Tag: papua Explorers

    Here in Indonesia we are very lucky to find 6 out of the 7 species of sea turtle.    Green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea) Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) Flatback sea turtle (Natator Depressus) Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta).    The Leatherback sea turtle is the largest of the species, reaching  up to 2.75 metres length and 600 - 900 kilograms weight, while the smallest sea turtle in Indonesia is the Olive Ridley weighing around 50 kilograms.   The most commonly encountered species we come across almost every trip are the Hawksbill and Green turtle, both on the endangered list. Despite the abundance of sightings during our trips with the high numbers we see on our trips it's hard to believe. This is due to the great work of the Indonesian government and conservation efforts in making the trade in turtle products illegal, and designated national park areas. Which is why we are so lucky to go to some of the best destinations to see them. Our Snorkel Venture trips run to - Komodo Resort is on the Komodo National park, Siladen resort in Bunaken. Papua Explorers  in Raja Ampat and of course Misool Eco resort in the Misool sanctuary. Making any one of these trips gives you the best chance for a great turtle interaction.     Green Turtle   Green turtles are one of the largest sea turtles and the only herbivore among the different species. The name is due to the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat and not their shells. In the Eastern Pacific, a group of green turtles that have darker shells are called black turtles by the local community. Green turtles are found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. Like other sea turtles, they migrate long distances