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How close is too close when a turtle swims past our snorkel group — bubbles and chase etiquette?

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M
Marco Turtle Bubbles•214 rep

Guided reef snorkel. Green turtle passed under us. Half the group kicked closer for photos, someone blew a noisy exhale right above it, and it angled away fast. Guide looked annoyed but did not shout. What is the usual distance and bubble etiquette here so we do not stress wildlife — different from feeding temple pond turtles?

28

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Stay several body-lengths back, never chase, never block the surface path, and keep breathing calm — big bubble bursts right over a turtle feel like harassment. Photos with a zoomed phone from distance beat a kick into its space. If it approaches you, stay still and let it pass. Feeding or touching is a hard no. Temple pond bread tossing is a different bad habit; reef turtles need quiet water. Good guides will remind the group once; if your boat ignores that, pick another hut next time.

27
N
Nimal Snorkel Desk•1750 rep

Backing off next time and silencing the group chat photos mid-swim. Felt bad watching it flee.

13
M
Marco Turtle Bubbles•214 rep

Same rule as reef fish clusters — you are a guest in their lane. Chase energy empties the reef for the next boat.

8
K
Kasun Reef Sense•1820 rep

Our guide used a hand signal for stop and distance. Worked better than yelling through a snorkel.

5
M
Maya Found Ring•176 rep

Took one distant photo, then just watched. Memory better without the chase.

3
L
Lara Sealed Pack•172 rep

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