Turtle Talk

What makes an Oahu green sea turtle green? Short Answer: Yes. Green sea turtles are “green on the inside” because their body fat has a natural greenish tint. This color comes from the pigments in the algae and sea grasses they eat, which build up in their fat over time and give the species its […]

More than half of the sea turtles around Oahu have swallowed plastic or other human trash, and many baby turtles start life with tiny fragments already in their stomachs. On every Turtles and You tour, the crew explains how habits like using paper straws, cutting plastic rings and picking up beach litter can protect these gentle animals and turn a fun snorkel cruise into real ocean stewardship.

Honu eyes are made for the sea. Learn how turtles see the reef, why they look teary, and the best way to watch them at Turtle Canyon. Plus, compare the top Waikiki turtle swim tours, with Turtles and You in the lead for comfort and easy transportation.

When hundreds of endangered hatchlings met a sky full of birds, beachgoer Rene Ramos stepped up with a simple rake and turned chaos into a safe passage. This uplifting story shows how quick thinking, gentle actions, and respect for the rules can help vulnerable sea turtles reach the ocean. Learn what you can do during a hatch and how Turtles and You champions ocean friendly choices every day.

Sea turtles are ocean specialists. Their shells are part of their skeleton, their flippers act like wings, and their senses help them find food and beaches across the globe. Learn how each body part supports life in the water, from the leathery shell of the leatherback to the powerful jaws of the loggerhead, and see how these reptiles breathe air, shed salt, and return to their birth beaches to nest.

Hawaiian green sea turtles travel between Oahu and remote atolls to reproduce. Most nest at French Frigate Shoals in Papahānaumokuākea, then return to their feeding grounds around the main Hawaiian Islands. The round trip covers more than 1,200 miles and follows a natural rhythm that shapes their lives.