Best Places to Spot a Turtle

Best Places to Spot a Sea Turtle in Tropical North Queensland

Discover the Magic of Sea Turtles on the Great Barrier Reef

Seeing a sea turtle in the wild is one of the most heartwarming and unforgettable experiences you can have on the Great Barrier Reef. These gentle, ancient creatures glide effortlessly through the water, and with a little planning, you can witness them in their natural habitat.

Tropical North Queensland offers several incredible places to spot turtles year-round — whether you snorkel, dive, or enjoy the reef from above.

🏝️ Fitzroy Island

Just 45 minutes from Cairns, Fitzroy Island offers clear, shallow waters and a fringing reef ideal for spotting green sea turtles while snorkelling off the beach. It’s also home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about the amazing work being done to rescue and release injured turtles back into the wild.

🌊 Green Island

Another island paradise close to Cairns, Green Island is a fantastic day trip for turtle sightings. The reef surrounding the island is teeming with life, and lucky snorkellers often spot turtles cruising past the jetty or resting on coral beds.

🌊 Moore Reef (via Sunlover Reef Cruises)

Moore Reef, accessed by pontoon with Sunlover Reef Cruises, offers calm, protected waters with excellent visibility. Look for turtles near the coral bommies or alongside divers exploring the deeper reef edges. A great spot for families and beginner snorkellers.

🌊 Upolu Cay and Reef

Upolu is a shallow, sandy cay surrounded by reef gardens where turtles are regularly seen grazing on seagrass. This area is a popular stop for small group reef tours and ideal for relaxed snorkelling with wildlife.

🌊 Agincourt Reef (from Port Douglas)

This outer reef location showcases incredible biodiversity, and snorkellers often spot sea turtles gliding among the coral formations. Quicksilver Cruises and other operators run daily trips here, offering guided snorkelling and diving experiences with a good chance of turtle sightings.

🧸 Turtle Spotting Tips

• Turtles are often seen grazing on seagrass beds or resting on coral ledges.
• Keep a respectful distance and never touch or chase a turtle.
• Morning tours often offer better visibility and calmer conditions.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.

📅 Best Time to See Turtles

You can spot sea turtles all year round, but nesting and hatching season (October to March) brings extra excitement. During this time, some islands limit access to protect hatchlings as they make their way to the sea.

Want to swim with a turtle? Check out our most popular tours for your best chance:

• Fitzroy Island Snorkel Tours
• Green Island Day Trips
• Sunlover Reef Pontoon Experience
• Outer Reef Adventures from Port Douglas

Explore more: Marine Life of the Great Barrier Reef Turtle Spotter’s Guide PDF | [Why We Love the Reef]