.
- Los Cristianos , The waters around this southern Tenerife resort regularly host turtles, especially near seagrass areas.
When to go?
One of Tenerife's great advantages is that turtles are present year-round. Water temperature ranges from 19 degrees C in winter to 24 degrees C in summer, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres. There really isn't a bad season.
That said, May to October offers the most comfortable conditions: warmer water, generally calm seas and longer days for fitting in multiple dives. The flight from Brussels takes about 4.5 hours, with frequent direct connections and reasonable fares.
How should you behave around a turtle when diving?
Watching a turtle is a privilege, not a right. Here are the golden rules for a respectful encounter:
- Keep your distance , at least 3 metres. If the turtle approaches you, stay still.
- Never touch , even if it seems docile. Human contact can stress the animal and disrupt its natural behaviour.
- No flash , direct flash can frighten and disorient turtles. Use natural light or gentle continuous lighting.
- Don't block its path , if a turtle swims towards you, move aside. Never force it to change course.
- Control your buoyancy , sudden kicks and turbulence disturb animals and damage the seabed. This is where good technique makes all the difference.
Where else in the world can you dive with turtles?
Tenerife is obviously not the only place to see turtles. Among the legendary destinations:
- Red Sea (Egypt) , hawksbill and green turtles in the coral reefs of Marsa Alam and the Brothers Islands.
- Maldives , frequent encounters with green turtles in lagoons and atoll channels.
- Great Barrier Reef (Australia) , one of the world's largest turtle sanctuaries, home to six of the seven known species.
- Sipadan (Malaysia) , dozens of green and hawksbill turtles on nearly every dive.
These destinations are extraordinary, but they require a much bigger budget and travel time. Tenerife remains the best accessibility-to-encounter ratio from Belgium.
Ready to meet your first turtles?
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, swimming with turtles is an experience that leaves nobody indifferent. If you're not yet certified, an Open Water course in Tenerife is the perfect setting to learn while creating unforgettable memories.
Want to plan your dive trip to Tenerife? Get in touch and we'll plan it together.