Sea Turtle Identification

 

Leatherback Sea Turtles:

Leatherback turtles are the most commonly seen sea turtle in coastal BC waters, and it is virtually impossible to mistake for any other sea life.

  • Can be greater than 6 feet long, weigh up to one tonne, and has very large flippers
  • Seven ridges run along their back (looks like the bottom of a boat)
  • Browny-black color with speckled white markings on the head and flippers

Leatherback Sea Turtle
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Photo Credit: Ocean Concervancy

 

Green Sea Turtles:

Green turtles are the next most likely visitors to our coast.
 

  • Up to 4 feet long.
  • Oval shaped shell made up of boney plates called scutes.
  • Shell colour varies from pale to dark green and from plain colour to vivid combinations of yellow, brown and green.

Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle
Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Loggerhead Sea Turtles*:

  • Approximately 3 feet long
  • Heart shaped shell
  • Reddish in colour
  • Large head and jaws

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Photo Credit: Tony Westman

 

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles*:

  • Up to 3 feet long
  • Nearly round shell
  • Uniform grey or olive colour
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Photo Credit: NMFS

 

*  To date, there have been no sightings of Loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles in BC waters.  They have, however, been seen in Washington state and Alaska, so keep your eyes peeled!

Report a Sea Turtle Sighting