Where to Find Sea Turtles in the British Virgin Islands

Green and hawksbill sea turtles are year-round residents of BVI waters, grazing on seagrass beds and gliding along the reefs that ring these islands. You do not need a special excursion to see one, just the right anchorage and a little patience. These are some of the most reliable spots to spend time near a turtle.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

Best known for its giant granite boulders and shallow swim-through pools, The Baths is also a spot where turtles are regularly seen gliding through the clear, shallow water just offshore. It is an easy stop to pair with snorkeling and beach time on a half-day or full-day charter.

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda

This long, quiet beach on Virgin Gorda's west coast has a marked snorkeling trail over its coral reef, and it is one of the more consistent places to spot a turtle grazing in the seagrass close to shore. The bay is usually calm and less trafficked than The Baths, which makes for a relaxed, unhurried encounter.

The Dogs, Near Virgin Gorda

This small chain of islands just off Virgin Gorda's coast is a favorite for its coral formations and healthy reef fish population, and turtles are a regular sight among the nearby rocks and grass beds. It is a great stop for a full crowd of snorkelers, since the shallow water and reef structure make sightings likely for everyone in the group.

Monkey Point, Guana Island

At the southern tip of Guana Island, Monkey Point combines a rocky reef with sandy grass patches that turtles frequent. Along with the turtles, keep an eye out for schools of grunts, yellowtail snapper, and the occasional group of cuttlefish moving through in formation.

Diamond Reef, Near Scrub Island

Easy to miss but well worth the stop, Diamond Reef sits across from Scrub Island and packs in an outsized variety of fish for its size, sea turtles included. Since our dinner charter already departs from Scrub Island, this reef is a natural add-on for guests who want a snorkel stop before dinner at CocoMaya.

Anegada's Seagrass Flats

Anegada is flatter and more remote than the rest of the BVI, and its wide seagrass flats around Loblolly Bay and Horseshoe Reef are prime turtle grazing grounds. It takes more effort to get out here, but the payoff is a quieter, less-visited stretch of water where turtles are a common sight rather than a lucky one.

How to Have a Respectful Turtle Encounter

Sea turtles are protected throughout the BVI, and a little courtesy goes a long way toward keeping these encounters good for you and for them.

• Keep your distance: Admire from several feet away rather than swimming directly at a turtle.

• Never touch or chase: Let the turtle set the pace, and let it surface for air without interference.

• Skip the flash photography: Natural light photos are just as memorable and far less disruptive.

• Watch where you step and anchor: Seagrass beds are turtle feeding grounds, so avoid standing on or anchoring through them when possible.

Ready to go looking for turtles yourself? Book a charter with us, and we will build a route around the best snorkeling and turtle-spotting stops for your group, or contact us to talk through the details first.