Sea turtles have been gliding through the oceans for well over a hundred million years, and most species alive today are threatened or endangered, so this one-day specialty turns an already special encounter into something that matters. You'll learn to identify species, understand turtle biology and the real threats they face, then complete two scuba dives or snorkelling excursions practising respectful, low-impact observation. Open to snorkellers and divers alike.

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In detail

About This Course

Sea turtles have been swimming the oceans for well over a hundred million years, and today most species are threatened or endangered. The PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Distinctive Specialty was developed with conservation organisations to help everyday divers and snorkellers contribute real, useful data on the turtles they encounter.

You will learn to tell common species apart by their shell shape, head, and behaviour, and pick up the basics of turtle biology, from nesting habits to why they are so vulnerable to boat strikes, plastic pollution, and habitat loss. Alongside the knowledge development, the course covers how to record a sighting properly so it can feed into wider conservation monitoring.

The practical side is completed with two scuba dives or two snorkelling excursions, giving you the chance to put respectful, low-impact observation techniques into practice around real marine life rather than just in a classroom. It is a relaxed, enjoyable course that works well as a add-on during a warm-water trip or as a standalone day with us.

Because it can be completed by scuba divers or snorkellers, it is one of the more accessible specialties on offer, and it counts toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating for anyone working through their specialty count.

The process

How The Course Works

Step 1
Turtle Ecology and Threats
You start by learning to properly identify different sea turtle species, and even individual animals, while getting a clear picture of the threats they face and the role PADI AWARE plays in protecting them. It is grounded, practical knowledge rather than just admiring facts about a beautiful animal.
PADI states: open to certified Open Water Divers aged 10 and up
Step 2
Responsible Encounters in the Water
In the water, you practise assessing a site for turtle activity, spotting habitat hazards, and responsibly clearing away any rubbish you come across. You also work on the calm, respectful diving and snorkelling behaviour that keeps an encounter stress-free for the turtle, all completed in around a day.
PADI states: approximately one day

Course curriculum

What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

Basic sea turtle identification
How to record sightings
Conservation steps you can take

Getting ready

Before You Start & What's Next

What's Included

Two scuba dives or two snorkeling excursions

Prerequisites

Speak to our team to confirm the best starting point for your experience.

Next Steps

PADI Master Scuba Diver rating

Upcoming training

Dates & Booking

No fixed dates listed right now

Choose your preferred start date and the academy will confirm instructor availability with you directly.

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We will help you pick the right course, package and dates without making the process feel complicated.

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Quick facts

Duration

1 day of structured training

Location

Unit 4, Bellman Court, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD

Certification

Recognised PADI qualification on completion

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PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Distinctive Specialty

What to expect