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1. Why Take This Speciality Course?
Take a fresh look at the ancient guardians of the reef. Encountering sea turtles while diving or snorkeling is always a magical moment. The SSI Sea Turtle Ecology specialty reveals the biology, behavior, and vital ecological role of these iconic creatures. By learning to identify species, understand their nesting habits, and recognize threats to their survival, you will transform every underwater encounter into a meaningful and eco-friendly observation experience.
- Species Identification: Learn to distinguish the world’s sea turtle species, especially Hawksbills and Green turtles found around Koh Lanta.
- Anatomy & Adaptations: Discover how their shells, flippers, and salt glands allow them to thrive in marine environments.
- Life Cycle & Migration: Understand their extraordinary journey from beach nesting to ocean migration and feeding grounds.
- Open to Everyone: Academic course accessible to scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.
2. Course Curriculum (1 day in ocean or theory only)
The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app and a topic presentation at the center with your instructor (with an optional practical application during your ocean sessions).
🔹 Key Topics Covered:
- Evolution & Biology: History, anatomy, and physiological adaptations of sea turtles.
- Species of the Andaman Sea: Focus on Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green (Chelonia mydas) turtles.
- Conservation & Protection: Human impacts, marine pollution, plastic waste, and local protection initiatives.
3. Prerequisites
No diving prerequisites required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).
- Minimum Age: 10 years old for divers and 6 years old for non-divers.
4. Your International Certification
At the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty Certification.
- Recognized worldwide.
- Counts toward your Master Scuba Diver rating and can count as one of the 5 adventure dives for your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (when combined with ocean dives).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to scuba dive or snorkel for this specialty?
No, it is not mandatory! The Sea Turtle Ecology specialty can be completed entirely as a 100% dry course.
If you are a non-diver or prefer to stay out of the water, you can earn your certification by completing the interactive classroom or online sessions.
However, if you are a diver or snorkeler, adding in-water sessions is highly recommended: it’s the perfect opportunity to apply your new knowledge on the reef and practice identifying sea turtles in their natural habitat!
Is this course suitable if I only do snorkeling?
Yes, absolutely! Sea turtles spend much of their time feeding on shallow reefs and coming to the surface to breathe, making this specialty perfect for snorkelers.
Are we guaranteed to see turtles during the course?
While wild animals are unpredictable, sites like Koh Haa and Koh Bida offer excellent chances of encountering Hawksbill and Green turtles throughout the season.
