Green Turtle (Tortue Verte) in Mauritius
The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the most iconic marine species found in Mauritian waters. Named not for the colour of their shells — which are typically brown or olive — but for the greenish hue of the fat beneath their skin, these magnificent reptiles are a highlight of any dive or snorkel excursion around the island. Mauritius provides a vital habitat for green turtles, offering warm Indian Ocean waters, abundant seagrass meadows, and thriving coral reef ecosystems that sustain healthy populations year-round.
Identification & Appearance
Green turtles are among the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world, with adults typically measuring between 80 and 120 centimetres in carapace length and weighing anywhere from 68 to 190 kilograms. Their smooth, streamlined shell — or carapace — features a distinctive pattern of overlapping scutes in shades of olive-brown, amber, and dark grey. Their small, rounded head and serrated jaw are well adapted for grazing on seagrass and algae, making them the only herbivorous sea turtle species in adulthood. Divers can distinguish green turtles from hawksbill turtles, also found in Mauritius, by their rounder heads and more symmetrical shell shape.
Behaviour & Diet
In Mauritius, green turtles are frequently observed resting on sandy seabeds or beneath coral ledges, and grazing lazily on seagrass beds in shallow lagoons. Juveniles are omnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, invertebrates, and algae, while adults transition to an almost entirely herbivorous diet. This diet is thought to give their fat its characteristic green tinge. Green turtles are known to travel extraordinary distances between feeding and nesting grounds, with some individuals tracked migrating thousands of kilometres across the Indian Ocean. In Mauritian waters, they tend to be relatively accustomed to human presence, making for calm and extraordinary close encounters.
Where to See Green Turtles in Mauritius
Green turtles can be spotted at numerous dive and snorkel sites around Mauritius, particularly along the western and northern coastlines where calm lagoons, seagrass beds, and protected coral reefs provide ideal habitat. The marine parks of Blue Bay in the south and Balaclava in the northwest are especially renowned for regular turtle sightings. Sites around Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches, and the northern reefs near Coin de Mire also offer excellent opportunities. Local dive operators frequently include turtle-spotting on their itineraries, as sightings are considered common rather than rare events.
Conservation Status & Threats
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the green turtle faces significant threats globally, including habitat loss, plastic pollution, bycatch in fishing nets, climate change, and historical hunting for meat and eggs. In Mauritius, conservation efforts have made meaningful progress. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and local authorities monitor nesting activity on key beaches and enforce protections under national law. Turtles are legally protected in Mauritius, and it is illegal to harm, capture, or disturb them. Responsible tourism plays a crucial role: divers and snorkellers are urged to maintain a respectful distance, avoid touching turtles, and never chase or block their path to the surface.
Tips for Responsible Encounters
- Keep a minimum distance of one metre and let the turtle approach you on its own terms.
- Never touch, ride, or attempt to grab a turtle — this causes significant stress.
- Avoid using flash photography, which can disorient turtles.
- Stay horizontal and move slowly to avoid startling them.
- Choose dive operators who promote responsible marine wildlife interaction.
Encountering a green turtle in Mauritius is a deeply moving reminder of the ocean's fragility and wonder. By diving responsibly and supporting local conservation efforts, every visitor contributes to protecting these ancient mariners for generations to come.