05/06/2026
Why don't we touch turtles?
One of the most magical moments while diving around Gili Meno is coming face-to-face with a sea turtle. With healthy reefs and seagrass meadows, the Gili Islands are home to an incredible population of Green and Hawksbill turtles, making turtle encounters a highlight of almost every dive.
But as tempting as it may be, touching turtles can actually harm them.
A turtle's shell isn't just a hard protective covering—it's living tissue connected to nerves and blood vessels. Touching, chasing, or blocking a turtle's path can cause stress and disrupt natural behaviours such as feeding, resting, and surfacing for air.
As divers, we are guests in their world. The best turtle encounters happen when we stay calm, maintain a respectful distance, and let the turtle decide how close it wants to come. In fact, turtles are often curious and may approach divers who remain still and relaxed.
At Divine Divers, we're proud to follow Green Fins environmental guidelines that promote responsible interactions with marine life and help protect the reefs and turtles that make the Gili Islands so special.
💙 Remember: Look, don't touch. Respect creates better encounters for both divers and turtles.
👇 What's the closest turtle encounter you've ever had underwater? Tell us your story in the comments
