Sea Turtle Indonesia August – Encounter Guide & Best Sites

Sangalaki Island (near Derawan) is a critical hawksbill turtle nesting site. Combined turtle + manta ray trips possible from Derawan.

Encounter overview

Diving or snorkelling with sea turtles in Indonesia during August is peak season, with an encounter probability of approximately 85% under normal conditions. Sea turtles have been navigating the world’s oceans for 100 million years. Hovering alongside one at a cleaning station or watching it graze on seagrass feels like a direct connection to deep time.

Best sites

• Derawan Island
• Sangalaki Island
• Raja Ampat

What to expect

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) graze on seagrass and algae; hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) feed on sponges and invertebrates. Both species use cleaning stations on coral reefs. Nesting females return to the same beaches every 2-5 years.

Water conditions in August

Water temperature in Indonesia typically ranges 26-30°C. Visibility at Derawan Island in August is generally good; check local liveaboard or dive operator reports the week of your trip for specific conditions. Drift, muck, pelagic is the primary dive style in Indonesia.

Practical tips

Never ride or touch a turtle – it burns energy they need for migration. Shine lights away from eyes. If near a nesting beach at night, use red-filtered torches and keep noise minimal. Turtles at cleaning stations will linger for 15-20 minutes.

Getting there

Fly into Bali (DPS), Komodo (LBJ), Raja Ampat (via Sorong SOQ). Raja ampat biodiversity, komodo mantas, cendrawasih whale sharks, muck diving. Visa on arrival (VoA) available for most nationalities. Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Is August a good time to visit Indonesia for sea turtle?

Yes – August is peak season for sea turtles in Indonesia. Encounter probability is around 85% on a dedicated trip. Best sites include Derawan Island, Sangalaki Island, Raja Ampat. Check availability at Derawan Island as spaces fill quickly in peak months.