Get your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty on Koh Tao
Why Sea Turtle Ecology?
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Have you ever wondered how sea turtles migrate over great distances, yet somehow return to the beach that they were born at to lay their eggs? What about how, despite the fact that they live in the ocean, they still require freshwater to survive?
There are only a few species of these ancient reptiles alive today. This program will trace their history, habitat, food supplies and behaviors. It will also discuss how sea turtles are threatened by both natural and man-made sources, and how you can help protect these endangered animals.
Turtles are a key part of the island's ecosystem, contributing to the health of seagrass beds by grazing on them, which helps maintain the balance of this important habitat. The waters around Koh Tao also serve as nesting sites for these endangered turtles, with conservation efforts in place to protect their nesting areas and ensure the survival of hatchlings. By studying turtles on Koh Tao, researchers gain valuable insights into their migration patterns, reproductive behavior, and the challenges they face from threats like climate change, and pollution, while also supporting broader efforts to protect marine biodiversity in the region.
5,000 THB
This is how you become a Sea Turtle Ecology Specialist:
It only takes a day to complete the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course. It can be spread out or combined with other course parts as well. In general, these are the parts of your training:
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Part 1: Theory
We begin with an introduction where you’ll meet your instructor and complete the necessary paperwork, setting the stage for your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty. The theoretical component is delivered through self-paced study on the app or browser, giving you the flexibility to explore the fascinating world of sea turtles.
What You’ll Learn in Theory
1. Species and Identification
- Study the seven species of sea turtles, including hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles.
- Learn to identify species based on their physical characteristics, such as shell shape, size, and markings.
2. Life Cycle and Reproduction
- Understand the unique life cycle of sea turtles, from hatchlings to adulthood.
- Explore their nesting behaviours, migration patterns, and the challenges they face at each stage of life.
3. Habitat and Diet
- Discover the habitats where sea turtles thrive, from coral reefs to seagrass meadows.
- Learn about their diet and its critical role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, such as keeping seagrass beds productive and coral reefs balanced.
4. Behaviour and Adaptations
- Examine the behaviours of sea turtles, including their navigational abilities and social interactions.
- Understand the physiological adaptations that allow them to thrive in marine environments.
5. Conservation and Human Impact
- Delve into the threats facing sea turtles, including plastic pollution, fishing bycatch, and habitat destruction.
- Learn about global conservation efforts, such as marine protected areas and community-led initiatives to safeguard nesting sites.
6. Observation and Dive Planning
- Gain insights into planning dives to observe sea turtles responsibly, minimising stress and disturbance to their natural behaviours.
- Learn best practices for documenting your encounters and contributing to citizen science projects.
Once your self-study is complete, your instructor will guide you through a thorough review session. This ensures you fully grasp the material, providing additional insights and answering questions to prepare you for the practical dives.
This course equips you with the knowledge to better understand, appreciate, and protect these majestic marine reptiles.
Part 2: Open Water Dives
After lunch, we board one of our custom-built dive boats and head out for two exciting dives, giving you the chance to apply your newfound knowledge in Koh Tao’s vibrant underwater environment.
During these dives, you’ll visit dive sites known for their potential sea turtle sightings, such as Shark Island or Hin Wong Bay. You’ll practice identifying different species of turtles based on their physical characteristics, behaviours, and habitats. Your instructor will guide you in observing their natural movements while maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbance.
You’ll also learn to document turtle encounters, noting details such as shell markings, size, and any unique features. These observations can contribute to local conservation efforts by helping track individual turtles and their movements.
Additionally, you’ll explore the ecological role of sea turtles in their environment, observing their interactions with marine ecosystems, such as grazing on seagrass or resting on coral outcrops. This hands-on experience enhances your understanding of their behaviours and the importance of their conservation.
These dives offer a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures while contributing to their preservation in Koh Tao’s stunning marine environment.
The Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Prerequisites:
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Minimum Age
To enroll in the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty, you will have to be at least 10 years of age.
Minimum Certification Level
To begin this Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty you will need to be a certified diver.
Medical Statement
You need to be medically fit for diving. You will find the medical statement for scuba diving here to download. If in doubt, please check with your physician or ask us before booking your dive experience with us.
Insurance
SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,000 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s included?
Our Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty package includes:
- Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of Dive Computer
- Standard E-learning (Diamond Access upgrade available, read more)
- Certification
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days)
- Discounted accommodation option for the course duration, read more
- 10 % discount on additional diver level courses & dive equipment purchases with us
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
Book Now
The Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty course at Crystal Dive will give you valuable knowledge about the underwater world around Koh Tao and anywhere in the world.
In the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty course you will learn how to identify the characteristics of the Sea Turtle, enabling you to use it anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your dives even more as you can understand the ecosystem whenever you go diving!
฿5,000
Sea Turtle Ecology
FILM YOUR DIVES, KEEP THE MEMORIES
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Our underwater videography team, Crystal Images, is available to provide you with personal and lasting memories of your experience and offer unique underwater video and photo services for your course. You can choose from a 10 minute land and underwater based video or 10-15 high resolution photographs.
These options are available for your course and can be booked by clicking the button below and choosing the ‘video & photo’ option, in addition to your course booking.
Please ask us about group bookings and additional options on other courses.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I start my Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Sea Turtle Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation in my Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
For your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple instructors to teach you together.
Will I see different dive sites during my Open Water Dives in the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
We have 2 custom built dive boats and choose the dive sites based on your course requirements, comfort level and weather conditions. Generally, we change dive sites on a daily base, so you will dive at the best spots available for your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course. More about our boats here.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. Be aware though, that you may be busy with the tasks at hand. A better option may be to arrange for our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images to either take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on your two dives on the Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
