If you're planning to go snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan, one of the things you can look forward to is encountering turtles in their natural habitat. With the island's crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it's no wonder that Nusa Lembongan is a favorite destination among snorkelers and divers.
Here are some of the turtles that you can expect to see while snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan:
Green Turtle
Green turtles are the most commonly sighted turtles in Nusa Lembongan. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and can weigh up to 200 kilograms. They are named after the color of their fat, which turns green due to their herbivorous diet. You can find them grazing on seagrass beds and algae in the shallows of the island's reefs.
Hawksbill Turtle
Hawksbill turtles are easily recognized by their pointed beaks and colorful shells that have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales. They are smaller than green turtles, typically growing up to a meter in length and weighing up to 80 kilograms. They are known to feed on sponges and other invertebrates that can be found in the coral reefs around Nusa Lembongan.
Olive Ridley Turtle
Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest of the sea turtles found in Nusa Lembongan, growing up to 70 centimeters in length and weighing up to 45 kilograms. They are named after the color of their carapace, which is olive green. Olive Ridley turtles are known for their synchronized nesting behavior, where thousands of turtles come to shore to lay their eggs at the same time.
Leatherback Turtle
Leatherback turtles are the largest of all sea turtles and can grow up to 2.4 meters in length and weigh up to 900 kilograms. They are named after their unique leathery carapace, which lacks the bony scales found in other turtle species. While they are not as commonly seen in Nusa Lembongan as other species, they can still be encountered while snorkeling in the area.
Snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan is not just about spotting turtles, but also about appreciating the natural beauty of the island's underwater world. Always remember to follow responsible snorkeling practices, such as not touching or harassing the turtles, and not feeding them or other marine creatures. By respecting marine life, we can help preserve the natural wonders of Nusa Lembongan for future generations to enjoy.