Take Your Sea Turtle Ecology Course on Koh Tao
Sea turtles are ancient mariners, navigating vast oceans only to return to the very beach they were born on to lay eggs. Despite spending nearly their entire lives at sea, they still depend on freshwater and land-based nesting grounds.
In this sea turtle ecology course, you’ll explore their fascinating biology, behaviors, and long-distance migration patterns. You’ll also gain insight into the threats they face, both natural and human-caused, and how sea turtle conservation in Thailand is helping to protect these endangered species.
Why Study Sea Turtle Ecology?
Sea turtles play a vital role in ocean ecosystems. Around Koh Tao, they help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. As part of this sea turtle ecology program, you’ll learn about their behavior, nesting habits, and how researchers identify sea turtle species to monitor population health.
Learn about sea turtle behavior and study their challenges, from pollution to climate change, and you’ll be contributing to real-world conservation efforts both locally and globally.
5,500 THB
This Is How You Become a Sea Turtle Ecology Specialist
The SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course is a one-day program that blends marine science with real-world dive experience. It can be completed on its own or alongside other marine ecology specialties. Here’s how your training is structured.
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Part 1 – Theory
Your day begins with a course orientation and meet-and-greet with your instructor. You’ll then move into the theoretical portion of the sea turtle ecology course, delivered through self-paced digital learning via the SSI app or browser.
What you’ll cover in the theory portion of the course:
Sea Turtle Species Identification
Study the world’s seven species of sea turtles, including green, hawksbill, and leatherback. Learn to recognize them based on shell shape, coloration, size, and other physical characteristics.
Life Cycle & Reproduction
Explore how sea turtles hatch, migrate, and return to nesting beaches. Understand the reproductive challenges they face at every life stage, including predation and human interference.
Habitats & Diet
Learn where sea turtles thrive, from coral reefs to seagrass meadows, and how their feeding behaviors support reef health and ecosystem balance.
Learn About Sea Turtle Behavior
Discover how sea turtles navigate vast ocean distances, how they interact with their surroundings, and what adaptations allow them to live long lives in marine environments.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Thailand & Beyond
Dive into the global threats sea turtles face—like fishing bycatch, plastic pollution, and habitat degradation. You’ll also learn about community-driven and government-led initiatives that are helping to protect turtles in Thailand and across the world.
Dive Planning for Turtle Observation
Understand how to conduct respectful, low-impact turtle encounters on your dives. Learn how to record observations that support citizen science and turtle monitoring programs.
After completing the online theory, you’ll review the material with your instructor before heading out for the practical dives.
Part 2 – Open Water Dives
In the afternoon, you’ll board one of our dive boats for two ocean dives focused on applying your new sea turtle ecology skills and knowledge.
You’ll visit local sites known for turtle activity, like Shark Island, Aow Leuk, or Hin Wong Bay, where you’ll practice sea turtle species identification based on physical traits and behavior. With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll observe these animals ethically, maintaining a safe distance while noting shell features, movement patterns, and feeding behaviors.
You’ll also explore how sea turtles interact with their habitat, grazing seagrass, resting on coral, or coexisting with reef fish, and learn how these behaviors reflect their role in the marine ecosystem.
These dives give you hands-on insight into sea turtle conservation in Thailand, and may even allow you to contribute to local ID and tracking efforts if sightings occur.
How the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Works
The SSI Sea Turtle Ecology course runs over a single day and includes a mix of theory and diving. You’ll learn about sea turtle behavior and sea turtle conservation in Thailand during structured, hands-on learning.
MORNING
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9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and instructor meet & greet
Morning session – Review your digital sea turtle ecology materials and dive into core topics like sea turtle species identification, turtle habitats, nesting behaviors, and the importance of sea turtle conservation in Thailand
AFTERNOON
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Afternoon session – Head out on the boat for two guided dives where you’ll apply what you’ve learned. Practice observing and identifying sea turtles in their natural environment and explore their role in local marine ecosystems.
Need a different schedule? No problem. We can often adjust your training plan to suit your travel dates or pair this specialty with other marine ecology courses. Get in touch with our team to customize your experience.
Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course Prerequisites
This specialty is perfect for ocean lovers who want to learn about sea turtle behavior and contribute to sea turtle conservation in Thailand. But it is important that you meet the following criteria before you can sign up for the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course.
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Minimum Age
You must be at least 10 years old to join the Sea Turtle Ecology course, making it a great option for younger divers who are passionate about marine life.
Minimum Certification Level
You’ll need to hold an SSI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent qualification from another recognized training agency.
Medical Statement
You must be medically fit to dive. Please download and review the Medical Statement before your arrival. If you’re unsure about any of the questions, check with your physician or contact us directly.
Recent Diving Experience
To participate safely in this course, you’ll need logged proof of a dive within the past 6 months. If it’s been longer, we’ll book you into our Scuba Review session to refresh your skills before you join our sea turtle species identification dives.
SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY SPECIALTY
Price: 5,500 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Morning: Orientation & Theory
Afternoon: 2 Dives
What’s Included in Your Sea Turtle Ecology Course
Your Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course at Crystal Dive includes everything you need to gain hands-on experience while learning about sea turtle behavior and about sea turtle conservation in Thailand.Taught in small groups (maximum 4 divers per instructor), the course combines practical diving with fascinating theory on sea turtle species identification and behaviour.
You’ll receive full access to SSI’s e-learning platform, all dive equipment, and instructor-led support throughout the day.
Included with your course:
- SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal scuba equipment for the duration of your training
- FREE use of a dive computer
- Standard digital learning materials via the SSI Training App (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- Certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-Shirt
- Multilingual, SSI-certified instructor
- Two open water dives from our custom-built boats with onboard refreshments
- Dive insurance for your dives with us (30 days coverage)
- Discounted accommodation available during the course (optional)
- 10% discount on additional diver-level courses and equipment purchases
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite 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 Your Sea Turtle Ecology Course on Koh Tao
Discover the world of sea turtles with the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course at Crystal Dive. In just one day, you’ll learn how to identify different sea turtle species, understand their behaviours and habitats, and explore their vital role in marine ecosystems.
This SSI course is ideal for anyone interested in sea turtle conservation in Thailand and offers insight into migration patterns, feeding habits, and the threats turtles face today. Whether you’re hoping to learn about sea turtle behavior, sea turtle species identification, or participate in eco-conscious diving and simply appreciate these animals more deeply, this course adds meaning to every dive.
Enhance your marine knowledge, contribute to conservation efforts, and earn your Sea Turtle Ecology certification while diving some of Koh Tao’s best turtle-spotting sites.
We’re happy to tailor the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Course around your travel plans or combine it with other marine conservation courses. Contact us and we’ll help build the perfect schedule for your stay.
฿5,500
Sea Turtle Ecology
Capture your Sea Turtle Encounters
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Our in-house videography team, Crystal Images, can help you preserve the memory of your Sea Turtle Ecology dives with personalised video and photo services. Choose between a 10-minute professionally edited video (above and below water) or a set of 10–15 high-resolution images.
These optional extras can be added during your course booking, just select the ‘video & photo’ package when prompted. Group bookings and additional services are also available—please contact us for more details.
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?
Currently, under Thai law, neither students nor instructors are allowed to use cameras during any course, except for specific photo/video courses. Our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images can 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.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we get right back to you!
