13 Interesting Facts About Sea Turtles That Will Make You Love Them More
Sea turtles are one of the most fascinating animals that live in the ocean. They’re full of surprises, and this list will walk you through some of the most fun facts of sea turtles you probably didn’t know.
Sea turtles symbolize calm, peace, wisdom, and good fortune thanks to their long lifespan and graceful underwater movement. Beyond their charm, they also play an important role in the marine ecosystem and influence the balance of life underwater.
Sea turtles still hold a lot of mysteries to this day, but so far, here are some of the most interesting facts known about them:
1. The average lifespan of a sea turtle is about the same as that of a human
Sea turtles can live for 50 to 100 years, depending on the species. Most of them only reach maturity between 20 and 30 years old, which is when they start to reproduce.
2. Sea turtles appear to be crying when they are on land
They’re not actually sad, it’s just biology. Sea turtles excrete excess salt through glands near their eyes, making it look like they’re crying while laying eggs or basking on shore.
3. There are seven species of sea turtles
One of the most amazing facts about sea turtles: There are seven species. Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Flatback, Kemp’s Ridley, and the most common type, Green Sea Turtles. They live in tropical and subtropical waters all over the world, except in the freezing Arctic and Antarctic regions.
4. Sea turtles don’t go into their shells to hide
Unlike land turtles, sea turtles can’t retract into their shells for protection. Their bodies are built for swimming, not hiding, so their defense mostly comes from their speed and large size.
5. The heaviest sea turtle ever found weighed 900 kilograms!
In 1988, a Welsh farmer found what he called a “monster on the beach” and reported it to the authorities. It was a leatherback turtle, approximately 100 years old. It was already dead when it washed up on the beach, and it is believed that it drowned after getting caught in a fishing net. Its body is now preserved and displayed in the National Museum Cardiff.
6. Like humans, sea turtles cannot breathe underwater and need air to survive
Sea turtles are marine reptiles. They are capable of adapting to both land and water. They can only lay eggs on land, and they need air to breathe, but the majority of their lives are spent underwater.
7. Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 10 hours
Sea turtles are reptiles, not fish. They must surface regularly to breathe, though they can stay submerged for long periods when resting.
Sea turtles have the ability to stay underwater for several hours, depending on their activity. If they are active, they can hold their breath for 5 to 10 minutes. However, when they are resting or sleeping, they can hold their breath for several hours. They can slow their heartbeats to once every nine minutes in order to conserve oxygen in their bodies.
8. Sea turtles are natural navigators
One of the most interesting facts of sea turtles: They’re natural-born navigators. Female sea turtles travel back faithfully to the beach where they were born to lay their own eggs. They navigate across oceans using Earth’s magnetic field, almost like an internal GPS.
9. The temperature of the sand in the nesting area determines the egg’s gender
Cooler sand tends to produce male hatchlings, while warmer sand leads to females. This temperature-sensitive process plays a big role in the balance of turtle populations.
10. Sea turtles never see their parents
Once the mother lays her eggs, her role is done. Hatchlings dig themselves out and instinctively head to the ocean, completely alone.
11. Sea turtles migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles
Sea turtles travel great distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Some migrate across entire ocean basins. Their journeys can span thousands of miles, year after year. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy website to check out the list of active sea turtles!
12. Sea turtles are already threatened and endangered
Human activity is their biggest threat. They face danger from plastic pollution, fishing nets, habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal hunting for their meat and shells. Rising temperatures also skew the sex ratio of hatchlings, which could impact future reproduction.
Some species are at risk of extinction by 2050 if conditions don’t improve. Every piece of plastic avoided or every protected beach matters.
While these fun facts about sea turtles show how special they are, it’s heartbreaking to know that many species are endangered.
13. Conservation Efforts to Protect Sea Turtles
Despite the challenges, many people are working hard to protect them. Conservation groups, scientists, and local communities are creating programs to raise awareness, regulate fishing, protect nesting sites, and reduce pollution.
Ways we can all help include:
- Avoiding plastic waste
- Supporting eco-friendly tourism
- Reporting illegal trade
- Not disturbing nesting beaches
- Educating others about sea turtle conservation
As you’ve just read, there are many interesting facts of sea turtles that make them truly one-of-a-kind. From their long migrations to their gentle presence, these sea turtle facts show how important it is to protect them.
Learning fun facts about sea turtles is just the beginning. The more we understand these creatures, the better we can protect them for generations to come.
Stories That Travel with The Orange Mermaid ✨
I write for people like you, curious souls, quiet wanderers, and brave first-timers. If you’re craving real stories, personal travel guides, and a glimpse into what it’s like to travel the world as a solo female traveler, you’ll feel right at home at The Orange Mermaid.
With love and a carry-on,
Michelle
